Page 100 of There Are No Words

Finding a bench to sit down outside Julia’s apartment, I looked at Brady.

“We should head back home soon, it’s getting late, so let me know when you’re ready,” Brady said, sitting next to me.

Nodding, I waved him off. I wasn’t worried about the time. How could I be after what we’d just experienced? I mean it was worlds from what I’d experienced the last time, but then again, look at how much had changed. One thing would never change, though, and that was how I still wanted Mom beside me for all the moments. “What did you think of that?” I asked, placing my hands between my legs.

Brady raked a hand through his hair and shifted to face me. “I think that was pretty incredible. What didyouthink of it?”

I mean, where did I begin? Incredible was an understatement. It was an affirmation I didn’t even know I needed. It gave me courage. Strength. Wisdom. To know that she approved of me and Brady and our surprise baby, and the way I’d handled things with Jade. . . I’d never forget that. “It was nice to get to feel connected to my mom again. This hasn’t been easy, being pregnant without her. And don’t get me wrong, I’ve always believed she was with me, but to know she’s happy about everything. It means the world to me,” I said, opting for the vaguest but also truest way to describe my feelings about the whole experience.

“Yeah, I can see that,” Brady agreed.

I looked around as the moon moved up in the night sky. It was far from a quiet night in the city with people walking in every direction, cars and taxis rushing by, and music and noise from nearby buildings blaring out of open windows, but I’d never felt more at peace in my life. My heart was so full, socontent, I was finally able to decide something that definitely needed to be decided. “I’d like to suggest a name for Baby,” I announced, peering down at my belly.

“Really?” He cocked a brow. “We haven’t talked about names yet.”

I shook my head and stared into his brown eyes. “I know we haven’t, and I didn’t have any ideas, but I have one now. Do you have any?” I asked. If I was being honest, I hoped he didn’t because the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to name her.

Brady brought his finger to the crease that must’ve formed between my eyebrows and gave me an assuring smile. “You can relax, Allegra. I don’t have a single idea. What are you thinking? Regina, for your mother?”

I let out a small gasp. How this man knew me. Almost, anyway. “Close.”

“I’m out.”

I leaned over and whispered it in his ear. As I backed up, I asked, “So what do you think about it?”

Brady nodded and smiled, cupping my hand with his. “I love it.” He rubbed my shoulder and brought his hand down my back to rest on my waist.

I really hoped he did love it. Nodding my satisfaction, I stood. “Good. Then we can go now. I’m ready to get home.” I yawned, exhaustion finally hitting me. Whether it was from the emotional experience of the night or the pregnancy, I wasn’t sure, but I was ready to sink into bed with Brady.

Following my lead, he stood, pulling his keys out of his pocket. “Me, too. Tonight’s been a pretty full night, and I didn’t have half the experience you did. Besides, you need your rest.”

I’d never admit this again, so pay attention—I didn’t like asking for help. I wasn’t too fond of having anyone take care of me. My sisters and I were raised to be strong and independent,to never need or rely on anyone for anything. The truth was you never knew how long people were going to be in your life. I’d learned that the hard way many times before. And the adjustment wasn’t easy for me. But—and this was the confession—I sort of liked having Brady watch out for me and take care of me, even in ways I hadn’t noticed before.

Brady Moore was my North Star. Only, he burned much brighter.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Allegra

Brady whistled aswe walked into theBellissimaanniversary party.With one of his hands resting on my lower back, he breathed close to my ear, and shivers ran down my spine. “This venue looks like it belongs in a goddamn movie. And all the gold decorations. . . this might be the nicest party my guys and I have ever bartended.”

I rested my palm on my stomach and groaned, wishing I were sitting so I could get off my feet, and the party hadn’t even begun yet. I’d had more pain today. More than I’d had throughout this entire pregnancy.

Unfortunately, I knew I wouldn’t enjoy any of it because I felt another intense squeeze (there was really no other way to describe it) across my abdomen. There was no way a girl could enjoy anything with pain like that. It was like a cramp I’d usually experienced on my period, but far worse. I held out a hand and searched for Brady’s arm, not wanting to take my eyes off the floor as I prayed the pain lifted.

In an instant, he was holding my arm, his grip strong, like he wasn’t planning on letting go anytime soon. “Allegra,” he said my name with a cautious tone in his voice. “What’s wrong?” His tone changed immediately, laced with concern now.

So maybe he hadn’t known just how bad the pain was. Maybe I’d hid that part of it. But in my defense, I knew he’d worry and I didn’t want that. Or he’d insist I stay home. Which wasn’t happening. I wanted to be here. To celebrateBellissima’sanniversary and see all my hard work pay off. And to see my man bartending at the party I’d planned.

I puckered my lips and tried to breathe out, but it was like someone had their hand on my windpipe and it wasn’t easy to do so.

I picked my head up and turned to Brady, my eyes wide as they connected with his. “Oh, nothing.”

“Allegra,” he said my name seriously. More seriously than he’d ever said it before. What, did he have some sixth sense for what I was feeling?

I waved him off. “It’s nothing. Guests are about to start arriving, so let’s just get you to the bar.”

I tried to take a few steps but stopped short and bent over, my hand coming to my stomach again. “Shit!” I hissed. “It’s too early. It’s too soon. I’m not due yet!” I said in between panting through the pain.

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