“I just need you to come to me, Meli- with everything. Until this weekend, I didn’t realize that was an issue for me but...there you go. I’m gonna need that Mel. I’m gonna need you to do that.”
Melina was nodding. “So...you want details on everything I do in a day? Going to the gallery, discussing all our upcoming shows which, by the way, includes one with Nile. She's got some new stuff to display and then there’s this up and coming society group in Seattle that’s-”
“You made your point.” Yohan’s expression was pointed, yet soft. “I don’t need all the details, just the highlights.”
“I know, Han and I understand. You never have to apologize for telling me how you feel.” She smoothed her hand across the flawless blackberry of his cheek as they shared a sweet kiss.
“So...only the highlights, right?” Mel sighed when the kiss ended. “You don’t need all the day to day aspects, but stuff like my doctor’s appointments and withdrawals from our joint account, you’d like to know about-”
“Hold on Meli. Doctor’s appointments?”
“Yeah,” she snuggled against his lap, smiling at the adorable picture he made when her wiggling appeared to stump his concentration. “I was going to surprise you when one of us was… on our back this weekend but…”
“I ruined it with my stupidity.”
“Aw...don’t be so hard on yourself,” her mouth turned down into a playful pout before she leaned in to kiss him again. “It's fun to see such a smart guy behave so stupidly every now and then.”
“Are you telling me you’re pregnant?”
“I’m telling you I’m pregnant.”
Yohan swallowed, his fathomless eyes going to Melina’s flat stomach. “I didn’t think we could.”
“I didn’t either,” she pressed her forehead to his. “Are you happy, Han?”
He tugged her closer. “Let me show you how
much.”
***
Caiphus was in a conversation with Bashir Cannon and Crane Cannon later during the reception. The men were laughing over the fact that they shared the same last names. Caiphus was suggesting they start tracing family trees, when Hill approached to ask if he could steal his little brother for a second. Bashir and Crane continued their discussion while Caiphus walked off with Hill.
“Everything alright? Really alright?” Caiphus asked.
Hill drew his brother close, kissed his cheek. “Thanks for lookin’ out for me, Rug.”
“Always,” Caiphus pat a hand to his brother’s chest.
“I’m about to head out,” Hill said.
Caiphus bristled then, understanding what had been left unsaid. “Do the girls-”
“They know,” Cringing, Hill pulled a hand through his hair. “They don’t like it. Got some strong opinions about where I should be spending my time.”
“Good for them,” Caiphus grinned and then submitted to laughter and shook his head. “I can’t believe all it took was two little things like my nieces to bring a guy like you to his knees.”
“And it was way too easy for ‘em,” Hill confessed.
Caiphus’ sapphire eyes scanned the ballroom. “And what about Persephone?”
Some of Hill’s easiness faded. “She likes it even less than the girls- tried to convince me to let her go in and watch my back.”
“Is that supposed to be funny? She’s an expert shot, right? Can handle herself with or without a gun? She sounds like a perfect choice.”
Hill’s expression was bland. “You know where I’m headed is no place for a woman.”
“Women filter in and out of that place like the wind.”
“Not women like her.”
Caiphus raised a hand to signal his surrender in the debate. “I just wish I could do more.”
“Trust me, Rug, you’re doin’ it.”
Caiphus acknowledged the reminder with a nod. “It’ll be clean. I promise.”
It was Hill’s turn to scan the crowded ballroom. “I talked to Taurus and Nile, they’re ready.”
“We all are. All you have to do is watch your ass. Everyone isn’t going to be thrilled to see you returning to take your rightful place.”
“That’s what I’m counting on.” Hill’s voice had resumed its usual lethal edge.
Caiphus sighed his displeasure, but didn’t argue. Instead, he drew Hill into a stifling hug. “Call me when you’re set up and don’t make us go through losing you again.”
“Never.” Hill put another
kiss to his brother’s cheek and tightened their embrace.
PART TWO
The more clothes you wear, the more you feel the cold;
