Series: The Rossi Crime Family Series by J.L. Beck
Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80475 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80475 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
“Stop it. There’s nothing wrong with you.” He tips my chin up and cups both my cheeks. My face is caught between his large hands, forcing me to look at him, to hear his words. “Don’t ever say that again. There’s nothing wrong with you. You are perfect in every way possible. Don’t you ever say anything like that again. I love you and will remain by your side no matter what. This changes nothing, Sophie.”
“I love you so much,” I tell him, feeling like I need to. I need to tell him every day how much he means to me. He leans down and presses his lips to mine for a long time. So long, that when we break the kiss, there is an uncomfortable looking woman standing next to us.
“Sorry, guys. I didn't want to interrupt, but I need to go that way.” She points to a door behind us and we move out of the way.
When we get to the checkout desk, I ask the lady to give my apologies to Dr. Brown for running out like that, but she assures me it’s completely fine. I’m probably not the first women who freaked out and stormed off.
We leave the doctor’s office hand in hand, and I already feel better knowing Roman is not going to leave me because of this. I don't know if I could ever live without him again.
Just as we get into the car, Roman’s phone starts ringing. I swear, with these men, the chaos never ends.
“It’s Xander,” he tells me, looking at the screen before answering it.
“Hey…” Roman answers casually. “Yeah...hold on.”
He pushes some buttons on the steering wheel, switching the call to hands-free.
“You’re on speaker.”
“So, you asked me to keep you updated on everything that’s happening here at the commune Sophie grew up in. I think you’ll be happy to hear we were able sort everything out. All the men and women who were in on selling the girls are taken care off and we were able to help the women and children left behind. Most of them stayed in their home. I made sure they all have work and can take care of themselves. There were a few children none of them would take in, but we found other families for most of them.”
“Most of them?” I interrupt.
“All except one pair of siblings. A six-year-old boy and three-year-old girl. None of the women at the community wanted them. We had some families willing to adopt lined up, but when they met the children, they decided not to go through with it. Don’t worry, we’ll find them a home eventually. They are in foster care right now, but I’ll keep an eye on them. Rest assured, I'm not going to let anyone hurt them.”
“Why is it so hard to find someone for them?” Roman asks, taking the words straight from my mouth.
“At the meeting, one of the potential adoptive moms tried to pick up the little girl and the brother stabbed her with a pencil...”
“I want to meet them,” I blurt out without really thinking. Roman glances over at me curiously. I suppose I should've talked to him before just saying something.
“We can arrange that. I’ll call the foster home and set up a meeting.”
“That would be great. Thanks, Xander,” Roman answers before hanging up the phone.
“I probably should have asked you first,” I admit shyly as soon as the call is disconnected. “I don’t know how to explain it, it just feels like the right thing to do. I’m not saying we have to adopt them, but I want to meet them. Maybe I even know them. I must have at least seen them in church.”
“You don’t have to talk me into it, babe. I’m with you. Were a team, no matter what.” Roman grabs my hand.
“Don’t you think it’s odd that Xander calls and tells us about this right now? I feel like it’s a sign.” What are the chances of him calling about two children who need parents the moment we found out I can't have children naturally?
“If this is what you want to do, I’m with you...so long as the kid doesn't try to stab you.” Roman smiles.
“He was probably just scared and trying to protect his sister. Are you really okay with this? I know I kind of threw this on you.”
“Honestly, I didn’t want to say anything right away, but adoption was my next thought. I just didn't want to mention it so soon. I don't want to upset you or push you toward anything. Whatever you want to do, I'm on board.”
I climb across the center console and wrap my arms around his neck, crashing my lips to his with bruising force. I didn’t think it was possible to ever love somebody so much.
***
“How do I look?” I ask Roman right before he rings the doorbell.