Page 99 of Sins of Bliss
“Of course,” she says with a grin.
Sly walks over to the counter to put the bouquet down, then returns and opens the bag, distributing the sandwiches to each of us. The scent of bacon, eggs, and buttery bagels drifts into the air and my stomach rolls, both in hunger and what I now realize is morning sickness.
“Grazie, Cecilia,” he says, keeping a hold of a fourth sandwich. It brings another dopey smile to my face to know that my friends thought of him, too. Closing the distance between us, he leans down and kisses my forehead. “I’m going to give you guys some privacy and go check on your brother for an update. I’ll be back. Te amo, piccola ladra.”
“Thank you.” I grab ahold of his hand, holding it until he steps back so far, I’m forced to let go. “Love you, too.”
“You guys are sickening,” Raina declares with a hint of playful mockery.
“I take that as a compliment,” I brag.
“How are you doing, Vinnie? We’ve been so worried. We wanted to come last night, but Luciano insisted we wait. I barely slept.”
“I’m so sorry I didn’t reach out myself. I was in and out of sleep so much last night. I’m exhausted, but things could be worse, so I’m choosing to be grateful and stay positive. The only thing I really would love is an update on my father. The last I heard, he was in surgery, so I’m sure he’s out and resting by now.”
“Has your mother been by to see you?” Raina asks.
“Sly said she stopped by around six this morning, but I was still asleep, so he sent her away.”
“That woman infuriates me,” Lia grumbles, shaking her head.
I place my hand over hers. “I know. I’ve been learning to let it go.”
Still holding the breakfast sandwich, I set it down behind me and grab each of my friend’s hands. “I have something to tell you guys, and I was going to wait, but I don’t think I can hold it in any longer.”
Raina adjusts how she’s seated, bringing her leg beneath her as she shifts her body toward me. Excitement bubbles through me as I let go of her hand and reach for the pictures I’m hiding, but then a small wave of sadness and guilt hits me.
This is all Cecilia has ever wanted.
Am I a bad friend if I share news with her right now, knowing what she’s going through?
Looking down at my lap, I wonder if I actually should keep this to myself for a while longer. I don’t want to hurt her.
As if she can sense what I’m about to say, she squeezes my hand and smiles. When our eyes meet, she gives me a nod, as if she knows what I’m about to say, and I can see the mix of emotions on her face.
A tear falls from my eye, and I release my hold on the ultrasound photos, leaving them under my leg as I wipe it away.
“I’m pregnant,” I tell them, never pulling my gaze from Lia’s. Holding my breath, I wait to see the anger wash over her face, suddenly feeling sad about my news instead of joyous.
Raina squeals, “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! Vinnie!”
Tears form in Cecilia’s eyes, and silently she puts her arms around my neck and pulls me to her. I start to fully cry alongside her, and we hold each other tightly. “I’m so happy for you, and proud of you, Vinnie. You’re going to make the most amazing mother.”
“I’m so sorry,” I choke in a whisper, squeezing my eyes shut.
Roughly, she pushes me back, holding on to my shoulders. Looking me straight in the eye, she sternly says, “Don’t you dare be sorry. This is your journey, and I am absolutely thrilled for you. Do you hear me? I want nothing but happiness for you. You’re my best friend, and I love you so much. I can’t wait to be an auntie.”
“Really?” I weep.
“Really,” she confirms, pulling me back in for a hug.
“Okay, my turn to hug my baby mama,” Raina complains, and the three of us laugh together as she tosses her arms around me and Lia.
“I love you guys so much,” I tell them, meaning it with every fiber of my soul.
Pressing a big kiss to my cheek, Raina quips, “Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is then, and name the baby after us? Raina and Cecilia are beautiful names. Just sayin’.”
I shake my head, rolling my eyes as I pull the ultrasound photos from beneath my leg and hand them to her, and Cecilia goes to stand next to Raina to look at them.
