by Soraya Naomi
However, Dr. Harper intrudes, and after we say our goodbyes, we make our way out of the hospital. I’ve seen enough of this place.
I also want to surprise Adriano, so I ask, “Can we make an extra stop before we go home?”
“Home?” he repeats in a stunned voice. “We’re not going home. The night has just begun. I didn’t dress up for only a visit to the hospital.” He sweeps me into his arms right in front of the limousine. “I’m giving you back the time you lost; all the time you lost. So our night is moving along through the months, Cam.”
“Oh my god, that’s so sweet.” I feel the urge to cry from my hormones, and I purse my lips, trying to hold back the tears. He’s planning to give me all those treasured moments I lost, allowing me to relive them with him.
Adriano laughs and presses a soft kiss onto the tip of my nose.
“It’s my hormones,” I offer sheepishly, crying and smiling simultaneously.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. I know it bothers you that you lost those four months. But you didn’t; that’s what I’m showing you.”
“I’m really excited, but I still want to make an extra stop, if we can?”
His brows pull together. “Where?”
“To Nixon’s shop.”
Immediately, Adriano realizes what I mean, but he’s lost in thought for a second before he says, “It’s about damn time. I was going to tattoo it on you in your sleep if you didn’t mention it soon.”
“Um, I wouldn’t put it past you to actually do that.”
Amusement twists his sensual mouth before he turns around to the car. “Let’s go then.”
***
After I get my wedding ring tattooed on my finger in the exact same black metallic ink as Adriano’s, I’m eyeing it when we’re back in the limo.
“But mine reads Adriano while you only have three letters of my name, just Cam.”
“I could add the illa, but it would have to be added after the My angel then,” he replies dryly. “It’s good that you have my entire name so people can’t mistake that you belong to me.” He tucks me into his side.
“And you to me.”
He whispers against my temple, “Si, sempre.” Yes, forever.
Snuggling into him, I wonder what’s coming next but figure out that we’re on the road to James’s house when I recognize the route we’re driving.
“If you don’t tell me our destination, I won’t ride you tonight,” I harass him to tell me more, glancing up into his face.
He examines me closely for a moment, making me think he’s going to surrender, before his mouth turns up into a smirk. “Oh, you will ride me.”
“Tsk, tsk...Never mind. I already know where we’re going. I just don’t know what we’re going to do.”
Adriano pulls me tighter into his side and offers, “We just found out that we’re pregnant. And now, we’re going to celebrate with our families.”
The driver brakes in the driveway of James’s mansion, and we head up the steps to the front entrance where my father, who’s also dressed up in his suit, greets me.
“You look lovely, Cam.” James hugs me, and then Rosalia appears in an amazing rose-colored strapless gown that flows to the floor.
“Happy Thanksgiving!” She folds her arms around me.
“What?”
Adriano explains, “At this stop, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving and the pregnancy.”
“Oh, we’re celebrating more things that I missed,” I almost cheer.
The one thing I still feel pangs of regret over is missing so many months. It was odd to wake up and find out the world around me had changed. That aspect has been difficult to cope with, especially since I also found out I was pregnant and had missed four months of my pregnancy. I’ve told Adriano about this, and tonight, he’s giving me the impossible; he’s turned back time for me.
I grip Adriano hands, a bit astounded, but the good kind of astounded this time, as we walk through the foyer into the dining room where a lot of familiar faces are waiting for us. I was just expecting our mafia family, but the room is packed with everyone we know. Even Adriano’s parents are here. I don’t think they’ve ever set foot in this house.
Alessa comes up to me, looking as gorgeous as Rosalia with the same sleek, long black hair. “Cam, how was the ultrasound?”
“We could see the baby almost entirely. Show her—” But Adriano’s already presenting the sonogram to Luca and Fallon.
“Oh, so cute!” Fallon exclaims, righting her champagne-colored dress that hangs off one shoulder.
Adriano looks at me, and we share another private moment. We can communicate with simply a glance, and right now, I sense that he’s just as elated as I am.
“Are you hungry?” Alessa asks.
“Always,” Adriano mumbles, and I elbow him, so he pinches my ass.
“Well, we have a huge turkey.” She motions to the table where a delicious looking turkey is plated in the center, surrounded by tons of dishes of vegetables and antipasti.
The aroma wafting around the room is absolutely appetizing, and I greet all our friends and family on the way toward our seats. My closest family members are all sitting at the head of the table, starting with James and Alessa.
Sophia attempts to rise, but I place my hand on her shoulder and bend down to kiss her cheek. “Hey, Sophia.”
“You look so beautiful, Camilla,” she offers in an amiable tone.
We’re not each other’s favorite person, because we’re both possessive of Adriano, and I still don’t like the little stunt she pulled with Serena, but at least, she’s trying, and so am I. For Adriano, I’ll accept his overbearing mother. She does truly love her son and will spoil our child rotten. I’m sure of that.
“Camilla, my daughter.” Adriano’s father cups my cheeks lovingly.
His father is so kind, always taking care of everyone; I can tell Adriano inherited that quality from him.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” I say.
“Silly girl, I’ll always celebrate with my grandchild. How are you feeling?”
“I’m feeling really good,” I confess honestly, and he enfolds me in a fatherly hug.
“That makes this old man happy, my child. Because you make my son very happy.”
“Thank you.”
We pull apart before I get too sentimental.
Fallon, Luca, Carmine, and Logan are seated around or opposite me. Before I reach my seat, I pass Logan and slap the back of his head inconspicuously when I notice that he’s in a stare-off with Rosalia.
Shocked, he whips his head around just as I whisper, “I saw that.”
A lazy grin works its way across his face, and he leans back in his chair, popping an olive into his mouth.
Adriano holds out my chair, and I claim my seat next to Fallon. Then Adriano sits down on my other side.
“So...” James rises and starts, “Cam, Adriano, can we know what you’re having?”
Adriano’s overjoyed expression betrays we’re having a girl, and when Luca and Adriano glance at each other, I realize that Luca already knows.
He extends his arm across the back of my chair and stares thoughtfully into my eyes. “We’re having a baby girl.”
“Salute!” many voices congratulate, and James raises his glass as I rest my forehead against Adriano’s and press my lips against his as if we’re alone in the room, a sense of pure bliss cloaking me.
Then Adriano smiles and returns the gesture with his own glass, connecting the rims with a solid but gentle clink.
Fortunately, James begins to carve the turkey, because I’m starving. And Adriano’s already plating up my favorite meats and vegetables. He brings his fork to my mouth once in a while, letting me taste the most delicious appetizers. We eat, drink, and laugh for hours. We live the life we fought so hard to obtain. As I observe the mellow familial atmosphere, there’s a distinct feeling of ease in my heart, at last.
But Fallon demands my attention by jerking my hand and pointi
ng her chin toward Rosalia, who’s slipping out of the room. And not even thirty seconds later, Logan flees our gathering as well.
Fallon and I bolt up, making both Luca and Adriano look at us inquisitively.
“Bathroom,” I say to Adriano, and we scurry off, back into the foyer and past the curving twin marble staircase, until we hear murmurs.
Fallon and I tiptoe closer and eavesdrop on an impassioned conversation.
“I just want to explain, Rosa!”
“No, I don’t want to hear it,” Rosalia whisper-shouts.
We round the corner to witness Logan hurriedly stepping back from Rosalia.
I point my finger into Logan’s chest. “What the hell is going on between you two?”
Rosalia’s wide eyes shift to Logan, who’s running his hands through his dirty blond hair, making him appear much younger and more vulnerable. I’ve never encountered Wade – I mean Logan – in this emotional state before.
“Goddammit,” he swears. “This is between Rosa and me.”
“Don’t raise your voice to my wife,” Adriano interrupts, and his commanding presence has everyone frozen in place. “What’s going on?”
“Yes, what’s going on?” I repeat, addressing both of them.
When I meet Rosalia’s sorrowful gaze, I discover the truth in her sad expression; she’s in love with Logan. My sister is such a sweet girl, but she’s young. She’s still in college, still experimenting with alcohol and drugs sometimes, but she has a sensible head on her shoulders. Yes, she might get into trouble from time to time, but her grades are good, and she doesn’t slack off on the important things. When I met her, I was so happy to learn that she has the opportunity to be light-hearted and free while she’s still young, but being tied to a man like Logan will complicate her life in ways she can’t foresee.
Adriano wraps his arms around my waist from behind, pulling me back against his chest. “Cam, calmati. Why are you mad?”
“Because Rosalia’s infatuated with him!”
“Oh my god,” Rosalia objects. “I’m not. Please just leave this alone. Nothing is going on between us. It was just a misunderstanding.”
Adriano and Logan’s eyes clash, so I demand from Adriano, “Did you know?”
He kisses my temple to pacify me. “No, but I did suspect something was up between these two.”
Logan makes an unintelligible sound and shuffles off without acknowledging any of us.
Rosalia casts me a pleading look before she grabs Fallon and walks away, leaving me alone with Adriano.
“He’s going to hurt her, Adriano. He fucks everything in a skirt. She wants love.”
Adriano nips my ear. “That’s what everyone said about me when I first wanted you.”
“He’s going to eat her up.”
Adriano grunts loudly, and while laughing, he utters, “Um, I don’t want to think of Logan eating your sister...urgh.”
“Okay, that was a bad choice of words, but you know what I mean.”
“I think you’re being overprotective of Rosalia. They’re both adults. Leave them alone. I need you to focus on me.” His lips press against the side of my neck.
And I slide my hand up his beard. “Ah, it always comes back to you.”
“Yes.” He grinds himself against my ass. “I’m selfish. I want your world to revolve around me.”
In a quick twirl, he forces me to face him, but voices disturb us.
“Here you are,” Alessa speaks to Adriano. “It’s time to go.”
“We’re going to our next stop,” Adriano explains to me.
***
It’s almost ten p.m. when the driver drops us off at the SAIC Ballroom in the heart of the Loop. The entire party has moved to this new location.
Adriano threads his fingers through mine and squeezes them in encouragement as we stroll up the grand staircase and I’m accosted by the heavy fragrance of...pine trees? But when I see the venue, the scent makes sense. The ballroom radiates the chic splendor of the roaring nineteen-twenties with baroque balconies and a baby grand piano where a musician is playing Christmas songs next to a lighted tree. Tables decorated with Christmas ornaments are scattered about.
“Merry Christmas, Cam,” Adriano says as he escorts me to the dance floor with everyone either following us or dispersing to tables.
As Adriano sweeps me into his arms, he puts his cheek against mine. “I have a Christmas gift for you.”
“More?”
“Yes, it’s under the tree.”
I circle my arms around his neck. “This night has been surreal and so much fun. It’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you.”
“Anything for you.” And he leads me to the Christmas tree where I receive another black velvet box.
Clicking it open, I find pearl drop earrings that match my bracelet. “I love them!” I kiss him and murmur, “I’m going to ride you so hard tonight.”
Adriano releases a low growl of pleasure and strokes my ass unashamedly. Apparently, everyone got gifts, because the mayhem of opening them begins, and after an hour, there’s wrapping paper everywhere in the ballroom as Fallon and I dance to the music; Christmas songs in April.
I’m continuously aware of Adriano’s gaze on me, veiling me in his protectiveness. And after I return from my third visit to the bathroom, because this baby thinks my bladder is a trampoline, I walk up behind Luca and Adriano having a serious conversation.
“Two years ago, who would’ve ever thought we’d be sitting here, both married, and you with a baby girl on the way,” Luca speaks in a pleased voice.
“Sono felice, amico mio. Siamo stati bravi.” I’m happy, my friend. We did well.
There’s such a gentleness in Adriano’s tone that warms my heart.
“We sure did,” Luca confirms and turns his head, smiling at me.
Then Adriano comments, without looking back over his shoulder, “You can come closer now, Cam.”
I stop behind his chair and his arms fly back, groping my ass as he lifts his gaze. “Are you tired?”
“A little.”
He stands up so that I can sit and bends low to say, “It’s midnight.” His focus shifts to the dance floor where employees wheel in a cake with Happy New Year written on it, and the musician begins a countdown.
“Three, two, one. Happy New Year!” Red heart-shaped balloons drop from the ceiling.
Adriano guides me to stand up and presses his lips to mine while cradling my face. “To a new and healthy year without any time apart for us. Now, there’s one thing still missing from this journey.”
I frown, thinking we’ve covered everything that I missed while I was in a coma.
“The discovery of our pregnancy, our first ultrasound, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, but we haven’t covered Valentine’s Day, hence the red balloons.” Adriano takes a step back and fishes a black velvet box from inside his jacket. Opening it, he presents me with an engagement ring with a pink square diamond.
The proposal.
The first thing I blurt is, “I have three wedding rings now. It’s beautiful!” My hand shoots out to touch it just as Adriano snatches it back.
“May I do my thing first?” he asks around a charming smirk.
“Oh, yes. Sorry.”
He takes the ring out and sets the box on the table. Then he slides it onto my finger, careful not to disturb the bandage covering my tattoo, and doesn’t simply propose. No, Adriano proposes and vows to me, “If everything we’ve been through was necessary to be with you, I’d do it all over again. If all of the trials and tribulations were needed to grow old with you, to have this life with you, to have children with you, then I’d do it all over again. I’ll never let you face anything alone. You are the reason I exist, and I want to take care of you forever if you’ll let me. Will you marry me?”
My heart leaps inside of me. But since we are already married, of course, I ask first, “Does this mean we’re also going to have a real wedding?”
/> A smile creeps across his face. “Yes, you’re going to get bigger and bigger safely at home while planning the wedding you want. And I’ll be starting up our mission to break Medlov out of jail with Logan and Luca, but I promise that I’ll have a lot of time for you. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
The entire evening has been a whirlwind of emotions, and while I enjoy this moment, he’s getting anxious because of my silence.
“Cam!” His fingers brush my chin. “Woman, this is not the time to retreat into yourself.”
I offer the answer my soul screams, “Yes, yes, yes! You give me everything, but all I need is you.” And I fling myself into his arms, causing him to steady himself against the table.
“Ow, you’re heavy,” he says softly, but I heard it.
“Hey, don’t say that to a pregnant woman,” I joke. “Who is, by the way, your fiancée and your wife.”
We laugh at the absurdity of it all, but it’s us. And I also wouldn’t change a thing in our unusual lives.
Adriano holds me up with his arms locked around my thighs, right under my behind, as I weave my fingers into his thick hair, angling his head up while we behold each other.
“I’ll never leave your side either,” I vow to him and let the tips of our noses touch. “And I’ll always keep my promise. I’ll always be waiting for you at home, in our bed.” And I kiss him with raw passion.
“This is our unconventional normal, sweetheart,” he whispers against my mouth.
“I love you so much.”
Adriano’s face is full of pure happiness, as if he’s truly found the peace of mind that he lost when I was trapped in a coma, before he presses his lips to the pulse at my throat. “I love you like I never have or ever will love another. Not even death can tear us apart.”
***
Three months later
The due date has come and gone, and I’m still carrying this child in the sweltering heat of June. If my water doesn’t break soon, they’ll have to induce labor.
Fortunately, we’re ready for her. A few weeks ago, my nesting instinct kicked in, and I hounded Adriano about getting everything ready for our baby girl. In true Adriano style, he arranged it all within two days. Her ivory crib is in our master suite, she has more clothes than she’ll ever be able to wear, and I got a cute Disney princesses custom-made baby stroller. So, I’m calm because I’m completely ready for the baby to arrive.