Page 57 of Deadly Don's Baby Contract

We lay like that for a while, in the aftermath of a kiss that feels like the first.

"So, what is it that you wish had been different?" I remember the unanswered question.

"Don't get me wrong, I love my family and wouldn't trade them or this for anything..." He lingers.

"But..." I nudge.

"But... I can't help wondering what a life away from the business would have been like. What kind of man I would have been without all the death and violence that constantly lapped onto our doorstep. My parents tried their best to shield us from it, but once you've seen your favorite uncle gunned down while taking you for an ice cream, there's not much more that a kid can be protected from." My heart bleeds for him in that moment and fears for our child. Until this moment, my concern about raising them in this world was limited to fearing for their safety or that of Franco and me. I had forgotten the harsh truths about this world. The hushed conversations and continual low-humming anxiety that children pick up on so easily. The raised voices and threats that get casually thrown about in the belief that it's beyond their understanding. How they notice the subtlest change in staff or friends.

"What are you thinking?" he asks as he kisses the top of my head.

"Nothing and everything," I say by way of reply. "It's a lot to process, isn't it? A whole human life is going to be completely our responsibility, and no matter how hard we try or how much work we put in, we're never going to be able to foresee every hurt, pain or tragedy. Even the ones we will invariably inflict."

"Like?" he prods.

"We're going to try our best, but they'll still fall, scrape knees, be exposed to things that we never wanted them to be exposed to, get their heart broken." I sigh. "I guess that's why parents are the way they are. No matter how old their kids get, they're still parents." We both keep quiet. "I have a sudden need to call my folks," I say, and he laughs.

"Me too."

"I just hope our kid is nothing like me," I say.

"I love you. I hope our kid is exactly like you," he replies.

"Trust me, you don't!" I say, sitting up and pulling my legs underneath me to look at him. "I was a nightmare as a teenager," I say, smiling at the memory. "My parents say I made them old. I was a strong-willed, mouth kid who refused to be told, and I grew into a strong-willed, obstinate, headstrong teen who refused to be told."

He pulls me down toward him and whispers, "Yes, but you grew into a strong-willed, capable and headstrong woman who was just what this wild and untamable man needed."

"Awww babe..." I say as I move to kiss that sweet mouth.

A cleared throat behind us startles us both. It's Marco.

"Marco. Hi," I say, suddenly flustered and wondering how long he's been standing there.

"Hi, Aria." He comes toward me and kisses me on both cheeks. It's the first time he's been here and the first time that he seems almost kind and happy.

Franco is still stand-offish, and I have to nudge him to get up and greet his brother. He does, but not before pulling a face at me and making a show of having to get up.

I start to leave the room.

"I'll let you two talk," I say.

"No. Aria, please stay. I want to talk to both of you," he says, looking uncomfortable suddenly.

"Ok. Please sit down," I say, and we move towards the small mosaic table and chairs that sit in the corner. "Can I get you something to eat or drink? We have some wonderful crumb cake and apple pie from De Lucci's."

"That would be great with some coffee, Aria."

"Great, I'll be right back."

"Babe, let Louis bring it in," Franco says, but I nip out as fast as my bump will allow, which isn't very fast. So much for trying to make leaving the two of them alone together seem fated.

When I get back, Louis helps me carry in the pastries and coffee and sets the plates and cutlery down before swiftly leaving the room. It's clear after a few moments that neither of them has said a word. Morelli men! Please, Lord, don't let the baby have this pigheadedness!

"Thank you," Marco says to Louis's departing figure and then to me. I just smile. "I wanted to tell you two that I want us to start on a clean slate. I miss my family, my kid brother." He looks at Franco.

I elbow my husband in the side, but it's like a canary's wing slapping an elephant. He doesn't even wince, and I know enough not to push it.

"I'd love that too, Marco," I volunteer.

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