Total pages in book: 147
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148949 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 496(@300wpm)
Blue closed the lid. “The ball room is done.”
I cleared my throat and rose. “All of the pictures are up?”
Blue nodded. “As well as candles and flowers. A place has also been set for the band, just in case.”
“Good.” I headed over to Baba and Emilio. My little buddy was tired, but he still hung on, fighting to keep his eyes open.
Baba frowned when I got to her. “Are you about to take my baby from me?”
“Unfortunately, I must get him dressed.”
“And when will I get him back?”
I grinned. “Soon.”
“Aww.” She kissed his cheek, whispered something in Russian, and then returned Emilio to me. “I will get dressed and return to get him.”
“Thank you for helping me with Emilio.” I cradled him in my arms. “Since Olga, I. . .”
“Yes.” Baba gave me a sad smile. “I understand, but you make sure you know this. . .you never have to thank me for spending time with Emilio. He and Paolo are the highlights of my day. I am just sad Olga will not get to be with them as they grow up.”
Those words tugged at my heart.
“But. . .” Baba’s eyes watered. “She is watching.”
“I hope so.”
“She is.” Baba bobbed her head and headed away. “She is always in the garden, strolling around and humming.”
Chapter 28
The Order
Emily
I now had Pavel’s memories for Paolo.
Also, the memorial’s preparations looked to be going smoothly.
While I wasn’t sure about Crucifix yet, I had high hopes.
What else do I have to do before we go?
I let out a long breath. “Alright. I have to get back to getting Emilio ready.”
“I can help.” Blue pulled out Emilio’s suit from its protective dust bag.
“Thanks.” I placed him on the changing table. “Max will be happy that Emilio will get to finally wear this.”
“He bought the suit?”
“Sure did. Max bought several suits actually, a week after Emilio was born.” I carefully grabbed the luxurious dark blue suit, feeling the high-quality fabric between my fingers. “And you know Max has no limit to how he spoils his nephew, so this cost him a good $2000.”
“US dollars?”
“Yep.” I studied the suit. It looked like it had been crafted from the finest Italian cashmere. The suit’s design was classic yet modern, with a tailored single-breasted jacket adorned with understated matte silver buttons. The matching trousers were precisely pleated.
For the first time in a while that day, a huge smile spread across my face.
Only Max.
Inside the jacket, a smooth silk lining displayed the designer’s logo subtly embossed on the fabric. The craftsmanship was evident in every seam and stitch. The scent of the new fabric was fresh and clean, carrying the faintest hint of Italian lavender.
I lay the suit by Emilio and smiled at him. “You are going to end up being the best dressed guy in the ballroom. Did you know that?”
He gurgled.
Blue watched me put Emilio’s dress white shirt on him.
Cooing the whole time, he slowly kicked those little legs.
“Hey, buddy. Don’t start that.” I held his tiny designer pants in front of him. “I would like you to be still for a few minutes, so I can dress you.”
Blue’s phone rang. She pulled it out and answered, “Yes?”
I could hear a faint voice on the other end, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying.
Blue’s expression changed from attentive to happy. “Are you sure?”
I hope it’s good news.
I buttoned up Emilio’s shirt. The whole time he wiggled and squirmed as if excited by the sensation of this new soft fabric against his skin.
“Perfect.” Blue chuckled. “Harlem Crew will be on the lookout for the car.”
What’s going on?
Blue put the phone up. “That was Misha.”
“Okay.”
“Crucifix landed in Moscow twenty minutes ago.”
“No fucking way.”
Blue bobbed her head and began texting on her phone. “I already had a small crew standing by at the airport to get them just in case. They are on the way.”
“Good.” I began sliding the suit’s pants onto Emilio. Of course, he started kicking those tiny legs in the air again. I didn’t know if he was trying to help me or just having a blast making this difficult.
Blue stood beside us. “Do you need more help?”
“No.”
“Are there any other remaining items for the memorial?”
“Just make sure the band will be hidden until the beginning of the memorial. They should have a nice room full of anything they need. I don’t want Kaz to find out until he walks in.”
“David is already on it. As soon as he heard the name, Crucifix, he sort of went a bit crazy. He knew all of the member’s favorite foods and drinks.”
I chuckled. “He’s a fan too?”
“Big one.”
“And you?”
“I am not into rock.” Blue reached her hand out to Emilio.
He grabbed her index finger and refused to let go.
Finally, Emilio stopped kicking those legs and placed all of his focus on Blue.