Page 182 of Shades of Loyalty
Andrew shakes his head, then winks at me before disappearing back behind the counter, but I know he’s keeping an eye on us.
The café is technically still part of the family’s business, getting used for money laundering— but today it just feels like a safe little snowy bubble.
This café is getting more and more recognition for its good coffee and pastries. And honestly? I love it. It’s not too known to be considered a full café, but he does have more locals coming here to eat breakfast or have a snack.
Perhaps, I should consider coming here more often. I’ve already missed the taste of the drinks and the food.
I take a bite of the warm pastry and nearly moan at the taste. The chocolate melts perfectly on my tongue, soft and rich.
Heaven.Pure heaven.
I’m about to say something when I notice Daniel watching me. His brow furrows. His hands clasp together like he’s debating something serious.
“Pretty…” he says softly.
“Hm?” I wipe a bit of chocolate from the corner of my lips.
“Why are you holding your stomach?”
I glance down, realizing my hand’s resting protectively against my belly. I blink, looking back at him.
“Are you feeling sick? Is the food bad? Or too sweet? Or… are you worried about gaining a few pounds? Because seriously, love, I don’t care that your belly is a bit rounder nowadays. You could gain twenty and I’d still—”
I burst out laughing, unable to stop myself. “Hubby, calm down, please—"
“I’m serious!” he insists. “I love you no matter what. I didn’t marry you for your weight or your looks—well, maybe a little—but that’s not the point, because fuck you’re the prettiest woman on earth— but I’d always think that way, no matter what.”
“It’s not that.” I reach across the table, placing my hand on his. “You love Mary, right?”
He scoffs. “Of course I do. She’s my daughter. I don’t care that I’m not her biological dad. She’s everything to me. Do I not care enough for her?”
God, I love this man. No words will ever describe how much exactly.
“Baby?” I say softly.
“Yes, pretty?”
“Would you rather she had a little brother or a little sister?”
His mouth opens slightly, but no words come out. His eyes widen. His lips part again, and this time he breathes—just barely.
I chuckle, tilting my head. “Surprise?”
He still doesn’t say anything. Instead, he stands up so quickly that his chair slides back across the wooden floor. Then, right there in front of everyone, he drops to his knees in front of me.
His warm hands reach for my belly, resting there so gently it almost makes me cry.
The three grandmas near the fireplace watch with fond smiles, nudging one another like they’re witnessing a fairytale.
They are.
Because thisisa fairytale. Not a prince and princess one like you’d expect.
But one where I fell in love with the villain.
Daniel Caruso is the villain in my story.
And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
