“The grave,” I say in total seriousness.

Sensing my lack of humor, Luca jerks his head around to look at me. “You’re not serious.”

“Completely.”

He shakes his head. “You’re crazy then. There’s no woman out there that is worth going to prison for. Even if I wanted a family, and I’m not saying that I do, one woman is the same as the next. You give her nice things, compliment her a few times, and she’ll be willing to do whatever you ask. There’s no need to go overboard.”

“I hope you’re just posturing, Ward. Or you’re going to be a miserable bastard.” I don’t even have to imagine what life would be like without Darby and Jax. I lived it for nearly three years. It’s a soul draining experience that leaves you feeling like a robot.

He stubs out his cigar and shifts in his chair, putting on an earnest expression. I lace my fingers behind my head and lean back against the cushion. Darby is walking toward me.

“Jax now thinks you are the greatest builder of all time,” she teases and settles in my lap.

I press a kiss into her rose-scented neck. “And I’m not?”

“No, of course you are,” she giggles.

I nuzzle her some more because I know her neck is sensitive and women, unlike men, can be in a constant state of arousal and no one would know it. She pinches my thigh, but I ignore it, trailing my nose from her neck to the hollow of her collarbone that is exposed by the wide neckline.

Someone clears their throat. I roll my head in the direction of Luca and arch an eyebrow.

“I just wanted to remind you that you weren’t alone.”

“More’s the pity,” I sigh.

Darby pushes at my chest and I allow her to move an inch away from me. “Behave. Dinner’s almost ready. I’m starved.” She pats her belly. “How about you Luca? You hungry?”

“When am I not?” he says drily.

“Then come sit down at the table. The chef will be out soon.”

Still holding Darby, I get to my feet. Luca follows suit. We all convene at the table, except for Jax, who is still happily running around in circles, waving his bricks in the air. Gia sighs. “It’s so nice here. Maybe I should move.”

“That’d be awesome,” Darby claps her hands.

“Wait until the cold sets in and you’ll be glad you’re home where snow is just a thing you import for parties,” Luca says. The chef appears and serves up the steak along with about a hundred sides. I split open Darby’s baked potato and fork in butter and sour cream along with a generous helping of cheese.

“You’re always welcome,” I tell Gia. “Jax, come on over and get some potatoes.” I’ve got a bowl of mashed ones along with his favorite vegetable—carrots. I cut up some tiny bites of beef for him and larger pieces for Darby.

“Thanks, honey.”

“My pleasure.” And it really is. These small things that I get to do are the reason I get up in the morning. At one time, my life was ruled by Willits—how could I make it bigger, stronger, wealthier. All those things left me empty. Now I have my family and it’s given me a purpose in life I didn’t know existed. Darby may have been the one to lose her memory, but I think I had lost my way. Thank fuck I figured it out or maybe I would have lost her, too. I’ve been given another opportunity with Darby and I won’t ever mess that up. I think it’s okay to lose your memory so long as you give yourself—and your heart—a second chance.

Epilogue

Darby

5 years later

I stare out the window watching the pool company inspect it one last time before they leave. They came out two days ago to uncover it early. We get to open ours earlier than most. Jonas has gotten us a heated pool. We had to let it set for a couple of days while the water heated and the treatment to the water kicked in.

The kids were all about to come out of their skin waiting. I have to admit, I feel the same way as they do. I always get excited for this time of year. Thankfully Melody stopped by an hour ago to take all of them out for ice cream to hold them over a little longer. It was extra warm today, making it the perfect day to swim. If I didn't know any better I might have guessed Jonas had issued an order to the sun to make sure it came out for us. He would try to do anything to make us all happy.

One of the two men out by the pool gives me a thumbs-up, letting me know it’s ready to go. I am going to sneak out and enjoy a few minutes of the sun before chaos gets back here. It would be beautiful chaos but chaos nonetheless. I love them all but a little mommy time sounds good right about now.

I grab my towel, ditching my robe as I go. I already have my bikini on. I swear I am almost as bad as the kids with my excitement. I didn't sleep in my swimsuit like they did, but that was because Jonas has me naked soon after he slips into bed next to me each night. I know better than to wear too many clothes to bed. Jonas has a habit of ripping things when he’s trying to get at me.

I hurry out of the patio door, putting my things on one of the chaise lounges. I adjust my bathing suit that I absolutely love before I head for the steps. I dip my toe into the water, almost screaming because it’s still a little chilly. I decide to just bite the bullet and immerse myself into the water. As soon as my small bump gets halfway in, I feel a kick from my little girl. I smile down at my stomach.

“You better stop. Your daddy will be mad he missed that kick,” I whisper down at my belly. I’ve started showing sooner with each baby we have. I told Jonas this was going to be our last. The twins kept our hands full but now that they are off and running, I had begun to get the itch again. I made Jonas promise me that this time it would be a girl. I don’t know how he did it but he pulled through. I am having my little girl. Finally, I will have someone to face all these boys with.

“How's the water?” I look up at one of the pool guys. I think he said his name was Cyrus.

“Still a little cold.”

He bends down, putting his hand in.

“I think you’re just getting used to it. The temperature feels right.” He’s probably right. The first swim is always a little cold. The excitement makes you forget. “Lie in the sun for a bit. Get nice and hot.” He smirks at me. “Hotter and that should do the trick.”

“Good idea.” I begin to make my way out of the water.

“Did you just call my wife hot?” I stop on the stairs to turn and look at Jonas, who is standing behind the man I was talking to. Cyrus looks over his shoulder before he turns around, standing up a little straighter as Jonas approaches him.

“I think we got the pool ready to go for you sir.” Cyrus ignores my husband's question. I make my way up the rest of the stairs and out of the pool.

“I think you should get the fuck off my property.”

“Jonas.” I half hiss his name. It won’t do any good. He’s already worked up and nothing I say is going to calm him down.

“Don’t even look her way,” Jonas barks when Cyrus starts to turn toward me. He stops immediately, turning his attention back to Jonas. “I won’t repeat myself.” The man all but runs off of our property. I have to fight a laugh because Jonas is ridiculous and I don’t want to encourage his behavior.