“I keep telling her the woman standing next to her is the most important part,” Emma said, putting her arms around Cain’s waist. “But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t obsess over every little thing too, until I got that ring on your finger.”

“You know damn well that I was yours, ring or no, from the day you spilled beer on me.” She jumped a little when Emma pinched her nipple.

“Don’t go rewriting history, mobster. I had to chase you down plenty before I convinced you that you couldn’t live without me. Remi is cut from that same cloth, and I give you both credit for being spectacular at the partner job once you commit.” Emma ran her soapy hand over her chest and kissed the spot over Cain’s heart.

“Thank you, my love, and there’s no doubt I’m all yours. As for Remi, she’s in the same boat I am. When you talk to Dallas today, go ahead and tell her our idea for the reception. It’s a way of controlling the guest list as well as keeping the watchers out.”

“We can cover it at lunch, and then I’m getting the rest of what we’ll need for the end of this week.”

Mardi Gras was in full swing, and the city was full of tourists as well as locals enjoying the free show. They were a block from the St. Charles Avenue parade route, which had necessitated doubling the guards on the wall around the property. Big crowds heading to the parades meant a large number of strangers walking around the house, and the guys on the wall discouraged loitering. She wasn’t letting her guard down again when it came to her family.

“Anything you need me to do?”

They were flying up to the house they’d built on Emma’s father’s property, and they were taking a crowd with them. The remote area known for dairy farming was a godsend, allowing them to get away from the ever-present FBI agents who followed her around daily. They’d added five guest cottages on Ross Verde’s property, leaving the house by the lake for just them and the kids.

Hayden and Hannah were finally enjoying cousins to play with, thanks to Fin’s return, and Abigail’s three children. As the family grew, so would the accommodations to house them all. That’s what all the hard work was about. Having her family around her was why Cain dedicated herself to making their lives bulletproof. The money was secondary to the sanctity of family.

“Just tell me we’re ready to go.” She soaped Emma’s back and spent more time than necessary on her backside.