Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90642 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90642 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“Dinner smells amazing,” I call out with a big content smile on my face. We live in our own house together most nights and while I’m not totally used to it yet, I have to admit that it’s really nice. And I’m so close to the oasis that it’s barely a big deal to head over there whenever I want.
When he doesn’t answer, I turn around and peer over the couch. He’s standing near the stove with his phone to his ear, a big frown of concentration on his face. He says something quietly, turning his back to me, before hanging up.
The look he gives me makes my heart flutter.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, and a thousand things rush through my head. The baby, Simon and Dad, the Waterfront project, a dozen legal issues.
Brody comes over and sits next to me. He takes my hand in his. “Don’t freak out,” he says.
“You’re going to make me freak out if you don’t spill it. Who was that on the phone?”
“That was a friend who works at the prison. It hasn’t been announced yet but—” He takes a deep breath and blows it out. “Your brother Angelo’s parole was approved.”
My mouth opens and my brain goes blank.
Then I wrap my arms around him and hug him so tight I’m afraid I’m going to break myself on his massive body.
He laughs, hugging me back.
“Angelo’s coming home?” I ask, barely able to breathe, I’m so happy.
“He’s coming home, baby.” His grin splits his face. “Want to pick him up?”
I leap to my feet. “Fuck yes.”
He laughs and pulls me back down. “Tomorrow, baby, tomorrow. Can you wait that long?”
“I’ll try.” I lean into him. “I love you. And I can’t wait for my brother to get home.”
“I love you too, baby.”
He holds me like that for a little while and I let myself bask in the glow. My family’s growing and my brother’s finally getting out of jail.
For the first time since Angelo went away, the Bianco Famiglia will be back to its full strength, and I absolutely cannot wait.
“In the meantime, how about you feed me whatever you’re cooking? It smells great and I’m starving.”
“Whatever you want, baby.” He nuzzles me and stands, and I let him take me to the table and sit me down, and I let him pamper me a little bit, because I don’t have to be the one helping everyone else all the time.
Once in a while, it feels good to be taken care of.