Page 89 of Triplets for the Mafia Prince

Her eyes flash open. “Oh?” She reaches down and cups my dick.

I laugh. “That’s my gift to you. Come on. Let’s go see the tree.”

She shakes her head. “You’re just like a kid.”

“It’s been a long time since I enjoyed Christmas. Besides, next year, the baby will be here. I’ve got to figure this out.”

“The baby… right.”

I wonder what she means, but she’s getting out of bed and putting on her robe. I follow her to the living room where the ginormous tree, nearly too big for the elevator we brought it up in, stands. I turn on the lights as Bella gapes at all the presents.

“Goodness, are there any gifts left for other people?”

I tug her to the tree and we sit. “Too much?”

She leans in and kisses me. “No. I love it.”

I have this plan, an order for the gifts, but I quickly toss it aside and reach for the small box that was supposed to be last.

She gives it a shake. “It’s not a puzzle.”

“Open it.” My heart is beating a million miles a minute.

She pulls the ribbon off and flips the box open. Inside sits a Regency-style diamond ring. Her gaze jerks to me.

I take the ring out. “I figure it's something like what Colonel Brandon would have given Marianne, right?”

“Nic.” Her breath catches. I hope it’s for the right reasons.

“I might be old and infirm, but I love you, Bella. You’ve told me you want to stay. You’re having our child. Tell me you love me and will marry me.” I slip the ring on her finger.

She throws her arms around me. “I love you and will marry you.”

Her exuberance in showing her love always fills me with awe. I don’t deserve her, but I vow to spend each day of the rest of my life working toward making her happy.

I kiss her, my hand going to undo her robe as I’m ready to make love.

“Wait.” She stops me. “I have something for you.”

“Yes. I think it’s under here.” I tug at the tie of her robe.

“Nic!” She pushes my hand away. “That can wait. I want to give you my present.”

I sit on my hands. “I’ll behave.”

She laughs as she gives me an envelope. I open it and pull out what looks like X-ray film. On it is a large gray area with three dark areas.

I look up at her. “Is this the baby?” I hated not being able to be there for her ultrasound, but it was more important to kill Wally Tessitore, who was threatening to kidnap Bella and finish off what my father started.

“Well… yes and no.”

“No?” Fuck. “What’s wrong?”

She puts her hands on mine. “Nothing’s wrong. It’s just that… well… there’s three babies.”

It takes a minute for her words to filter through. “Three?” I look down at the sonogram again.

“Yes. Three. Triplets.” Her voice is a little giddy, like she’s excited but scared too.

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