Page 20 of The Almost One

Except we all know who the culprit is.

Stress and a rich diet.

The widow-maker’s perfect storm.

CHAPTERSEVEN

RIVER

“Ithink I can feel the baby moving around every now and then. There are these flutters, and one of the baby books Ev brought home from the library says it could be movements or gas. I’m choosing to believe the former, of course. Oh, Riv, pregnancy is just the most wonderful thing.” Petal sighs down the line and I can just picture her whimsical little doll-face as she describes what’s going on inside her body. But also…

“Wait a minute, Pet. You’re telling me that my brother actually went into a library?”

Bruce nuzzles his nose into my thigh where I’m sitting on the soft, deep-blue sofa in the main living room. He, along with Gabriella, came to stay at Marco’s after the funeral a couple weeks ago. I fuss his furry little head as he begs for attention.

Petal’s fairy-like giggle practically twinkles through the phone. “I know, I had to check his temperature when he told me where he’d been, just to make sure he wasn’t ill.”

“I bet the librarian had a shock when he walked in.”

“He made Kai go with him. Poor woman probably thought all her wildest book boyfriend dreams had come true when they approached the counter.” Her laugh is infectious and I can do nothing but join her. Bruce’s little black eyes watch me with some kind of cute doggy fascination before he jumps onto my legs and settles in my lap.

“Oh, to be a fly on the wall. That’s some funny shit. How’s the hunt for a doula coming along?”

“We’ve narrowed it down to three, so we’re going to spend some time with each of them over the next few weeks to see which one fits with us.” While she’s speaking, I hear Ev’s whispering voice in the background. “Hang on a second, Riv.” There are some rustling noises, followed by Petal’s giggle and some more rustling, and I continue to stroke Bruce’s soft fur while I wait. “Sorry, Riv. Gotta go, Bear just came home for a lunch break an—”

“Pet, please don’t finish that sentence.” I laugh, because I do not want to hear about what my brother wants toeaton his lunch break. No thank you.

“Good point. I love you, Gorgeous, but yeah… See you in a couple days?”

“Absolutely. I’m looking forward to seeing how my niece or nephew is growing in that beautiful belly of yours. Love you both.”

“Love you too. Byeee.”

Ending the call, I put my cell on the arm of the sofa and lean my head back, closing my eyes. It’s been a tough few weeks, and since we have Marco’s mom living here, he’s barely had any time to just relax. He’s constantly in dutiful-son mode, which is a beautiful thing, and I do what I can to help, but I can tell he’s struggling. So in the spirit of giving this whole being an actual loving wife thing a go, I insisted he come with me this weekend. Although, he didn’t take much persuading.

A bonfire with blankets, hot chocolate, and marshmallows may not be his first idea of a relaxing night, but there’s just something that an evening in the outdoors like that does to a person’s insides. It was Petal’s idea, which made me smile when she told me. This means she likes him, even after everything.

“River?” Bruce’s little ears perk up at the sound of Lina’s voice coming from the hall.

“In here.”

“That’s the trouble with so many rooms, it takes forever to find anyone. Enzo’s waiting outside in the car. You ready?” Lina appears in the doorway of the TV room looking impeccable—as always—in a fitted black skirt ending mid-calf, a black crop-top, and three-inch stiletto sandals. Her long, dark hair is effortlessly styled, swept off to one side in loose waves, and her signature red lipstick completes her sophisticated look.

It’s nice to see her wearing it again after so many weeks. I get it, losing a parent is fucking hard, and she may be having a good day today, but that doesn’t mean she’s suddenly okay. We’ve spoken several times since it happened, had our fair share of deep conversations, and as someone who has lost her parents, I know it never gets easier, you just learn how to live with it. And that takes time, like everything else that’s difficult or shitty.

“I am ready. Just gotta put my shoes on and I’m all yours.” Picking Bruce up off my lap, I nuzzle into his cute little face as I stand before passing him on to Lina. “Can we bring him with us?”

“Not where we’re going, it’s too fancy.”

“Ooh, nice. Give me two secs and I’ll see you by the front door.”

Giving her a peck on each cheek, and a fur ruffle for Bruce, I run upstairs to grab my shoes. I’ve been wearing less name-brand clothes lately. With nobody to impress while I’m working, my own simple business-chic style has become my new favorite.

“I have a gift for you, Tesoro.”

Marco’s deep growl sends tingles down my spine every time.I wonder if I’ll ever tire of the feeling?

Still buckling my shoe, I turn to face him in the doorway to our room. He has one hand holding the top of the jamb, while the other is in his pants pocket; his black shirt sleeves are rolled up, showcasing the beautiful cross tattoo that has a special place in my spank-bank on his porn-worthy forearm; and his smile… well, it melts my panties every freaking time when paired with his lust-filled eyes. The dark circles underneath them are a testament to how little he’s been sleeping, but there is no cure for grief.

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