I chuckle. “You’re fine.”
“Oh, that accent. Where are you from?”
“It’s Danish. My parents were from Denmark.” I don’t get into my full heritage. I only answer the gist of her question.
She takes the pen from my hand, still blushing to her roots. “Right, next vacation is to Denmark.” Then under her breath, she mutters, “And Ms. Mitchell indeed has a bun in the oven. Poor Mrs. Burns, still a nope.” She then notes the charts before her.
“Okay, you’re all set. Mr. Di Lorenzo asked us to hold off on the date, that’s why you don’t see one. Looks like you’re VIP. Ms. Manning can call when she’s ready, we’ll fit her in ASAP.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Like I said, I’m very excited and a bit nervous.”
She smiles and hands the folder back to me. “Well, we can’t wait to be a part of the journey. Good luck.”
“I’m Ramona, by the way. You come see me if you need help when you return,” the other woman says.
“Thank you.”
I turn to head out and overhear the other one whisper. “I think that was his boyfriend or husband or something. They made the appointment for their surrogate. Damn shame. They’re both fine as fuck.”
“The Italian?”
“Yup.”
“No fucking way. Damn. I’ll have their baby if she changes her mind.”
“Shh.”
I chuckle and head out. I love when people make assumptions. I can’t wait until we return. For now, I have all I need.
I go out to the SUV and climb into the driver’s seat. Gio stares at the side of my face. I smile as I turn the car on.
“Looks like we’re going to be uncles again.”
“Marone, you couldn’t wait, could you, Dario?” he huffs to himself.
“At least you know the reno idea worked out. It’s about time,” I say.
“This is true. For now, we know nothing.” I nod and pull off before he continues. “Oh, that reminds me. Have our friend head over toAnima Miasto see Dario.”
“Got it.” Talon Thompson still has a message to deliver. I’ll reach out at our next stop.
Chapter 22
ATrail of Hearts
Nyla
“Hey, Dad,” I sing as I walk into the kitchen.
I notice right away something is off. Elijah has a glass of clear liquid and the bottle in front of him as he stares down at a jewelry box. The lights in the kitchen are dim as he sits alone.
He lifts his blue gaze and gives me a weak smile. “Hey, Ny. Are you hungry? I can fix you a plate.”
“No, I’m fine. Where’s Lizzy?”
“Some new merch arrived. She was sorting through it before a delivery from Gio arrived. I think she’s reading now. Whenever he sends books, she disappears for hours.”
I frown. “Does he send them often?”