Page 84 of Fierce Hearts

"What? Why?" A flutter of anxiety rippled through me. Something must have happened, something new. The Ferences or Savocas were up to something.

"It's for a good reason," Gray said, squeezing my hand. "It's important, but you don't need to worry. It's nothing bad, I promise."

"Right, I feel like worry is my middle name now," I muttered, trying to read him. What could it be then? Surely not some sort of baby shower surprise or something. It was far too soon for that. Maybe they just wanted to be here for me, but honestly, I just wanted to be alone for a while, maybe just with Gray.

I just needed some quiet.

"Rest, we've got time. They'll be here within the hour," he said, and I sighed.

"Easier said than done."

He chuckled before moving closer and wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

"Close your eyes, Sof. Just focus on this moment, on us, on how we're alive and well. Everything else will work itself out, I promise," he said as he kissed my temple.

I wanted to do that, but I also knew things didn't just happen. We made them happen, and I'd been thinking a lot about what I needed to do in regard to protecting everyone. I needed to take things into my own hands.

But right now, I was exhausted from my broken sleep and stress, and closing my eyes for a short while wasn't going to hurt.

* * *

I awoketo Gray shaking my shoulder gently.

"Hey, beautiful, they're here, I'll go greet them and give you a minute to wake up properly, brush your teeth if you want to or something," he murmured.

I groaned, nuzzling into him again, not wanting to face anyone just yet. Just a little more sleep, that was all I wanted.

He kissed the top of my head once more, and I sighed, knowing I had to move. I slowly rose off the couch, stumbling towards the hall to go brush my teeth and maybe change into something more appropriate for guests.

What I wouldn't do for some real coffee.

By the time I exited my room, my teeth brushed, in more suitable attire and freshened up, I could hear voices from the living area.

Leo's deep tone, Meredith's lighter one, and the distinguished cadence of Canzio Donati. But then I heard another voice, one I hadn't heard in years, and yet it sliced through me like lightning, my heart skipping a beat.

"Mom?" I whispered, my footfalls quickening as I headed to the living area.

I stepped out, my heart nearly stopping at the sight of everyone spread out in my living area, my gaze landing on the one person I couldn't believe was here. There she was, talking with Maria Donati as they sat on the couch. My mother, Gabriella Savoca, now taking her maiden name Passeri once more, looking both exactly as I remembered and somehow completely different. Her dark hair had more silver than before, and fine lines framed her eyes, but her posture remained straight, proud—the bearing of a woman who had survived the impossible.

They fell silent as her gaze found mine, and everyone turned to look my way.

"Sofia," she breathed, and then she was up and rushing toward me, gathering me into her arms.

I broke. The tears came despite my battle, hot and fast, soaking into her silk blouse as I clung to her. She smelled the same—expensive jasmine perfume—and the familiar scent unlocked a flood of emotions I'd been holding back.

"How are you here?" I finally managed, pulling back to look at her face, to reassure myself she was real.

Maria stood from the couch, a gentle smile on her face. "I thought you might need your mother right now. No woman should go through pregnancy without her mother if she can help it."

I looked between them, stunned. "You found her?"

"I have resources," Maria said simply, her eyes softening. "And a mother's intuition about when another mother is needed."

My mother led me to the couch, keeping hold of my hand as if she was afraid I might disappear. "When Maria contacted me about what was happening, I couldn't stay away. Not with Ernesto trying to marry you off to Juan Ference, of all people."

The way she spat Juan's name carried a weight of knowledge, and I swallowed uneasily. But then she smiled warmly and nodded at both Canzio and Maria. "They offered me protection and a way here to be with you."

"Thank you," I turned to them both, smiling.

---