Page 59 of Tiago

Silvia gasps.

Thomas nods.“If you’d come to my office to turn over the paternity test like you were instructed, I would have explained it to you.Even if that child were Tiago’s, he doesn’t have access to money, not even for child support.He’s worth less now that he’s arrived in Wilde than he was while he lived in New York.So, let me suggest that you pick up whatever remaining dignity you have left and get the hell out of town.”

Silence reigns while Silvia stares at Thomas and then me and Tiago.Her gaze lowers to my left hand.“Where did you get that ring then, whore?”

Thomas steps closer, getting into Silvia’s space.“I approved it when I approved the toilet paper.Go home.”

“I don’t believe you,” Silvia declares, crossing her arms.

Thomas is ordinarily a very calm man, but he’s losing his patience, and he growls, “If you’d like to discuss the terms of the will, I’d be happy to share them withyour lawyerwhen you prove paternity.Have him call my office.”

I’m honestly shocked by Tiago’s light grip on me.His arm is around my waist.I’m definitely trapped.But he’s also stroking my arm gently as if we’re at a dinner party with friends instead of a standoff with his batshit-crazy ex-girlfriend in front of the town hall meeting.

Silvia finally stomps her foot like a toddler, screams, and spins around.

As she stomps away, Tiago kisses my temple.“Go back inside, baby.Stay with your grandfather.I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

I tip my head back and meet his gaze.“But…”

His lips come to my ear.“Reagan…” he warns.“Inside now.Don’t argue with me.”

“Okay,” I whisper.This is not the time to pull the defiant-fiancée card.

Tiago turns me toward my grandfather and hands me over.I should probably feel insulted that he thinks I need a man to protect me, but instead, I feel loved.He’s protecting me, and there’s no denying I’m too small to defend myself from most altercations.Though, I’d argue I could take on Silvia in combat.

The sheriff, deputy, Ryder, and Tiago follow Silvia down the street.She’s so pissed that I can hear her complaining even a block away.The woman is unhinged.Apparently, she was not like this when Tiago dated her, or she hid it really well.Either way, she needs help.

I let my grandfather lead me into the gymnasium, but I stand at the entrance without shutting the door and watch the four men who are making sure the batshit woman gets the hell out of Wilde.

Thomas stands next to me.He chuckles and looks at me, his eyes dancing.“Congratulations on the engagement, by the way.Do let me know if you’re ever low on toilet paper.”

I laugh, grateful he’s able to lighten the mood.I lift my left hand up.“Guess I should be grateful you approved our marriage.”

His expression narrows and his next words are more serious.“It would seem to me that the Wilde heirs who have arrived so far have the best intentions in mind for the town.I will do everything in my power to ensure they are successful and happy.I will not deny any of them whatever expenses they request, not even wedding rings.However, there will be no payouts for blackmail.Ever.It’s possible other people will show up along the way and try to extort money from the Wilde coffers.They, like Silvia, will not succeed.”

I nod.“Thank you, Thomas.”

My grandfather sets a hand on my shoulder.“He’s a good man, Ray.You’ve done well.”

I turn and smile at him.“Thank you.”I’m filled with gratitude.I’m especially grateful my grandfather didn’t flinch when we showed up this morning to tell him about our engagement.He’s excited and pleased.I’m pretty sure he doesn’t believe me that we’re not sleeping together, but I can’t fix that, and it doesn’t matter.

I rub my hands together, waiting for my man to return.I hate that he’s been out of sight for so long.It occurs to me that in the past ten days, I’ve rarely been apart from him.Hell, I barely even get to pee without him watching me with his narrow-eyed gaze.

The man is so intense and so intimately involved with every single aspect of my life.It’s both unnerving and oddly calming.It’s weird for him to know every damn thing about me, but on the other hand, he would know in an instant if I needed medical attention.

I shudder at the thought.I hope he doesn’t decide I need to go to the doctor every time my pee is slightly too yellow or if I haven’t emptied my bowels that morning.I stifle a chuckle at the idea, but it’s probably not far from the truth.

Tiago is going to be an overbearing father, hovering so close I won’t be able to breathe when I’m pregnant.If I need an example, all I have to do is look at Claire and Ryder.

A week ago, I would have run for the hills and never looked back.Now, I’ve come to accept his intensity.And to be honest, I’m mostly looking forward to his coddling.It makes me feel like a princess.

Finally, Tiago, Ryder, and the sheriff come around the corner and head toward me.Relief fills me.It’s so overwhelming that I rush out the door, run down the stairs, and leap into my man’s arms, wrapping my legs around him.

He chuckles as he grabs my face and kisses me.“How long was I gone?”he teases.

“A million years.”

Tiago slides his hands down to my bottom and gives a squeeze.

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