“Tonight is very special to me for several reasons. First, the gathering of friends and family is always a reason to celebrate. Second, tonight is a night I never thought I’d have the courage to see through. And finally, because tonight is about giving back to the community that I love.”

She reached for a cord attached to a black drape that separated the original gallery space from the newly remodeled other half of the building she’d taken over when the antique store had given up its lease a few months back. She’d waited months, refusing to take this step and host this event without me being able to be present. I’d protested, but there were certain arguments a man had to know were pointless to keep pushing.

“So without further ado, I give you Noble Art’s newest collection, Beauty and the City, offered for sale by me and Trinity Rodgers.”

With a tug of the cord, the drape slid to the floor, revealing a room with two distinct styles of artwork hanging on the wall. The crowd began to murmur in approval.

“All profits from the sale of these pieces will benefit the Teach Life Through Art program, offered to the children of this city at no cost by the New Orleans Museum of Art.”

The crowd clapped loudly, shrill whistles filling the air. I glanced toward the sound, and Elle Snyder had two fingers in her mouth as she blew. Her man, Lord, laughed and tugged her into his side, interrupting the whistle.

“Cheers to Valentina and Trinity,” I said, raising my glass high. “An amazing project to support an amazing cause, which is nothing less than I’d expect from such an amazing woman.” Glasses lifted in hands all across the room.

“To Valentina and Trinity,” everyone echoed.

Trinity held her glass of sparkling white grape juice in the air as well, then curtsied.

Remy gathered the blue curtain up from the floor as people crossed the room into the new section to view the pieces.

A hand clamped over my shoulder.

“You’ve significantly added to the courthouse docket, son.” When I turned to see Harold Noble standing beside me, he added, “Proud of your work, and congratulations on the promotion.”

Seeing approval in Valentina’s father’s eyes meant more to me than I could explain. She was close with both her parents, and being inducted as an honorary part of their family was something I hadn’t expected. Family. It was something I hadn’t had in years.

“Thank you, sir. I’m definitely excited for the next challenge.”

I’d accepted the position as head of the gang task force, which put all of the knowledge I’d gathered undercover to work in a more direct way. Being able to think like a gangbanger made it easier to take them down tactically, which put fewer officers at risk. It was still strange to be cleaning up the streets in such an overt fashion, but I didn’t miss living in the shadows.

My gaze wandered to Valentina. Especially not when it meant that I could see my duchess in all her glory.

Elle and Lord joined me and Judge Noble near the edge of the room.

“So, when are you going to make an honest woman out of her?” Elle asked.

Noble and I exchanged a sideways glance before he adopted an amused expression. “That’s an excellent question.”

Jo smacked his arm. “Shush, Harry. These kids will get around to it when the time is right.” She smiled at me. “You don’t listen to anything he has to say. He thinks that everyone should propose within weeks of meeting, and that when it’s right, you just know.” When I just smiled, she winked at me knowingly before adding, “I’m excited for a few grandbabies, though.”

I wasn’t confirming or denying that fact. Tonight was about Valentina and Trinity’s art.

But the reality of it still hit me hard as I watched her work the room. No bump visible yet, but still . . . A kid. A perfect combination of me and Valentina that would probably raise hell regardless of whether it was wearing pink or blue. Not only had I escaped the shadows to step into the light, I’d gotten more than I could have ever imagined.

Hours later I lay in bed, Valentina’s head on my chest and her fingertips tracing the ink on my pecs. The picture I stole from her all those months ago hung on the wall.

“Proud of you, duchess. Really fucking proud.”

She curled into me closer, and squeezed. “It felt good to see them all on the wall. And Trinity, you’d think she’d won the lottery.”

“Did good with that girl. You’re gonna be a hell of a mom.”

“I hope so.”

“No doubt about it.”

“When should we tell my parents?” she asked.

I slid a hand through her hair and met her gaze. “I think they already know, but maybe hold off until you tell them we’re getting married.”

Her chin jerked up as her hand stilled. “Are you proposing?”

I shook my head. “No, because that would make it a question, and there’s no doubt that it’s happening.”

Valentina’s laugh met my ears. “So you don’t want to hear me say yes?”

I rolled out from under her and pinned her to the bed. “The day we walk down the aisle is good enough for me. You want your pops to give you away and officiate?”

Her eyes sparkled. “Yes. I always wanted that. Exactly that.”

“It’s my job to give you everything you always wanted, duchess.” I lowered my lips to hers, stealing a kiss. “Since you’ve given it all to me.”

“You already have,” she whispered.

“Not yet, but I will.”

Her arms wound around my neck and squeezed. “I love you.”

“Always, duchess. Love you always.”

The End