Page 66 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

“No.”

He didn’t know what that was, but the doctor’s approving nod told him it was a good thing.

“Has your morning sickness changed in frequency?”

“It’s increased.”

That made him feel guilty. He hated the thought of Allison suffering, especially alone.

Maybe I should ask—

No. Not now.

“Any specific cravings?”

“Pickled bell peppers with cheese.”

Angelo’s mouth watered at the thought of grilled peppers from Florina with feta cheese—a Greek treat similar to Allison’s craving.

I should take her to a Greek restaurant sometime.

A few questions later, the doctor set down her chart and pen, turning to the ultrasound machine. As she clicked buttons, Angelo couldn’t help but admire the dedication it took to become a doctor. The years of studying, the sleepless nights—it was something he could never see himself enduring.

His sister, though, had decided she was all in for that kind of torment. She was in her senior year of med school in Athens, with hopes of becoming a surgeon in the US one day.

Of course, Angelo hadn’t had the easiest time learning the ropes of the business world. But his father had started training him young, which had helped immensely in understanding the complicated corporate world.

Angelo glanced at Allison’s belly and mentally promised their unborn child that he’d do the same. He’d never neglect his son or daughter, even when work got hectic.

His parents, no matter how horrible they’d been to each other, had raised him well—his father had taught him how to be a true man and care for his family.

The familiar, yet still astonishing, sound of his baby’s heartbeat pulled Angelo out of his reverie.

Badum. Badum. Badum.

He would never tire of that sound—his little one’s heart pounding away. He had fallen in love with it the first time he heard it months ago, and since then, that little blip on the monitor had become his world. His little angel.

His whole heart.

“Would you like to find out the sex today?” the doctor asked, making his heart race.

Allison nodded just as vigorously as Angelo, squeezing the life out of his hand. He didn’t mind—shewas clinging tohim, and they were about to find out the sex oftheirbaby.

The doctor squirted some gel on Allison’s belly, then she moved the wand across, and they both held their breath.

“Congratulations. It’s a little girl.”

A girl. A baby girl. Our baby girl.

“We’re having a girl.” Allison’s voice trembled as she repeated the words echoing in his mind. Angelo felt moisture gather in his eyes.

“We’re having a girl,” he said, trying to believe it. The words reverberated in his mind, each repetition solidifying the surreal reality.

We’re having a girl.

The phrase consumed him, becoming his entire world, a mantra that blocked out everything else. Tears streamed down his face, and his hands trembled uncontrollably. Allison, having composed herself, adjusted her clothes and stood, gently coaxing him to his feet. She guided him into a comfortingembrace as the doctor quietly exited, leaving them to their private moment.

Despite the emotional storm around him, Angelo felt oddly numb, as if time had paused.

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