Page 76 of The Mountain Man's Mail-Order Mafia Princess

An engine slowed near the entrance.

A black SUV crossed the field and stopped near the celebration. Another dark vehicle pulled in behind it.

Talia lowered the water. Her grip crushed the thin plastic.

“That’s them.”

The first driver’s door opened.

The man who’d left Talia at my cabin stepped out in a dark suit. He found us and opened the rear passenger door.

A polished black shoe touched the dusty ground.

Domenico Russo emerged in a custom charcoal suit made for Manhattan, not a Colorado field. Silver threaded his dark hair. A heavy gold watch showed beneath one cuff, and an old signet ring caught the sun.

Two men left the second vehicle and stayed beside it, watching.

Talia stared at her father.

“He came himself.”

Domenico saw her.

His expression softened, and he crossed the field without looking at anyone else.

“Princess.”

“Daddy?”

He pulled her into his arms. Talia held herself stiff for one breath, then hugged him back.

Domenico kissed her temple and stepped away with his hands on her shoulders. “Let me look at you.”

His gaze traveled over the red dress, diamonds, gold, and brown boots. “What happened to your shoes?”

“The originals were inappropriate for gravel.”

“You were forced to admit that.”

“It was a difficult day.”

His thumb touched her cheek. “I missed you.”

Talia’s eyes softened. “I missed you too.”

Domenico faced me, his voice polite and his expression cold. “Mr. Bricker.”

“Mr. Russo.”

“I appreciate your cooperation.”

“I didn’t cooperate.”

His eyebrows lowered.

Talia stepped in before the silence hardened. “Daddy, Jonah didn’t create the Mountain Mates profile. Cade used his pictures and address, then accepted the request without telling him.”

“My office confirmed the acceptance.”