Page 43 of Possessed By Roman

Now it’s this.

The shop is still there. So is the work they do, although it has grown into something larger and more legitimate than the four of them probably imagined when they started. They still argue. They still interfere in one another’s lives. And judging by the look Raiden just gave River, I’m fairly certain none of that will ever change.

But there are wives now. Children. A family built around the four men who started all of this together.

Roman catches me staring and raises an eyebrow.

I smile.

He doesn’t know yet that our family is about to grow too.

But he will.

Roman

Something is definitely going on with my wife.

I noticed it before the graduation ceremony even started. And throughout the entire day, she has looked like she is carrying around a secret that she can barely keep to herself. At first, I assume it's excitement. Still, something feels different.

I decide not to push. Cora will tell me when she is ready. By the time we get home, the celebration with our friends and family is over, and it is finally just the two of us. Cora kicks off her shoes and walks farther into the apartment while I watch her.

“What?” She turns toward me. “You've been staring at me.”

“I've been married to you for two years. I reserve the right to stare.”

She laughs. I walk toward the table where I left her gift. “Actually, I have something for you.”

Her eyebrows rise as I hand her the box. “What is this?”

“Your graduation gift.”

“Roman, you already took me out to dinner.”

“Open it.”

She gives me another suspicious look before opening the box. Inside is a card with two plane tickets tucked beneath it.

For a second, she just stares. Then she looks at me.

“You booked us a trip?”

“I cleared our schedules and bought the tickets. You pick where we're going.”

Her smile grows. “Anywhere?”

“Anywhere.”

Her smile grows. Cora immediately throws herself into my arms, and I catch her easily.

“We deserve time away,” I tell her.

She pulls back and looks at me with that same strange smile she has had all day. “We definitely do.”

“Oh? Why?”

She steps away. “Because I have a gift for you too.”

I watch as she retrieves a small box. My suspicion immediately returns. “What is this?”