Page 136 of Whispers in the Dark
Warmth blossoms across my chest. I stand on my tiptoes and brush my lips across his. “I love you, Mauro. And someday, I can’t wait to have our babies.”
“I…love…” He swallows hard, bringing his fingers up to his throat. “You,” he forces out.
Our lips connect in a slow, soft kiss.
Pulling back, I take his hand in mine. “Come on, husband. We have an important dinner to attend.” I lead us toward two empty chairs. Mauro pulls one out for me and then takes the seat beside mine.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
All of our eyes regard Vin as he stands with his glass in his hand. His dark eyes trail the length of the table, stopping on Mauro and me.
“As this family continues to grow, not only in strength but in numbers…” He quickly looks at Clara sitting on Madeleine’s lap, his eyes softening. “I’m reminded how precious our time together is.” He focuses on Mauro. “It’s true that you are known as the muscles of this family, but you are so much more than that to us.” He places his crystal glass on the table and then takes a steady breath before signing,You have the biggest heart among us.
Mauro blinks a few times, stunned at what he just saw.
“But not only that,” Madeleine says, then signs,You’re the best listener too.She looks down at Clara. “Isn’t that right?” She taps her nose, which makes the little girl break out into a fit of laughter.
Alex smiles, glancing at his daughter, then turns to Mauro.You’re always there for us.
Cecilia stands, fighting back tears.I’m so honored to call you my son.
Scarlett straightens.You’re the best trainer.
Leo removes his arm from around Scarlett and signs,And the best big brother.
“Wait.” Vin’s brows pinch together. “I don’t remember practicing that one. I thought you were supposed to tell him he has the best side hook?”
“Yeah, I did.” Leo winks, making Mauro laugh.
He turns, facing me. There’s confusion dancing all over his face.What’s going on?
I tuck my hair behind my ear and glance around the table before returning my gaze to him. “I know you didn’t want your family to feel burdened by learning ASL, but that’s not the case at all. I told them you speak it fluently and have for some time now.” I shrug. “They all want to learn so they can communicate with you. I’ve been giving them lessons for the past few weeksand will continue to do so.” I lean in closer and whisper, “Some of them may need quite a bit longer than others to catch on…”
“I heard that,” Vin remarks.
I grin, resting my hand on Mauro’s thigh. “You’re not a burden, Mauro. You’re an essential member of this family. And we all love you.”
Mauro looks around at everyone, overwhelmed. He clears his throat and quickly wipes the back of his hand across his eyes.Thank you.
“I’m learning to speak a whole new language for you, and that’s all you have to say?” Vin asks with a wide grin.
Mauro raises his hand and flips him off.
“Now that sign, I know,” Vin says, causing us all to laugh.
Madeleine covers Clara’s eyes. “Hey, we have an impressionable mind over here!” One of the staff members approaches Madeleine to take a sleepy-looking Clara off to bed.
As the second course is being served, Samuel enters the room, urgency evident in his eyes as he looks directly at Vin. Approaching his side, he leans over and whispers to him.
Vin swallows hard, his expression shifting into a mask of calm fury as he glances at Alex, who takes a sip of his drink.
Something’s wrong.
I shift closer to Mauro, who rests his arm on the back of my chair, watching Vin with concern in his eyes.
Alex raises an eyebrow. “What is it?” He places his glass down and leans closer to his brother, who remains silent. “Vin?”
Vin taps a finger on the table, deep in thought. Finally, he says, “Let’s talk privately.”
