Page 98 of Irreplaceable

I gnashed my teeth and tried to remain calm as everyone watched on. What the hell?

Everyone started clapping, and I didn’t know what to do. Did I say thank you? Tell him how I really felt in front of all our friends?

I couldn’t take it anymore. While the cake was being served, I dragged him into the bathroom and locked the door behind us. He grinned and stepped closer, placing his hands on my hips.

“Mm. Is this you thanking me for the house?”

“What?” I jerked my head back. How had he so completely misread the situation? “No. Enzo, you can’t just buy a house and say we’re moving.”

“Why not?” He frowned. “You said you were sick of living at a hotel. I thought this was what you wanted.”

“I—” I sighed. “I did. Do. But I wanted it to be a decision we made together.”

“When? We are both so busy lately, we barely see each other. When would either of us have time to house hunt, eh?”

“I don’t know, but…” He was right. But still, that wasn’t the point. “You could’ve sent me listings or something. If it’s going to be our house, I would’ve liked a say in where it was or what it looks like or something.”

“That’s why I consulted Alexis. She’s one of your best friends. She knows your taste. And she assured me you’d love this property.”

My shoulders deflated. The man I loved had just bought us a house, and he’d done so with my comfort and wishes in mind. And I was complaining.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” I brushed some hair away from my face. “Just…next time there’s a big decision to be made, I wish you’d talk to me first.”

“I thought you liked surprises.”

“Yeah.” I barked out a laugh. “I do when they’re not permanent.”

“The house is not permanent. And if you do not like it, we will sell it and buy another.” He massaged my shoulders, and I felt them relax. “Okay?”

As outrageous as that idea seemed, I appreciated the sentiment. “Can I at least see a picture? Something?”

“It has five bedrooms.” He traced his finger down my neckline. “A pool…”

“Ooh. Really?” It had been so hot out, and taking a dip in the pool sounded decadent.

“Mm.” He grinned. “I thought you’d like that, considering how much you loved the pool at Mizuki House.”

“It wasn’t just the pool I loved…” My core flooded with heat at the memory.

“Now, do you want to return to the party, or…” He swayed my hips side to side, his eyes darkening with lust as he leaned in to kiss my neck.

“Enzo.” I pushed against his chest. “We are not having sex in the bathroom during our gender reveal.”

“Why not?” He continued kissing me. “It sounds pretty good to me.”

I shook my head. My mind was still spinning about the house. I hadn’t even gotten to process the fact that we were having a boy. My chest tightened, and then a sense of joy washed over me, so powerful I started crying.

“I thought you weren’t upset about the house.” He rubbed my back.

I grabbed a tissue and wiped my nose. “We’re having a boy.”

His watery smile reflected mine. “Ti amo,” he rasped.

I froze. For a moment, I wasn’t sure I’d heard him correctly. “You love me?”

He nodded, cupping my cheek with his other hand on my belly. “I love you, Harper. And you, Aiden.”

“Aiden Vittorio,” I said, and then I really started crying. I had everything I’d ever wanted. “I love you, Enzo.”

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