Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
Emmanuelle
Felicity and I spend all day making popcorn. It was the best way to keep our minds off of what they guys were doing. When Lukas came back home, he had blood spatters on him. So did Rhett and Paxton. Felicity and I met them at the door and when they walked in, Pax and Rhett hugged Lissy and me, then went straight to their rooms. Lukas hugged me and Lissy.
“I need a shower. Then I promise to answer any questions you both have.”
Some of the others come in after the brothers and go to their rooms. I’m guessing to clean up too. I’m anxious to know what happened. When Enea and Giacomo were explaining who they and their families are, I was a little scared at first. But I’ve spent time with all of them and I don’t think any of them are bad people. I do think they’d do anything necessary to protect their families. And I feel the same way. After I told my family about what I went through with William, my papa said that if I had told him before? He would’ve tracked him down and killed William himself. And that was what I was afraid of.
I know my papa sat and talked with Enea, Giacomo, Leonardo and Antonio. I’m sure that whatever has happened to William and Richard, my papa knows about it. And he seems to be okay with it. He shook hands with all of them before he left. If I know anything about my papa, he would never shake the hand of someone he didn’t trust. So I know he trusts them and that makes me feel good. Because they’re our family now.
“I’m glad we’ve had help with William and Pinky. Tinky? What the fuck is his name?” Felicity giggles.
“I agree. His name is T-Rex, I think.” I chuckle. “When I was in that room, I worried that they would do things that I wouldn’t be able to come back from. But then I realized that as long as I was back with all of you, I could get through anything.”
Felicity grabs me and hugs me.
“I didn’t mean to make a joke of it. I’m so glad you’re safe and I’m really sorry you had to go through any of that.” She sniffles.
I hug her tight.
“You’re fine, Lissy. I did that in my head while I was there. It helped me get through it. Calling him Pinky Tinky made me think of that kids show, Tummytubbies .”
That gets Felicity laughing.
“I love you Emma. I’m so glad you’re back with us.”
“I love you too, Lissy.”
We continue making the popcorn and putting them into bags and containers. We have to get the powders ready. Then we move on to the flavors that are added while it pops. Lukas wrote down what flavors he wanted of each. And at least he picked the ones we can do. Some of the newer flavors are more complicated and only Lukas can make them.
I feel Lukas’ arms circle my waist and I hear him take a deep breath.
“I love you so much, Emmanuelle.”
I smile, lean back on him and let him hold me.
“We have a lot to do still, are you going to talk or help?” Felicity teases him.
Lukas chuckles. “How much more do we have to do?”
“Powders and then the wet flavors,” I say.
“That sounded weird.” Felicity laughs.
“Can we help? We love all the flavors we’ve gotten to try. I can’t wait to get these back to Lake Renegade,” Celestino says as he comes into the kitchen.
“We can always use help.” Felicity smiles. “Right now we’re just doing the popcorn. Then we do the flavors for the dry ones. Then we’ll do the wet ones as we pop the popcorn.”
“You don’t mind sharing your popcorn secrets?” Celestino asks Lukas.
“There’s no secrets with family.” He chuckles.
“True.” He nods.
Lukas
We spend the rest of the night making popcorn for our new family to take back home. I love sharing what we’ve been doing with them. Also, I’m pretty sure the guys are eating as much as we’re packing.
“I can’t believe how good this shit is. We’re gonna keep you busy ordering to stock our shelves in Lake Renegade,” Noah says.
We all laugh.
“You think he’s joking. Wait till Mam tries it, they’re gonna want to do something to showcase it at the bakery,” Sebastiano says.
“Your mom owns a bakery?” Rhett asks.
“Precious Risings Bakery is owned by my mam, my tia Rosaura, Zio Leonardo’s wife and Caitríona, Giacomo’s wife,” Sebastiano tells us.
“That’s awesome. I wonder what they could do with popcorn to make a dessert. Like a popcorn cluster?” Paxton asks.
“Wait till you meet them. They come up with so many great pastries. You’ll have to come and meet them. Everyone’s gonna love you.”
“Maybe we can find a way to come visit soon. We might not be able to all come together, because we run the store ourselves. But we can alternate.”
“As long as you all come down? That’s what matters,” Sebastiano says.
“Are you excited to get back to Schuyler?” Emma asks him.
“Hell yes. I miss her so damn much.” He smiles. “I can’t wait for all of you to meet her and our babies.”
I can see the look in Emma’s eyes when Sebastiano mentions babies. I look at her belly and wonder if maybe we’ll be having our own soon. It’s not like we’ve been doing anything to prevent it. Emmanuelle says she wants to be married before we have babies. I’m not opposed to that either. I’d marry her tomorrow if I could. But I know she needs her family here and I want our new family with us too.
“Oh my god this popcorn is delicious,” Salvatore says with his mouth full.
“Maybe if you pack more than you eat, maybe we could take some home too,” Sebastiano teases him.
“Hey it’s not my fault it tastes so damn good. It’s Lukas’ fault.”
I laugh at them both.
“We can always make more. And besides, we made a lot. Eat up.”
“See?” Salvatore sticks his tongue out.
“I’m sad that you’re leaving already. I’ve gotten used to you all being here.” Paxton chuckles.
“Oh don’t worry, we’ll be back before you know it. And of course you’ll come to Lake Renegade.”
“Definitely.”
When the popcorn is done, we help the guys pack up the SUVs and then we all head to bed. The guys plan to leave early in the morning.
“It’s going to be so quiet in the house after tomorrow,” I say to Emma as we’re getting into bed.
“I was thinking that, too. I’ve gotten used to having them around.”
“We’ll have to plan a trip to Lake Renegade soon.”
I wrap my arms around her and breathe her in.
“I love you so much, Emma. I’m sorry you had to go through what you did. I’m here for you in any way you need me.”
Emma turns and faces me.
“You’re the reason I’m okay. I told myself that as long as I came home to you? I could handle whatever they did to me. I love you, Lukas. You’re my north star.”