Page 80 of Broken Princess

"Lorenzo?" His expression falls. "EvenLorenzoknows my shame?"

I laugh because I can't help myself. "I mean... if you want to see it that way."

He groans, dropping his head back against the back of the couch. "Great. Why not?"

"It's going to be okay, Anthony," I say, reaching over to put a hand on his forearm. "Whatever happens, I promise you that. And if Stefan doesn't feel the same way, it's his loss, but I do know he's a good guy, and he's not going to freak out or have whatever reaction you're worried about if you do tell him."

He shakes his head vehemently. "I can't do that. No way. I haven't even officially come out to my dad. ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell’ is still very much under effect in the Moreau household, but it's always been theoretical. If there was an actual flesh and blood guy, I..."

"Okay," I say, giving his arm a squeeze. "It's okay. You don't have to tell anyone anything until you're ready, but when you do, I'll be here, okay? Always, no matter what."

Anthony's gaze softens, and he smiles. It's a small smile and I can tell he's still freaking out internally, but it reaches his eyes. "Thanks, Amelia. That means a lot."

I lean in to give him a tight squeeze. "Like someone told me a long time ago... you're not getting rid of me that easily."

He hugs me back and sighs, and when he finally pulls away, there are unshed tears in his eyes, but he seems a little calmer. "You know, you're good at crisis counseling."

"I learned from the best," I say dryly.

"Enough about me. What's been going on with you and Lorenzo? Any amendments to the due date?"

"I'm not sure that's how it works," I muse. "But I think the baby just comes whenever she wants. That does remind me, though... Lorenzo and I were going to ask you together, but I guess now is as good a time as any and I think he'd agree."

"Oh?" he asks, tilting his head.

"Will you be Vivian's godfather?" I ask.

It seems like an obvious enough course of action to me, but judging from the way his eyes widen and his face turns blank in shock, he wasn't expecting it.

"You want me to be her godfather?" he chokes out. "Like, the normal kind, not the Mafia kind?"

I snicker. "That is the idea, yeah. But if you need time to think about it—"

"No," he says eagerly. "No, not at all. Of course. I'm... touched. But are you sure? I'm kind of a wreck."

"And I'm not?" I quip. "But yeah, I'm sure. There's no one else I'd rather it be."

He smiles, a bit broader this time. "Then I'm honored. Thank you."

We end up talking about lighter topics for the rest of the afternoon as he catches me up on all the drama and gossip I've missed out on, and it's just like old times. It feels good to know that no matter what else happens, I always have Anthony in my corner.

He may not be blood, but he's family nonetheless.

CHAPTER 43

LORENZO

I've been working for Amelia's father for the last several months side by side, and while I wouldn't say we're best friends, we have come to respect each other a lot more. At least, I think. I'm still well aware that I was not his number one choice for his daughter, but I'm just going to have to prove him wrong.

As the day of Amelia's due date draws closer and closer, I find myself getting anxious, which is really not something I'm used to. I'm used to being the one who is always cool and collected, but when it comes to Amelia and our baby, I just can't seem to help myself.

Of course, there are some things in this world that just don't go by punctuality, and apparently, babies are one of them.

The baby shower was supposed to be today, but Amelia's morning sickness has been so bad lately that it was agreed to postpone it until the new medicine the doctor put her on has time to kick in.

I don't like being away from her at all, but her father is with her at home. I find myself checking my phone all day long whenever I have to be away from her. Next week is the official due date, so I've already arranged to take the time off just so I can be there at a moment's notice.

I'm sitting in my office, idly tapping my fingers on the desk as I try to concentrate on work and not the time, when my phone finally goes off. It's a text from Amelia, but all it says is, "It's happening."

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