Page 39 of Reckless Encore

What the hell?

“Not really.” Blake shrugged. “I want something that encapsulates my current mood, ya know? I want to bottle this sense of togetherness so we can always be reminded of the good times.”

Again, another contemplative nod came from his wife. “What are some of the things that placed you in this mood?”

Mitch had slipped into the twilight zone. Maybe he’d passed out. Maybe this was all a weird, trippy dream, and he would wake up on the grass in the middle of Sean’s backyard.

“I’ve got it.” Blake’s eyes widened. His mouth gaped. “I’ve got her fucking name.” He threw a victory air punch, then leaned over the plastic crib to make the sign of the cross with his hand. “I dub thee Belvedere Davies.”

“Fucking Belvedere?” Mitch spat. “You’re insane.”

“Not at all.” Blake swung around, his energy and enthusiasm splashing through the room like blood in a massacre. “It marks the occasion perfectly. We can call her Bele for short.”

Alana rested her head back against the pillows. “Sounds perfect.”

“Hell, yeah, it does.” Blake peered down at the baby and smiled. “My little Bele.”

“Okay. It’s time to leave.” Mitch pointed a thumb toward the hall. “Alana needs more sleep.”

Clearly, the lack of rest had made her insane.

“Sure thing.” Blake backtracked toward the hall. “Do you want me to tell the others what name I decided on? Or would you prefer to make the announcement?”

Alana shrugged and closed her eyes, snuggling under the bed coverings. “Go for it.”

Go for it?

Mitch sobered. Stone cold, in an instant.

What the absolute fuck was going on? Maybe she had some sort of chemical imbalance after the birth. Or her hormones were wreaking havoc. Maybe he should call a nurse and have her assessed.

“See you all later.” Blake turned into the hall, leaving the room in silence.

Mitch waited through pummeling heartbeats, then padded toward the bed. “Allie, is everything okay?”

She opened her eyes, and not an ounce of pretense stared back at him. In fact, she scowled. Scowled so hard he felt those eyes dig under his skull to gnaw at his brain.

“We arenotcalling our daughter Belvedere. I don’t care how many bets you lose,” she snarled. “You will fix this, Mitchell Davies. Or I swear to God I will make your life a living hell.”

“But you just…” His pulse increased along with the severity of her scowl. There was only one path to take moving forward. Only one way out of this mind-fuck of a situation.

He straightened and reminded himself of all the wonderful reasons why he loved this woman. He remembered the pre-pregnancy days when she was calm and kind and considerate. He reminded himself of the smiles and laughter. He focused on their unbreakable bond.

Then he nodded, pasted on a smile, and said, “Yes, dear.”

Chapter Ten

Sophie pinned Beth with a stare, sending an unspoken message she knew the other teenager would understand.

“And that, my friends, is how Beth got the name Bele.” Her dad raised his beer in the air. “And as they say, the rest is history.”

“Thenickname,” Mitch corrected. “I assure you Belvedere is not on her birth certificate.”

“Belvedere?” Beth shot a disgusted look at Blake. “I thought you called me Belle, meaning beautiful.”

“Sorry, kiddo.” Mitch cringed. “Uncle Blake was a little too friendly with the vodka bottle during those years. He named you after his favorite brand.”

“Vodka?” she snapped. “You named me after alcohol?”

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