Page 186 of Ripped Lace (Ripped Bratva)

Never thought I’d be jealous of a project. But I can see what the work has done for her.

She hasn’t said it quite so explicitly, but I know she sees Charity in all the women she’s helped so far. And all the faceless women she’s yet to help.

She wants to save the world, one life at a time.

“Looking for someone?”

I turn to my Uncle Kian as he walks over to me. The fact that they’re all here means a lot to me. Not that I’ve said as much, but I know they all know.

“My wife,” I reply—mostly because I love saying those words.

“Last I saw her, she was sitting over by the demolition point with your mother.”

I turn around and catch a glimpse of them. They’re both nursing drinks and laughing about something.

“I think my mom prefers Elyssa to me now,” I say.

Kian laughs. “So she has good taste.”

“Screw you, too,” I chuckle. I clap him on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here. It’s good for family to be together.”

He nods in agreement. “I heard Elyssa’s going to be running the shelter once it’s up and running.”

I nod. “It’ll take a while to rebuild, especially because of the scale of the structure. She’s not one to do things halfway.”

“No wonder you two get along.”

“I learned from the best,” I say, giving him a wink. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go kiss my wife.”

I head over towards the demolition point. Elyssa turns to me at the last moment. Her eyes brighten instantly. She pushes herself off the stoop she’s sitting on and loops her arm around my waist.

I rest my arm over her shoulders and we turn to face my mother.

“I’m surprised to see you here,” I tease. “I would have thought you’d want to stay at home with the boys.”

“Just wanted to show my support,” my mother replies. I can see age start to creep in around her eyes. There’s a little grey at her temples, too. A sign that time spares none of us. “But I’m leaving soon.”

“Before the demolition?” I ask.

“I’ve seen enough buildings go down in my time,” she says with a barely suppressed shudder. “It’s enough to know that this one won’t survive the night. Besides, I’d rather go home now and spend some time with my grandkids. I only have a week left with them.”

“You can always stay longer,” Elyssa says. “In fact, I wish you would.”

“Don’t tempt a grandmother to stay long past her welcome,” she chuckles. She gives us a parting smile and a kiss on the cheek, and then heads off in search of my father.

“What were you two discussing?” I ask Elyssa when we’re alone again.

She smiles. “When we’re going to give her another grandchild.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Seriously?”

Elyssa shrugs. “Would that be so bad?”

“Not at all,” I say. “But I’ve had enough of sharing you for the time being. I want you all to myself once this demolition is done. Heaven knows you’ll be busy enough once the shelter’s up and running.”

“Don’t worry,” she says, reaching up on her tiptoes to kiss my cheek. “I’ll always make room for you and the boys.”

“Come on,” I tell her, pulling back into the building.

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