Chapter 33 #2
“Well, I don’t know!” he exclaims, arms flying up. “I’m in shock here. This is…I don’t understand. That ring is fucking huge, Jesus.”
“Language,” I warn.
“I think I’ve earned a few curses,” he snarks. “My sister is engaged to my mentor—a man I was pretty sure she hates. Vehemently.”
“I don’t hate him,” I mutter. “He’s easy to argue with, but we’ve come to an understanding.”
“We’ve become friends,” Apollo adds, giving me a pointed look.
“Fine, yes, we’re friends. You don’t need to make it sound so mushy.”
Yordan looks between us, eyes still swimming with disbelief. “So, you don’t love each other?”
“No,” Apollo says at the same time I burst out, “No, definitely not.”
My future husband scowls. “Definitely not, how charming.”
“Well, we don’t!” I defend.
Suddenly, Yordan looks almost sick. “You’re going to have a baby.”
My heart squeezes. “Yes.”
“You want that?” he asks, unsure.
“I do,” I say softly, reaching out to pat his hand. “Being a mom has always been in my plans. Apollo will be a good father.” I feel my future husband’s gaze hot on the side of my face as I say it.
“And this isn’t some weird payment for everything you’ve done for us?” Yordan asks, turning to his mentor with a vulnerable shine to his eyes. The question is so soft, like he had to ask it but wishes he didn’t.
“No,” Apollo answers evenly. “It’s a mutually beneficial agreement. Rayna has put in her own requests for the contract, and I’ve honored them.”
“I wouldn’t have agreed to anything if Apollo were being shady,” I add, lifting my chin. “I told you I would steal you off into the middle of the night and make us disappear before I put us in another bad situation.”
And I would.
I would do whatever it takes to avoid another cage like the one Federico put us in. We were trapped for so long, and weeks ago I would loathe to admit it, but Apollo has freed us. I feel anything but imprisoned here.
“I never thought you wanted to get married,” Yordan admits, looking down at his plate. “Not after…”
“Yes.” I can understand why he may have thought that. “But I think we both know that Apollo is going to be in our lives for the foreseeable future. He may as well make us official members of the family.”
“Well, when you put it like that,” he jokes, demeanor softening as he looks back up. “You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.”
I am. As crazy as this change has been, I’ve already come to terms with it. I’ve come to be almost excited about it, really.
“So, are we moving in together?” He looks to Apollo. “How will that work? Isn’t the mansion getting a bit crowded these days?”
“We’ll live together,” Apollo answers. “First in the mansion, then in our own house we’ll build on the property.”
My stomach flips, imagining our future home. I wonder how much of it Apollo will let me design. The kitchen and our room, at least, I hope.
“And uh, I’ll get to stay there?”
“Of course you will,” I rush out, almost snapping the answer. “Why wouldn’t you?”
“Just checking,” Yordan replies, looking hesitantly down at the table. “I wasn’t sure how the dynamic would change. You’ll be a family…”
“We’ll be a family,” Apollo corrects. “All of us.”
“Apollo thought it might be best if I adopted you,” I blurt out, unable to contain it. “I-If you want. It would make you a Moretti, like us. You’d be his stepson, officially and undeniably.”
“Really?” My brother’s eyes shoot up, going cloudy with emotion. “You guys want that?”
“Only if you do, milichko,” I reply softly.
“I’ve always felt like you’re more than my baby brother.
I helped raise you, but if you don’t feel comfortable with it, we don’t have to.
I know I’m not really your mom, but I, I love you so much.
You’re always going to be with us, even if we don’t do the adoption. ”
“How soon can we do it?”
The biggest smile lifts my lips and I practically jump over the table to get my arms around him. Hugging him tight, I share a thankful look with Apollo.
This is all thanks to him, after all.
Apollo
My siblings will not be receiving the same formal announcement that Yordan did.
I don’t have the patience to be bombarded with them in person, nor the time to spare today.
They can bitch about the casual information drop later on, but I don’t plan to waste any more time waiting for my life to change.
Rayna and Yordan will move in as soon as possible, so organizing another dinner is not something I can allow to delay me.
Apollo
Rayna and I are getting married.
I drop my phone after sending the text, having silenced the group chat so that I can enjoy my drink while it explodes with the chaos that is my siblings.
Matteo
WHAT
Matteo
THE
Matteo
FUCK?
Jade
AHHHHHHHH! Really!?
Jade
I have to text her immediately.
Ana
I just shrieked in the car, Cassio almost crashed.
Ana
YAY. So thrilled for you both!
Elio
It’s about time.
Armani
Fuck yeah, I like Rayna. Good choice, man.
Leon
Did you seriously just group text an engagement announcement?
Jade
I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND ALSO SO UPSET THAT I CAN’T HUG YOU BOTH!
Jade
WE SHOULD HAVE HAD A FAMILY LUNCH OR SOMETHING!
Nico
Yes because the last family gathering with Rayna ended so pleasantly. Great idea, Jade.
Remo
Don’t be rude, Nico.
Remo
Congrats, Apollo.
Matteo
I thought she couldn’t stand you?
Elio
That’s called sexual tension, Matteo.
Leon
Does Dad know?
Jade
He does! I ran into the kitchen to tell Martha and he was there. They BOTH knew. It’s so real, OMG.
Matteo
Martha knew and she didn’t tell me? We’re going to have words.
Elio
She’s going to smack you with a wooden spoon for questioning her.
I sigh, finishing the last of my drink as I read through the messages. I can’t imagine how loud this conversation would be in person.
Apollo
Yes, Dad is aware. Martha stumbled upon the news. We had to tell Yordan first, and he found out tonight. They’ll be moving in soon, while wedding planning occurs.
Cassio
Congratulations. Happy for you, brother.
Ana
I typed that for him :) Don’t text and drive, kids.
Jade
I’m so happy!! This is the best news everrrr.
Nico
Try not to knock her up immediately, the twins just stopped screaming the house down.
Jade
NICO!
Armani
Just saw a light under Apollo’s office door, Jade. He’s been home this whole time, go hug him for us.
I hear a scream from downstairs and sigh.
Apollo
Thank you for that, Armani. The peace and quiet was getting old.
He ignores my sarcasm.
Armani
Anytime, brother.
Jade doesn’t bother knocking as she bursts into my office, practically tackling me with an embrace. I grunt, pretending to be put out. But I hide a smile as I return my little sister’s hug.
As nice as this moment is, it doesn’t escape my notice that Emilio had nothing to say in the group.