That evening we had the main security team James, Jason, Erik and Carlton join us for dinner. I was going to make an American home cooked roast and potatoes meal but Dante insisted letting the hotel kitchen prepare since I was still not a 100%. I was thankful for his insistence when I was hit with fatigue and slight nausea. He made me some of the new tea and lied down with me for a short while til I fell asleep.
When I woke to the sound of laughter, I realized the guys where there and dinner should be arriving any minute. I quickly changed my clothes and freshened up. I stepped out of the room into the living room where all the guys where spread out casually sipping beers. James was telling a story about Jason when they were kids when Dante's eyes found me and there was a sudden silence.
Rylee: Please don't stop on my account I'd love to here what happened after the jelly fish stung him.
Jason slapped a hand over his face while James laughed. Dante greeted me with a possessive kiss and hold leading me back to his seat and pulled me down into his lap.
James: I got him back up on the beach where one of the girls he had been trying to pick up rushed over to coddle him. I'll admit he was doing a pretty good job hiding the agonizing pain from the jelly fish sting, trying to act tough in front of the lady, but I knew all to well how it felt and against Jason's protest I pissed on his leg to help ease the sting. But the dumb ass decided right at the moment to freak out and in his attempt to push me away during mid stream my piss went all over him and the girl.
Everyone but Jason erupted in laughter as Jason got up a socked James in the arm.
Rylee: Well how about you Jason I'm sure you must have some embarrassing story on James?
Jason developed a wide mischievous smile as James face fell. They were years apart but they looked and acted almost like twins. Before Jason could get to the good part of his story food arrived. The servers spread everything out on the long counter space. We all dish up and take seats around the table. Dante making sure I'm next to him instead of on the opposite end as tradition. I wait about half way through the meal when James probably thought he was safe from the story Jason had started telling before I instigated Jason to finish. James laughed shaking his head. They went back and forth James trying to correct the over exaggerated parts. They both tag teamed Erik in a few embarrassing moments of some wild nights. Carlton told a few racing stories. It was such a nice distraction. The casual calm atmosphere reminded me a lot of when was younger.
My parents often held large dinners for their most trusted guards and staff. My father believed the key to having good trust worthy employees was to treat them good and with respect. Like family. I was feeling more and more at home with this group here right now. I felt Dante's hand squeeze mine and I realized everyone was quiet. I looked around and noticed everyone's eye were on me. I looked over at Dante with question. He chuckles while lifting my hand to his lips.
Dante: Carlton just asked when the wedding would be.
I looked down at the large diamond on my finger and smiled.
Rylee: Soon I hope.
I gave Dante a look and nodded towards the guys. He nodded with approval and I took a deep breath. I looked around the table at each man who's eyes where on me waiting with anticipation.
Rylee: Dante and I are expecting!
They all smiled and congratulated us but silence fell agains when they all noticed the uncertainty in my face.
Erik: What's wrong?
Rylee: In the short time I have gotten to know you guys I have come to respect and trust you all like family. You know who Dante is and where he came from. In a few short weeks you would come to find out who I am but I felt you deserve to know now to have a better understanding of me and Dante and all the shit that's been going on.
I glance at Dante to see the concerned and shock look on his face. He didn't know I was about to reveal everything.
Dante: Are you sure about this?
He leaned over and whispered. I nodded.
Rylee: The reason we aren't ready to celebrate the pregnancy just yet is because I have a condition caused by an old injury that left me unable to have kids. By some miracle we have defeated that but the condition still causes risk of losing the baby.
James: What happened if you don't mind my asking.
Rylee: I was shot and left for dead when I was 14.
James takes a closer look at me like he's just noticing I hadn't bothered putting contact lenses in today. He looks back and forth between Dante and I. Dante tenses a little pulling me in closer to him. He holds Dante's gaze for a few seconds then smirks and shakes his head. James new about Dante's past. He knew about Rylee Banes. I wasn't sure how much everyone else new but James had just put the puzzle together, though he didn't say anything. He looked at everyone else around the table and back at me.
James: You have our Allegiance.
They all nod in agreement with James. I took a deep shaky breath. And told them everything. With out knowing what might happen at the gala they all had a right to know and understand why. They all understood the importance of keeping my identity and vowed to keep it. Each one of them took on the role of an older sibling, all eager and willing to see this thing through to the end. Each one of them wanting to take part in getting back at my Uncle and Mr. Santino.
Monday morning I called Sam to let him know we got the Santino resort club for the gala and I would be going there today to start the preparations. When Carlton got on the interstate and headed north I became curious.
Dante tried to keep a poker face but couldn't hide the little grin. But he wasn't saying anything and when I tried to get James and Carlton to tell me they rolled up the divider on me. Dante tried distracting me with kisses and touches and it worked.
After about an hour we pulled up to a beautiful estate in Cold Springs over looking Lake Valhalla. When he pulled into the pull through drive way I spotted Grams black Ford.
James got out and walked around opening my door while Dante jumps out the other side. Gram cautiously walks over to us. James and Gram had not been properly introduced though I had informed Gram about reveling everything to Dante's men. There were about the same age and had joined the military about the same time.
Rylee: James I'd like to officially introduce you to Gram North.
James: It's an honor to meet a fellow brother.
Gram gives James a firm shake and a respectful nod.
Gram: Like wise.
I look at the home before us. It looks almost Victorian yet with a Scottish feel?
I look over at Dante and see the smile on his face.
Rylee: What's going on?
James walks up the stone steps and opens the large wooden door. Dante sweeps me up bridal style and walks me over the thresh hold. The inside has been modified to a very modern feel. Open with white walls and mostly black furniture with gray and black accents. Much like his apartment.
Dante: I couldn't wait any longer for us to start our lives together.
He sets me gently down but not before steeling a kiss. James and Gram follow closely.
Dante: 7 beds 6 baths. A guest house right on the lake with two beds and 1-1/2 baths.
We walk through the entry and into an entertainment room. Off in the corner near a large window sits a black grand piano. I look back at Dante with tears and a half smile. I catch Grams wide smile from the corner of my eye. Dante hands Gram a set of keys. Gram looks down at the keys and back up at Dante with question.
Dante: Aside from the master bedroom up stairs you get first pick since you will be taking up permanent employeement and residents.
He grabs the keys and looks at me. All I can do is smile as I reach my arms around Dante's waist.
Gram: Alright.
Gram finally agrees.
Dante hands another set to James.
Dante: You get next dibs. On or off duty is up to you.
Dante leads me upstairs down a long hall to two black double doors at the end. Inside is a large empty space. Light gray carpet with light grey walls and white trim. To the left is a balcony over looking the forest and off to the side there's a coral and a huge stable and barn. I think about Tuscany and wonder what came of her. Dante rubs my arms and kisses my temple.
Dante: You like it.
Rylee: I love it. But what about the furniture?
Dante: That's all up to you. We'll stop at a furniture store on the way back and you can order anything you want.
Rylee: I can't believe you did this.
He spins me to face him.
Dante: I knew you always wanted a place like your parents. A large house in the country. But I figured how you felt about working at Banes financial you would want to stay close to the city.
Rylee: Thank you Dante. I love it. I love you.
Dante: I love you Rye.
Suddenly the sound of a horse neighing in the distance caught my attention. I looked back out the balcony door and to my surprise there in the coral trotting away from an older guy in a flannel and jeans. She looked and sounded just like Tuscany. My head wiped back at Dante's. His grin said it all. My heart thumped heavy like a kid on Christmas morning. I nearly leaped out of my own skin as I ran down the stairs flying past Gram and out the back door, coming to a stop at the fence of the coral. Tuscany stopped in her tracks and walked cautiously towards me.
Man: I wouldn't get too close she's a little wild.
I ignored his warning and raised my hand to her nose as she leaned her head down over the railing. Horses were some of the smartest creatures. They never forget the face or the scent of a Person, and they always seem to know if someone is good or evil.
Man: Well holy shit. I been trying to get her to come to me for two days now, but she just won't have nothing to do with me.
He keeps his distance from Tuscany but hands over a lead in my direction.
Man: You think you can get this on her?
I slowly reach over taking the rope. I place my forehead on Tuscany's while holding the lead to her nose assuring her it'll be alright. With in a minute the lead was secure.
Rylee: She doesn't trust men too well. Just take things slow and keep a calm voice when you speak to her and what ever you do, never walk behind her.
The man squinted his eyes and raised a brow.
Then he chuckles slightly.
Man: That is a rule to keep in general but seems like there's a story here.
Rylee: She kicked a man to death.
I smiled at his shocked face. Tuscany let out a hard breath and nodded her head as if she understood what I had said and was confirming it proudly. I couldn't help the inappropriate giggle. But fuck it my hormones where out of wack all of a sudden.
Rylee: What's your name.
Man: Jack Foster Mam.
Rylee: Jack how long have you been a horse handler?
Jack: 30 years.
Rylee: Good then I can trust you will treat Tuscany with nothing but kindness and respect.
Jack: Yes mam.
I handed him the lead and reached up scratching Tuscany's neck before he walked her back to the stables. I could feel Dante's presence as he walks up from behind. I spin around throwing my arms around his neck. And trapping his lips with mine.
Rylee: I can't believe you did this.
Dante: I was going to wait and give her to you as a wedding gift but I guess a house warming gift will do?
Rylee: Thank you.