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Dante watched as Paige, pale and drawn, atteuest in theAna had faded long ago, and was asleep in his arainst his shoulder

Strange, how easy it was to get used to carrying the little girl, when he had avoided it for so long It seeht

Don and Mary, his ht his eye and made their way across the ballroohtly with each step They weren’t overly affectionate and never had been But they presented a strong front of solidarity One that ell beyond a front, he was certain

“Dante” Mary leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek, resting her hand on Ana’s back “We’re so very happy for you”

He nodded, disco hi

Don smiled “We were certain you’d never settle down, and then this Out of the blue Instant fahter for us, too”

Guilt stabbed him “A surprise for me, as well” That was the strict truth

Paige looked over at hi across the room She came to his side, her hand on his arm

“You must be Dante’s parents,” she said

“And you’re the world’s ht Dante would choose family life”

“Ah, well,” Paige said “I sort of roped him into it He didn’t have a choice really”

Don and Mary laughed, because it sounded too ridiculous to be true Even if it was Though, that he’d had no choice here Paige rong He had a choice He could walk away at anyit

If only he knehat it was Ana shifted against hihtness invaded his chest

“We do have a bit of a surprise for you,” Don said “Dante told us you weren’t planning a honeyht ould offer to take Ana for the night, and that ould send you to a hotel don”

Heat flooded through Dante’s veins at the thought of a night alone with Paige Not the best s considered “One of your hotels?”

Don laughed “Naturally”