We get up, and I watch Penny go to the baker to give her the picture and discuss the cake.

I wait for her to finish before we make our way across town to the tailor who does all my suits. I appreciate that she used the same guy because that means a lot less measuring.

Wait until she sees the surprise I have planned for her as a reward for all this work.

I put on my tux. It’s a very nice black tux with a gray cummerbund and a blue tie. I won’t lie, I look good in it and know Penny thinks so, too, from how she looks at me.

I let them measure it up again just in case, and then while Penny is talking to the tailor, I send Luka a text.

We decide to have a late lunch and pick up a few things for the nursery before we call it a day and head back. Honestly, I’m just stalling for time for Luka.

When we get home, I note his car isn’t there, so he’s already left, and Leon is waiting.

“Are the teams in position?” I ask Leon as we walk in.

“Teams?” Penny asks curiously.

Leon smiles. “Perimeter is clear, sir. You’re good.”

I smile at Penny and cock my head to the side. “We can’t have a cozy night under the stars like I wanted to because it’s just too dangerous, but I have something almost as good.”

“You planned a cozy night under the stars? With me?” she asks, smiling brightly.

“Well…” I touch the small of her back and lead her toward the back of the house to a room Luka emptied for us. There’s a white wall and a projector in the room facing the wall. On the floor is a blanket, and there are snacks and drinks.

Another little star projector is to the side, projecting a fake night sky around the room.

“It’s so romantic,” she says quietly.

I shut the door behind us after nodding to Leon. “It’s all ours. I picked a particularly cheesy romcom for you.”

We settle down on the blankets after piling up some pillows to lean against. Penny curls up against me, and I put an arm around her. The movie is cheesy, but most importantly, Penny seriously enjoys it.

When we’re done, and I turn the lights on, Penny looks exhausted. I smile and scoop her into my arms.

“Kervyn!” she protests. “I’m way too big to carry.”

“Nonsense,” I say. “You’re the perfect size, baby bump and all.”

I carry her upstairs to my room and place her carefully on the bed. “I’m tired,” she says firmly.

“I know. Let’s get some sleep,” I say. “Your nightie is under your pillow.”

“Planning ahead, I see,” she says. “Clever plan, Mr. Milov.”

I can’t help myself. I lean down and kiss her softly. “Thank you, Miss Winters.”

She blushes. “I’m going to get changed.”

She takes her nightie and heads for the bathroom while I strip down to my boxer shorts. I’ll shower in the morning before I go to work.

We climb into bed, and I spoon her, holding her tightly. This has become a habit now—a must.

It is how things should be because she fits perfectly in my arms.

I doze off, snuggled against the person I love most, as I dream of her returning my love.

It’s my phone buzzing that wakes Penny, and she shakes me. “Kervyn. Your phone’s going off.”

I turn over and pick up my phone. I just missed the call from Luka, but there are several text messages for me to come downstairs. It’s five in the morning, so he better have a good reason for waking me.

I text that I’ll be right there and go to the bathroom to freshen up, throwing on some long tracksuit bottoms and a shirt before I go downstairs to my office.

“This better be good,” I say sleepily.

Maria comes in with some coffee. She was working at the club for a while, but I’m glad she’s back at the house. Mrs. Beth’s coffee is terrible.

Once she leaves the room, Luka looks at me seriously while I pour my coffee. “It’s Danil.”

“Danil? Is he alright?” I ask, gazing at my younger brother.

“He’s lying low. He got wind that he’s being indicted on trumped-up charges for something they think he’s involved in.”

“They think he is involved in or was involved in, and they’re trying to prove it?” I ask, sipping my coffee. I’m awake now.

“No, he wasn’t there. It was me. It had to do with that house that got broken up last year for the druggies.” Luka sighs. “So he’s out of commission at least for two to three months, if not more.”

“Okay, well, keep him laying low and try to clear his name as soon as you can so he can come back. It’s that simple,” I say. “Is that all you woke me up for?”

“I thought you’d want to know. Danil said to come straight here and tell you,” Luka says, holding his hands up. He pours himself some coffee. “I’m no more happy than you are about being awake.”

I sigh. “Well, since I am, I might as well get some work done. The detectives have been following me around again. Perhaps it would be best if I start working more from here at home.”

I sit back and look out the window. “Someone is definitely targeting our family.”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking,” Luka says. “But who?”

Chapter 18 - Penny

I wait patiently in the living room for Asher to arrive. We are going to lunch today to discuss a few things about the baby and the wedding. I’m excited because at six months pregnant, I’m showing, and it’s becoming more real for me.

My phone goes off with a text from Asher asking if she can meet me downtown at the restaurant because she’s running late. I confirm it’s no problem and get up to head outside to where Leon is. “Change of plans. We’re going to meet Asher there.”

“Not a problem.” He walks me to the car and opens the back door for me. “I am to remain behind and wait for Mr. Luka, but our new guard, Peter, will escort you there.”

From the front seat, a young man turns around and nods to me. Leon smiles. “Enjoy.”

He shuts the door, and the driver starts the car, navigating down the drive and into traffic. I sit back and stroke my belly lightly. I’ve pretty much settled into my life, well, my new life, that is. Kervyn and I have developed a routine where we spend time with each other, though we haven’t had sex again since the car.