Page 41 of United Reign (Valentino Empire 3)

“What if he finds you first, T? We’re about to have a child. I can’t do this alone.”

“You won’t have to. Our son or daughter will have both of us, Holly.”

“Which one do you want?”

“Huh?”

“A son or daughter? Which one do you want the most?”

“In my position, I’m supposed to say a son. Someone to take over the family business—ifhe wants to. But, honestly, I’d fucking love a daughter. A mini you? I couldn’t think of anything better. What about you?”

“I don’t know. I just want a healthy baby. And I want to be the kind of mother my mum was growing up. She was always there for us. Would drop whatever she was doing for me and Reilly. I’m worried that I don’t really have it in me to do this. I’m scared I won’t love this child like it deserves to be loved, T.” I don’t know why I can’t stop these thoughts from coming up. I need to get my head in the game. This baby is happening. I’m going to be someone’s mother. I have to start thinking like it.

“Dolcezza, you are going to love this child more than you could ever love me. I know you will.”

“I don’t think that’s possible, T. I love you so freaking much. I can’t think of anyone I’d put above you. Don’t you dare ever tell Reilly that, or I will kill you myself.”

“You know, I thought I had loved people before. My parents. Neosometimes. But you, Holly, it’s a different kind of love. It’s something I’ve never experienced. And this baby, that’s a different kind of love too. I can’t wait to meet him, or her. I’m jealous as fuck that you get to carry it around inside you, and I can’t. I know that you will love this child. It won’t be the same way that you love me, and that’s okay. It will be more powerful, Holly, trust me.”

“You’re jealous of not being the one who’s going to get fat? That’s odd.”

“Well, I can let myself go. Get a big beer gut or something if you want?” he offers.

“Nope, I’m good with just how you are now.” I run my hands down his naked chest, over the ridges of his abs and back up again. “You know, if this Clover guy is Irish, have you tried looking in plain sight? Around the Irish community?”

“We’ve got people scouring the city for him, Holly. We will find him.”

“Maybe there’s a way to draw him out?”

“Maybe, I really don’t want you to worry about it though. I’ve got this handled.”

“I thought we were a team now? United and all that.”

“We are, but you need to sleep. I have a surprise for you arriving tomorrow night. You’ll want to be well rested.”

“A surprise? What is it?”

“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise. Go to sleep, dolcezza. I love you.”

“Argh, I hate surprises,” I groan.

“No, you don’t.”

* * *

I’ve been on pins and needles all day. T went to the office for a few hours and then came back cool as a cucumber. I’ve tried to get him to tell me what the surprise is, but he won’t budge.

It’s past dinnertime, and I’m starting to think that there isn’t actually a surprise at all. But that’s okay. Because right now, curled up in the movie room with my husband, I have everything I could ever need.

“You guys do know it’s only eight o’clock at night, and you’re in New York fucking City—the city that doesn’t sleep. Why the hell are you in pjs watching TV? Are you fifty already?”

I jump (like literally jump) off the couch the moment I hear the voice. By the time she’s finished her little lecture, I’ve tackled her and she stumbles back a couple of steps. “What? How? Why?” I can’t seem to get my thoughts out.

Reilly is here, right in front of me. “Well, I bloody missed you too, sis.”

“I can’t believe you’re here. And we’re not in bloody pjs,” I squeal. Yep, I focus on that part of her speech.

“Well, you can thank your hunky hubby for that. He sent a jet and practically ordered me to get on it. And that dress?Damn, Hol. Def not pjs. I’m so glad we’re the same size. I’m stealing all of your clothes before I leave.”

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