Page 117 of Mountain Mens' Curvy Obsession

“Of course. People should know we’re not all gun-wielding goons or nicely dressed traffickers. or whatever it is the tabloids spew about us,” Zoya says. “Sure, we’re not saints, but having an Asimov on display here as a rising artist who is already making some huge sales does clean our image up a little bit.”

“Ah, so you’re all here to protect your reputation,” I jokingly retort.

She comes closer, her gaze softening. “I’m here to enjoy every moment of your victory as though it were mine,” she says in a low voice, as if she only wants me to hear it. “You survived hell, and you came out of it stronger and happier than ever. You’re not just a survivor, you are a fighter with an artist’s heart, and that makes you so precious. You don’t even know it. What you accomplished here tonight is incredible. And I cannot describe how proud and honored I am to call myself your grandmother.”

“Zoya, stop it, you’re going to make me cry,” I mutter, blinking back tears.

As the evening progresses, we retreat to the lounge area as Zoya and Evgeny make their rounds, politely bullying others into placing bids on some of my paintings. The pieces I knew would draw attention have already been marked sold and will be shipped out tomorrow.

Zoya was right.

It is a dream come true. I worked hard, and I fought hard to be here.

“How are you feeling?” Chance asks me as we sit at one of the glass tables.

Alex is fast asleep in Booker’s arms, and the sight of them makes me melt a little.

“Tired but happy,” I tell Chance. “It’s pretty much how I feel every day, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Nico comes over with a glass of champagne. “To take off what’s left of the edge. I haven’t seen you drink anything tonight.”

“Thank you, baby,” I smile and set the glass aside.

To say I am nervous would be an understatement, but I promised myself I would tell them tonight. They’re going to catch on soon enough, anyway.

“What’s wrong?” Nico asks, his brow slightly furrowed. “The event is a resounding success. Your agent mentioned something about an art show in Paris in the spring.”

“Nothing wrong,” I reply.

“It’s your favorite champagne. You love that pink glitter stuff,” Chance says.

“I can’t drink that pink glitter stuff anymore. Not for a while, anyway,” I say.

“Why not?” Booker asks, briefly glancing down to see if Alex is still asleep.

Nico already knows. I can see it from the glint in his eyes as they widen with the realization. Chance is the second to catch on, as his gaze drops to my stomach.

“No way,” he gasps.

I’m tearing up again. There’s been so much joy in my life lately, it’s hard to process sometimes.

“What?” Booker asks.

“Alex is about to get a baby brother or sister,” Nico laughs and rushes over to hug me.

We kiss, and for a sweet moment, the rest of the world disappears once more.

“Holy smokes,” Booker manages. “We’re going to be dads again.”

“This is wonderful news,” Chance tells me. “Assuming you feel ready for what comes next?”

“Were we ready the first time around?” I ask and laugh lightly.

“No, but we still knocked it out of the park,” Nico quips. “I mean, Alex is turning out alright, isn’t he?”

“And then some. But we’re presented with a challenge,” I say.

“What’s that?” he asks.

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