Page 3 of Rescued By Four Alphas
"They can be a bit much," I admit with a small smile. "Leo installed a security system that would make the Pentagon jealous. And Evan..." I gesture around us. "Evan bought this entire estate and renovated it into a fortress."
"Sounds exhausting."
"Sometimes," I agree. "But after everything with Hammond, I understand their concern. And with the babies coming..." I trail off, my hand once again moving to my stomach.
Emily sighs dreamily. "It sounds perfect."
"It's not perfect," I correct her. "It's messy and complicated, and sometimes we fight. But it's ours, and it works for us."
"I'm happy for you, Dahlia." Emily reaches for my hand. "Really. After everything you've been through, you deserve this."
"Thanks, Em." I squeeze her fingers. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Probably the same thing you're doing now, just with fewer inappropriate questions about your sex life."
We both laugh, and I glance at the clock on my desk. "I should start getting ready for my date with Evan. He's picking me up in two hours."
"What are you wearing?" Emily asks, following me as I move to the adjoining bedroom.
I open my closet, pulling out a midnight blue dress with a sweetheart neckline. "This. It's new."
Emily whistles. "That's going to look amazing on you. Evan won't know what hit him."
"That's the idea," I grin, laying the dress on the bed. "Though lately, I could wear a potato sack and they'd still look at me like I'm the most beautiful thing they've ever seen."
"Pregnancy glow is real," Emily nods. "Plus, there's something primal about it, right? You're carrying their young."
"It's exactly that," I confirm.
"And you're not complaining."
"Definitely not complaining."
I walk her to the door of my office as she picks up her purse.
We make our way through the house toward the front door.
"This place is ridiculous," Emily comments as we pass through the grand foyer with its sweeping staircase. "I still can't believe you live here."
"Me neither," I admit. "But with four babies on the way, we need space."
At the front door, Emily turns to hug me. "Call me after your fancy date tonight. I want all the details."
"Will do."
"Oh, before I forget," she says, halfway out the door. "I noticed some unmarked vans in the neighborhood recently. It's probably nothing, but I thought you should know."
My body tensed immediately. "What kind of vans?"
"Black, tinted windows. Very spy-movie chic." She must notice my expression because she quickly adds, "It's probably just a new security company or something. Don't worry about it."
"I'm sure you're right," I say, trying to keep my voice light. "Thanks for coming by."
"Anytime, mama." Emily gives my barely-there bump a gentle pat. "Take care of my future godchildren."
"Godchildren? We haven't discussed that yet."
"Well, start discussing. I call dibs on at least three of them." She grins and heads down the front steps.
