Page 55 of His Vow
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Two blue lines taunt me from the shelf above the bathroom sink, proof of the impossible. In fact, that’s four blue lines intotal, because I did two tests, not believing the first one. I definitely don’t have a stomach bug. I’m pregnant.
I guess I fall into the 1 percent category of birth control ineffectiveness. Although, with all the different time zones and the fact we’ve never used a condom except for that first time, I shouldn’t be surprised.
Checking my phone, I wonder if Antonio has landed in Naples yet. If not, then it shouldn’t be long till he does. With shaky fingers, I send him a message to call when he lands. There’s no way I can keep this news to myself when I’ve no idea if he’s ready for children.
Does he remember that weekend in Capri when I said I wanted to be a mother?
My hand flies to my mouth, and this time, it’s not because I’m going to be sick.
Cavolo! I hope he doesn’t think I planned this.
And when my cell buzzes and the namebig-guyflashes on the screen, I don’t immediately answer because I’m not sure how to tell him.
“Hey, sweetheart. Are you missing me already?” If only he knew how much I wish he were here with me so I could see his reaction. We haven’t talked about children—well, not since we decided to turn our arranged marriage into a real one.
But my nerves get the better of me, so instead of telling him why I need to speak to him, I answer his question. “I needed to hear your voice.”
A chuckle rumbles through the phone, and for the first time today, my stomach settles. “You really are missing me.” His voice holds surprise, and I imagine his raised eyebrow and a satisfied smile plastered across his perfect mouth.
“I just need to hear you tell me again that you love me,” I plead as a wave of tears close my throat, turning my voice croaky.
“I love you, beautiful,” he says, and a couple of tears escape down my cheeks. “Hey, how did your meeting go with the boutique?”
“R-r-really good,” I stammer, my voice hitching. The initial enthusiasm has paled into insignificance, given the news I’ve had since.
“That’s great. I’m so proud of you, and when I’m home, we’ll celebrate.” He’s so happy for me that more silent tears flow unchecked. Google said hormones would already be wreaking havoc on my body, making me feel sick and emotional. I just didn’t expect it would be all at once.
“Luce, are you okay?” he asks, concern etched into his voice, and this time, I can’t hold back a sob. It’s pulled from my chest in a spluttering gasp.
“I’m pregnant,” I blurt out, completely overwhelmed. The tension of trying to find the right words to tell him releases in a messy, emotional display, and now I’m glad he can’t see me.
“Did you say … pregnant?” Antonio stutters. I guess my words weren’t very clear.
“Sì, we’re having a baby.” My breath hitches. “I know we haven’t talked about this, but—”
I don’t get to finish before he interrupts. “I’m going to be a dad.” He sounds happy, but I can’t be sure.
“Is that okay?” I ask, biting down on my bottom lip as I wait for his reply.
“Okay? I’m fucking ecstatic. My beautiful wife, who has my heart, is having my baby. That’s amazing. Fuck, I wish I was there with you.”
Another wave of tears overwhelms me, but this time the sobs are intermingled with laughter.
“Are you okay?”
“Sì, sì. Perfect. Well, a little sick, but I’m fine now that I’ve told you. Just a bit emotional, and apparently, that’s normal.”
He asks a million questions about babies, most I don’t have answers to, with only my hour of Googling knowledge on the subject. I’m sure we’ll figure it out together.
“I have to go now, but we’ll talk again tomorrow. I love you, my beautiful wife, mother of my child.”
“I love you too, papa-to-be,” I whisper, and with the words comes a shiver that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. “Stay safe and come home soon,” I add, though I’m not sure why I feel uneasy about him being away this time when he’s always traveling. It hasn’t bothered me in the past.
Again, I put it down to hormones.
Chapter twenty-three
