Triplets Under the Tree

The au pair had one hand on the three-seated stroller, expertly splitting her attention between her charges and the young featherweight fighter engaging her in conversation. Matteo Long was a rising star in Antonio’s empire, and his children’s caregiver could do worse.

Caitlyn had continually insisted the kids should be immersed in their father’s world so they could learn for themselves the artistry and discipline of Antonio’s passion. The fact that she truly understood what made him tick was yet another reason he loved his wife completely.

And his love for her and his children had finally gotten him into a doctor’s office to get that CT scan. That had led to more tests and procedures that had eventually uncovered the medical reason for Antonio’s headaches—and a solution. He rarely had them these days, which was a blessing for an athlete going after a title.

His private detective hadn’t turned up evidence of other survivors from the plane crash. So Antonio had let that quest go—his own amazing story was enough.

Turning in his arms, Caitlyn fingered the chain around her neck where she wore his wedding band while he was in the ring and undid the clasp. Encircling the band, she slid it on his finger and said, “Till death do us part.”

It was a ritual they performed often, reminiscent of their wedding ceremony. A tactile reminder of their love, commitment and marriage vows. He’d insisted on it.

Not that he needed any reminders. He still hadn’t fully regained his memories from before the crash and had accepted that he likely never would. Odd flashes came to him at strange times, but it didn’t matter what his brain resurfaced.

Caitlyn was the only woman he could never forget.