Page 115 of Fierce Hearts

Just what was he planning? Was it a grand surprise for becoming the Savoca head? Or some early baby shower to lift spirits? It was still too early for that in my opinion.

Daniel turned onto a winding road that led to a restaurant perched on a hillside. The sign read "Meadowview," and it lived up to its name. The outdoor patio overlooked miles of rolling farmland outside the city, peaceful and serene.

"Gray, this is gorgeous," I said as he helped me from the car.

"I thought you'd like it."

As we approached the entrance, I spotted familiar figures at a table on the patio. Meredith waved enthusiastically, my mother beside her with Leo standing behind them.

"What's going on?" I asked, turning to Gray.

"Brunch, just a nice getaway."

Meredith hugged me tight when we reached the table. "Isn't this place amazing? The view is to die for."

"It is," I agreed, still confused. "But why all the secrecy?"

"Can't we just enjoy a nice brunch? I think we've all earned it," Gray said, pulling out my chair.

The meal was wonderful—mimosas (virgin for me), fresh pastries, and a spread of brunch classics. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and none of the heaviness from the past few weeks. My mother seemed lighter than I'd ever seen her, and Meredith and Leo were just as relaxed, which made me relaxed. We had a security detail set up, but something told me it wasn't needed today. Everything had settled for the most part.

After we finished eating, Gray stood, smiling down at me softly beside him. "Ready for part two?"

"There's a part two?" I raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Meredith, who was grinning widely.

"Of course there is," Gray said, offering his hand.

We drove to the marina next, it seemed Gray liked to dock his yacht outside of the city, and I gazed at the rows of boats gleaming in the afternoon sun. Gray led us down the dock to a sleek yacht I'd only heard about in passing conversations. Meredith had said it was fancy, and she was spot on.

"Welcome to 'The Codfather'," he said, helping me aboard.

I burst out laughing as my mother chuckled, Meredith broke into giggles, and Leo couldn't stop from having a small smile break free.

"I love the name," I said, still chuckling as he helped both my mother and Meredith climb aboard.

Jackson and Roman were joining us as our security detail, while Daniel and another guard remained onshore with the vehicles.

The yacht was everything I'd expected from Gray—luxurious without being too ostentatious. The polished teak deck, the plush seating areas, the state-of-the-art navigation system. It screamed wealth.

"This is... wow," I breathed, running my hand along the railing.

"I thought it was time you saw it," he said, watching me with a soft expression. "Since I'm hoping you'll be spending a lot of time here."

"I haven't been on the water much," I admitted as he moved behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my neck. "But I do like it."

"Good."

We spent the afternoon on the water, Gray at the helm while Leo, Meredith, and my mother lounged on the deck with some snacks and drinks. Even Roman and Jackson sat with them, although they were always scanning the water and being watchful.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Gray took my hand.

"Come with me," he said, leading me to the bow.

We stood at the front of the yacht, his arms wrapped around me from behind, my back against his chest. The others had discreetly disappeared below deck, leaving us alone with the setting sun and gentle waves.

"This is perfect," I whispered, leaning into him. The mix of his comforting warmth at my back and the soft breeze of the water, the air tinged with salt, was relaxing. Today had been amazing, a much needed relaxing day after everything.

"Almost perfect," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.

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