Eric

Arriving back at the Santiagos’ home was different. I knew that Vincenzo had made the call to the estate to have all my items moved from my room to his. That way, when I arrived, I would be going straight to the family wing. My wing, since I was now part of the family, or would be as soon as Vincenzo got a hold of a person to marry us.

Apparently, that was another call that he had made to his brother to fast track a marriage license.

"I'm not giving you a chance to get away." He brushed a kiss over my knuckles. The two of us cuddled up in the backseat of the SUV on the drive back home.

"I don't plan on it." I smirked.

He winked at me. "Well, you've run before, so I'll be a little cautious. Much the same way my brother is with his omega.”

“Maybe Orsino will get it right when he finds his omega."

Vincenzo scoffed. "Like that one's ever gonna settle down. No, I think Jeremiah's gonna have to find himself an alpha or we'll find one for him if we want anyone else in the family to settle down.”

“He's done with school now, right? Does he plan on moving home?"

Vincenzo shrugged. "With this issue with the Dombrusos going on, I'm not sure what Lorenzo has planned for Jeremiah."

Personally, I thought it should be up to Jeremiah on what he wanted to do, but I supposed I would pick my battles. That could be a topic for another day.

Once we arrived home, I wanted to see my friend right away. Vincenzo directed me toward Lorenzo and Dominic’s rooms, which was apparently where Dominic spent a majority of his time now that he was further along.

Vincenzo went to meet with Lorenzo and Orsino in Lorenzo’s office to talk about what had happened back in Apricot Grove. A clean-up team was already on their way to Miss Marley’s to take care of the situation we left there. The sheriff hadn’t been thrilled about two dead bodies in his jurisdiction, so we assured him that not a soul would know they were ever there.

I found Dominic in his suite. He sat on the couch with his hands tangled in some yarn, a half-complete baby blanket draped over his belly. He smiled when he saw me. I wanted to hug him.

It was the figure on the chair who made me stop in my tracks. "Mr. Santiago, I can come back another time." I already started backing up, ready to retreat to Vincenzo’s rooms.

Vincenzo’s father, Gareth, former head of the family, sat in the chair. He wore an expensive suit, still looking like the intimidating head of the family. Since being employed at this house, I’d only crossed paths with the man a few times. Each time left me unsettled.

"No, come on in. Dominic was just filling me in on all this drama no one tells me about." Mr. Santiago smiled at me, and there was a surprising kindness to it.

I blushed deeply. I could only assume that drama was about me. What was there to say? What was I supposed to say in this situation?

"Sit down, boy. You're making me nervous."

Dominic gave me an encouraging smile. "I’d get up and give you a hug, but if I move I’m gonna have to pee, and I’m not ready to get up yet.”

I laughed. “Stay where you are. It’s so good to see you. You look great.”

He grimaced. “That’s kind of you to say, but I know I look tired and sweaty.”

“Maybe a little, but you wear it well.” I meant it too. He might’ve looked slightly tired, and he did have a sheen of sweat on his face, but he was glowing with his pregnancy.

"So, you’re Vincenzo’s omega, huh? I don't suppose one of these days my boys are ever gonna let me have a proper wedding. I heard rumblings that Lorenzo is fast-tracking a marriage license for the two of you and that I have another grandchild on the way."

I nodded. "Yes, sir. You do."

"Good. I’ve always wanted a lot of those. You love my son?"

I nodded. "So much."

"Good. Keep him on his toes. The two of them need that."

Dominic laughed. "I think it'll be a while before anybody but this little guy is keeping anyone on their toes.” He patted his baby bump. “I’m too tired to give Lorenzo much trouble. And honestly, it isn’t much fun because he lets me get away with everything right now. I could ask for a unicorn and he’d probably track one down.”

“How are you sleeping?" I asked.

"Not too bad. Up every two hours to pee or to move to a more comfortable position, but I'm getting used to it. Practicing for when the baby arrives. It helps that we have a lot of hands around here.”

“I can help now that I'm back. And, well…I don't really have a job now, I guess."

Vern snorted. "Your job is to cook that baby. Get strong. You look like you've worked too many hours. You need to put a little meat on your bones. We’ll talk to the chefs and have them prepare some hearty meals for you."

I wasn’t about to argue with the man, even if I didn’t want to make a fuss about having anything extra. "I suppose I can manage some rest."

"Then welcome to the family." Vern stood up and then left the room.

I let out a long breath.

"You get used to him," Dominic said. "I find the easiest thing to do is not to let him know that he's slightly intimidating."

I laughed. "I'll try that.”

“How have you been?" Dominic asked.

"Good. It was weird not living here. Quiet. The food wasn’t as good, but I made do. I’m pretty sure my landlord used to work for one of the families. Or maybe she was the head of some family. She was kinda scary, and she kicked Trev and Davy’s ass at poker.” I didn’t mention the whole shootout situation. If Lorenzo wanted Dominic to know, he could tell him. Anything I said would just worry him.

"I’m sorry if I gave away too much, and you didn't want to be found."

"It's fine." I couldn’t blame him. It was a big secret to keep from his family. "I did want to be found, if this is the result. I get to stay and be with Vincenzo. That's all I ever wanted. And my baby is safe.”

“I'm glad, because he's gonna be my baby's best friend. If this guy ever decides to make an appearance."

“You haven’t even hit your due date yet.”

We sat and chatted for a while. Dominic tried to teach me how to knit, but I was useless at it.

He filled me in on what had been happening while I was away. We also chatted about the shows we liked. It was nice to have my best friend back. I hadn’t let myself miss him too much, or else I would have really cried myself to sleep each night. But now that I was back, I could recognize how much I had missed him.