Page 88 of DeLucas After Dark

“Like a baby,” I giggle.

“Good. Now eat. We have about an hour before we go back to my parents’ for presents.”

I nod and do as I’m told, like a good girl.

Michele watches me carefully while he eats his own meal.

“What?” I ask with fake innocence.

“I don’t know. You tell me what.”

“Who says I have something to tell?”

He shakes his head, smirking. “I know you, woman.” He makes a circling motion with his forking, pointing at my face. “It’s written all over.”

I inhale deeply. “There’s something I want to give you in private.” His smirk goes naughty. “Nothing like that, nasty. Get your mind out of the gutter.”

Michele sets down his cutlery, still smiling, and crosses his fingers under his chin. “I’m all ears.”

I clear my throat and pull a small black-and-white image from my robe’s pocket, sliding it on the table in front of him.

His eyes grow big, cocky air melting away and giving place to pure, raw emotion. My heart beats fast. He raises his dark eyes, meeting mine, and I nod.

“You… we… you’re sure?”

I nod again, my heart swelling, my lips stretching into an irrepressible smile.

“I’m seven weeks along.”

“Seven weeks,” he whispers reverently.

Then he stands abruptly, hitting his knee on the table, but not caring. He pulls me into his arms, twirling me around.

“Mikey, stop!” I laugh.

“We’re having a fucking baby!” He yells to the heavens.

I frame his handsome face with my hands as he lets my body slide down his, sets me on my feet and falls to his knees, resting his forehead on my belly. I gently swift my fingers through his soft hair.

“Yes, baby.”

“Fuck.” He kisses me over my dress. “I love you, baby. And I’m gonna love our child with all I have. I’ll keep our family safe and care for you both, and all the kids we have after this one.”

“Okay, calm down. One at a time.” He chuckles. I lean to kiss the top of his head. “I know you will, baby.”

“Thank you, Gabrielle,” he says with emotion, his beautiful eyes shining with unshed tears. “Thank you for teaching me to love again. For giving me a beautiful life. For making a family with me.”

“Oh, baby.”

My throat is clogged with emotion and I can only hold him tightly, thanking The Heavens for this man, and all the gifts he’s brought into my life.

Thank you for reading!

Gabby & Mikey’s story, “Michele DeLuca”, will be republished in November 2023. Stay tuned for the new purchase link!

The End

* * *

---