“Actually, I have news on that front,” I say as I look to the two of them. “Jimmy Canelli isn’t really my father.” My shoulders hike a notch as Carlotta’s mouth falls open. “I had Cormack lie so that Jimmy would call off the hit he has on Everett. Which is sort of a miracle in and of itself, because when I suggested I might be his daughter last month, he refused to call off the hit despite the fact. But I guess with hardcore science to back my claim, he relented.” I wince their way. “And now you both have to play along or I could lose my husband. I’m sorry, but I’ll keep up this ruse forever just to keep Everett right here by my side.”
Mayor Nash leans in a notch, his light eyes pinned to mine. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense. Who’s your father?”
“It’s you,” I tell him. “It’s always been you.”
Both Carlotta and Mayor Nash howl at the news and he pulls me in for another, far more tighter, rocking embrace.
“That’s the best news you could have given me, Lottie.” He wipes a tear from his eyes. “Truth be told, I was pretty devastated to learn it wasn’t me. And I don’t mind sharing you with a mobster, so long as it stays true. Welcome to the family once again, Lottie. I’m glad to have you.” We hug it out a few more times before he excuses himself to oversee the activities.
“How do you like them beans, Lot?” Carlotta slaps me on my back. “We’re right back where we started. Don’t mind the banging on the wall you might hear tonight. That will be the sound of Harry and me celebrating.”
“Eww.” I shudder. “I’d appreciate it if you kept your private life private.”
“What? Can’t a girl play a game of racquetball once in a while when she feels like it?”
“Racquetball?” I give her the stink eye.
“I had to tell Evie Stevie something. I’ll keep your cover if you keep mine.”
Speaking of Evie, she strolls down with Dash and they’ve got Toby on the leash between them.
Carlotta grunts as they head this way, “You watch that dog, girls. The last time the two of you took him for a walk, he dug up a body.”
“Don’t worry,” Evie calls out. “The next time he digs up a body, we’re leaving it alone. It’s as if that last one unraveled the universe.”
“You could say that again,” I mutter as they take off for the shoreline.
Everett and Noah head this way, both with serious expressions on their faces. Everett says something to Noah, causing him to nod, and they both clam up as they come upon us.
“What’s going on?” I ask as I look from one to the other.
“Nothing.” Everett gives the back of his head a quick scratch. “Everything’s fine. Did you eat?”
“Hear that, Lot Lot?” Carlotta stiffens. “Nothing’s going on. Sexy just wants a samwich in his belly. Now let’s head to the buffet before Harry decimates it. That man has an appetite like no other—both in and out of the bedroom.”
“Not yet,” I say. I’m not buying the fact everything is fine.
Everett glances at his phone and scrolls through his messages. He’s preoccupied, looking for something, for someone, and I don’t know why.
“Look at this.” His face brightens a notch. “I must have missed this message yesterday. It’s from Fiona. She says congratulations, you’re officially on paternity leave. And once that ends, you can resume your place on the bench. The Board has approved your return.”
We let out a spontaneous cheer as I wrap my arms around my handsome husband and land a kiss to his lips.
“Way to go, Sexy.” Carlotta pats him on the arm. “It’s nice to see both you and Foxy have gainful employment once again. I’ll miss having you around the house. Now all I’ll have to do all day is sleep in until noon, watch television until dinner, and eat a box of cereal right before bedtime.”
My chest bucks with a dry laugh. “In other words, business as usual.” I reach up and give my husband’s scruffy cheek a quick scratch. “Congratulations, Everett. It’s as if every single nightmare is finally behind us.”
“Big Boss!” The sound of Cormack’s crowing sets my every last nerve on edge.
“And I spoke too soon.” I turn around to see both Cormack and Cressida dressed like parfaits in billowing silk gowns that are formal to the hilt. Each one has long white gloves on that cover their elbows and enough jewelry encrusted around their necks to warrant a bodyguard—I’m sure the Royals would be envious. They’re a bit overdressed, but if ever there was a day to do it, it would be today.
Cormack flings herself onto Noah. “You’re free! Can you believe it? But don’t you worry. You and I can start our own family, and we can get going on that as early as tonight. My eggs aren’t growing any younger, you know.” She gives a sly wink his way.
“Didn’t you hear?” I don’t mind spilling the news. “Cormack, I told Noah he’s Lyla Nell’s father.”
“What did you do that for?” she screeches. “I thought we had a bargain! How would you like it if I told Jimmy Carrera that you weren’t his daughter?”
“He’d probably have you used for target practice,” I’m quick to tell her in hopes to scare the thought right out of her. “Word is, he’s already working me into his will. He’s pretty psyched about getting back together with Carlotta, too.”
All of that is gospel. And the worrisome part? Carlotta said she was looking forward to getting back together with him, too.
Cormack gives a hard sniff. “It doesn’t matter.” She runs her finger down Noah’s gray tie. “I’ll help you raise that hellion just like
