Take Your Time (Boston Love #4)(90)

“Babe?” I literally feel his chuckle as it rumbles out, I’m cradled so close against his chest.

“Yeah?”

“Calling a ceasefire.”

I smile as he carries me up a set of stairs. “Why do I have a feeling our happily ever after is going to involve a lot of ceasefires?”



Luca carries me back into the reception room, which has emptied of all guests except the bridal party. Setting me down in a chair, he lifts my injured ankle onto a low table and passes me a bag of ice with stern orders to keep it elevated. His lips brush mine in a soft, sweet kiss before he crosses the deck to where the remaining Knox Investigations guys are standing with Parker and Chase. They’re engaged in a serious discussion about Theo, who’s currently en-route to the hospital for treatment of his stab wound.

On our way upstairs, Luca assured me it wasn’t a fatal strike, that he’ll make a full recovery. Still, I can’t help feeling responsible for his injury. If not for me, he wouldn’t have been in harm’s way in the first place.

Luca’s barely left my side when my friends flock to me like seagulls to a French fry, all squawking and jabbering at once.

“Oh my god, Lila!” Chrissy.

“I called it! You and Luca are so together!” Phoebe.

“Are you okay, honey?” Gemma.

“Did they catch those assholes?” Zoe.

“Do you need a Xanax? I think there’s one in my purse.” Shelby.

I wave their concerns away, adjusting the bag of ice on my ankle. “I’m fine. Seriously.” My eyes cut to Phoebe’s. “I’m so sorry I ruined your wedding, Phee.”

“Are you kidding?” She snorts. “It wouldn’t be a party with this group if someone wasn’t kidnapped or held at gunpoint or going into premature labor.” She glances pointedly at Gemma’s stomach. “But, seriously, don’t do that. I want to go on my honeymoon, so that bun has to remain in the oven for at least another month, until Auntie Phoebe is back to spoil it rotten.”

“I’ll do my best.” Gemma grins.

“Guys, I’m starting to feel left out,” Shelby murmurs, plucking a bottle of champagne off a nearby table and taking a swing straight out the top. “I’m now the only one of our friends who hasn’t been attacked by bad guys. I might have to start hanging with a shadier crowd, just to up my odds of something dangerous happening to me.”

“Hang in there,” I say dryly. “Your time will come.”

“So…” Phoebe’s eyes dart over to Luca. “You two?”

I give a tiny nod.

They all start squealing again, thrilled by this development.

“I knew it!” Phoebe.

“So happy for you.” Gemma.

“How long has this been going on?” Chrissy.

“Have you guys done it yet?” Shelby.

“Don’t screw it up.” Zoe.

I look at the petite blonde, the closest thing Luca’s ever had to a sister, and strip away my guards until she can see the sincerity burning in my gaze.

“I won’t.” I suck in a breath. “I love him.”

The group erupts in happy sequels again, and a slow smile dawns on Zoe’s face. Holding my eyes, she nods, and I know she’s given me her blessing.

I look around at my best friends, feeling love pouring in on me from all sides. They may not share my DNA but, as far as I’m concerned, they’re the best family a girl could ever wish for.





Chapter Sixteen





If I have to parallel park, please don’t invite me.



Delilah Sinclair, acknowledging her strengths and weaknesses.





One week later…



“So, you’re really gonna be our nanny?”

I grin at Harry across our picnic blanket. “Yep.”

“But you’re not gonna live wif us?” Potter asks.

“No.” I run my fingers through Fenway’s fur, smiling absently. “But I’ll be right in the North End. That’s not far at all.”

We’re at the park around the corner from their place, having lunch and enjoying the perfect summer weather.

“I fink you should just keep your apartment.” Potter sounds displeased. “The new lady who moved in there is old.”

“How old?” My brows lift.

“Like forty.”

I shake my head. “Uh huh. Talk to me in twenty years, kid.”

“Will you bring Luca next time?” Harry asks shyly.

“Harry finks Luca is the coolest!”

I laugh. “I think so too.” Most days. “He’s busy today, but I’ll try to drag him with me next time. He’d love to see you guys again.”

“Yeah.” Potter nods. “We’re pretty awesome.”

“I noticed.”

Done with their PB&J sandwiches, the twins push to their feet. Fenway leaps up as well, tail wagging, all too eager for another round of fetch. The tennis ball is already in his mouth. I swear, he’s doubled in size in the last week alone.

“Come ooooon,” Potter says, tugging me up. “Let’s go, slowpoke!”

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” I stand and brush the grass off my butt.