Page 54 of Fierce Hearts

"You're family, Gray. And so is Sofia—she was before the baby, because she's essentially Meredith's sister." There was a pause. "Oh, and by the way... congratulations."

A smile tugged at my lips despite everything. "Thanks."

"You'll make a fine father."

The line went dead as Leo hung up, the soft smile remaining as I carried the hot chocolate up to Sofia. The domestic act felt strange yet right—caring for someone in this simple, tangible way.

Caring for the mother of my child.

When I returned to the bedroom, Sofia was propped against the headboard, scrolling through her phone with a furrowed brow.

"Doomscrolling isn't going to help," I said as I set the hot chocolate on the bedside table.

"Yeah, well, it keeps me distracted," she muttered before glancing up at me and offering a small smile that made her dimples appear. "Thank you. You didn't have to do everything you've been doing…"

"I wanted to." I sat on the edge of the bed. "You need to relax and take care of yourself."

She sighed as she reached for her mug. "This whole thing is insane. Talk about being up shit creek without a paddle."

I chuckled and shook my head as she took a gulp of the hot drink.

"Who did you call?" she asked after swallowing.

"Leo," I admitted. "He's going to help us figure this out."

She stared down at her mug, frowning at it like it was partially responsible. "I still don't see how we can sort all this out. Getting rid of the baby and just doing my duty is probably the best option to keep the peace?—"

"No." The word came out louder than I'd hoped, her gaze snapping up to meet mine. "I don't want that," I said more gently. "Nor do you, it seems."

Her eyes searched mine as her face softened. "No, I don't, but it's the logical, easy choice."

"Since when have you ever liked easy? You could've left the country with your mother when your father passed, but you chose to stay and to study, to become something more in the place you called home," I reminded her.

"I guess I'm a little too stubborn sometimes," she agreed, but then her face fell. "This could become a big mess, Gray. If you and Leo get involved… I wanted to handle this without the Donatis."

"That baby is mine, and the Donati are my family, now more than ever. Leo is my brother, he will want to protect his niece or nephew as well."

"Right…" She drew her lower lip between her teeth, and I fought the urge to kiss her, wanting to relieve some of the distress and turmoil she was enduring right now.

"Sof, I know we said no strings… but this, this changes things," I said carefully, watching as her brow furrowed. "Perhaps we should re-evaluate what we mean to one another."

She shook her head, lifting the hot chocolate for another sip, as if she was using it as a makeshift barrier between us. "I don't want to go back into that life, not by my family or by you."

"It doesn't sound like you have a choice anymore," I said, hating the truth of my words. "The only say you get is how you go back into that life. Even by remaining Meredith's best friend, you were choosing it."

She closed her eyes, and I could see how everything was crushing down on her. It was too much—it would be for anyone.

"I'll stay with you tonight, keep you company. I'm not going anywhere, this is no longer your cross to bear alone. You have more people here for you than you realize, Sof."

"That's what scares me, Gray," she whispered, her jaw clenching as she fought the urge to get upset. "People who are willing to protect me and fight for me are putting their lives in danger. It's not what I want, I don't want anyone's blood on my hands."

"Sometimes, that choice isn't yours to make. I made that choice all those years ago for Meredith too, as did Leo. She couldn't have stopped us if she tried. That choice was ours to make, not hers. I just wish she'd told us so we could've protected her sooner. Saved her from what she went through. I'm glad I'm learning this now, and not…" I gritted my teeth, not wanting to even think of what I'd do if I were to find out about her wedding after the fact. Or to learn of her death or abuse at Juan's hands.

He'd be a dead man walking until I got to him.

She sighed, her shoulders sagging, but those sweet eyes opened to meet mine.

She knew she was fighting a losing battle by trying to take that choice away from us. Even Meredith wouldn't allow it. I was sure Leo was talking to her right now in regard to it all, and probably voicing his displeasure at her not informing him immediately of what she'd learned. But their relationship was not one I was going to get involved in. They'd figure it out, Leo loved her too much.

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