Then, as if sensing the weight pressing on everyone, Dominic cleared his throat lightly and leaned forward. He reached across the table, his large hand settling on Jaime’s shoulder in a firm, reassuring squeeze.
“Oh, we’ve got plenty more stories, son,” Dominic said, his voice low and steady, warmth threading through every word. Then a grin tugged at his mouth — that familiar, mischievous one that always hinted trouble. “And some really good ones about your dad, locked under bro code.”
He tapped the side of his head, leaning in as if sharing a dangerous secret. “Top-secret stuff in here. Your aunt would kill me if I told you, but…” His grin widened. “I might just let you in on a few—if you promise not to tell your aunt and sister. Deal?”
He gave Jaime a conspiratorial wink, the kind tha
