Page 120 of Sinful Promise

I shrug. “You made me choose between my brothers. I’d personally think I’d choose Bianca because she makes a killer pumpkin pie.”

Emily laughs. “You are so fickle. But you’re right, she does make an incredible pumpkin pie.”

“But I think you lucked out with Zara. She’s pretty great.”

“Yeah, she is.”

“I think she might be my favorite out of all of the wives.”

“All of the wives? You make it sound like we’re talking about a reality show.”

“Honestly, it feels that way.”

Emily leans a bit forward. “Do you ever feel left out?”

“In what way?”

Her eyes fall to her plate. “Well, you’re the only one left out of your brothers who isn’t married with kids. It must have changed the dynamic between you.”

“Is that a proposal, Emily Mullens?”

Emily’s eyes widen, and I flash her a wink.

“I’m kidding. And to answer your question, no, I don’t feel left out. I figure each of us are on our own timeline, and I’ll get to have what they have when the timing is right.”

I can’t help but notice how her gaze softens as I talk about the future.

When I picture the future, I see myself with the house in the suburbs, with the huge yard and kids running around. Summers spent playing in the pool and winter nights snuggled up in front of the fire, drinking hot chocolate.

And when I imagine the woman by my side, it’s Emily.

It’s always been Emily.

I smirk. “And in the meantime, I get to enjoy being the favorite uncle.”

Emily grins. “You think mighty highly of yourself.”

“I sneak them all candy, which makes them automatically love me the most.”

“I think that’s called bribery.”

“You can call it whatever you want, but it works. Plus, it’s the only way to one up on Mikhail because he’s convinced Leo and the twins prefer him because he lets them draw fake tattoos all over him with permanent marker.”

“I used to think Mikhail was terrifying, but it turns out he’s just a big softie.”

“I think Lucia and Vivi might have something to do with that. And I’m also one hundred percent telling him you think he’s soft.”

“Please don’t do that because it sounds like you’re referencing his dick.”

I feign shock. “Emily Mullens, are you thinking of my brother's flaccid penis right now?”

At the look of horror on Emily’s face I burst out laughing. “I’m kidding. Now, how about some dessert?”

After we finishup our desserts, I pay the check and take Emily by the hand to lead us out of the restaurant. It’s almost eleven, and the sun has long since set, but the city is far from sleeping.

I watch her as we wait for the valet to bring the car around.

I want nothing more than to take her straight back to my apartment to finish the night off, but I don’t want to be presumptuous. “What do you feel like doing?”

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