Christmas with the Boss (The Fiore Family 2)

“Amore, Anabelle. You are unwell.”

“It’s okay. I just got a little dizzy and…”

“Shit.”

I rush toward the house and shouts. “Stop! I’m going to be sick.”

“You are sick.”

“I’m fine. You can put me down and I can walk.”

“Are you nuts? No.” I take her into the house and straight up to our room and onto our bed, but she dashes into the bathroom and locks the door. For the next twenty seconds she lets go and I have to get inside. “Open the damn door, Amore.”

“Get me some water, please.” I don’t want to leave her, but I know she needs it. I hear fast and heavy footsteps. Soren approaches with a pitcher of water and a glass.

“Thanks.” I pour a glass and set the pitcher down on the dresser.

“I figured she needed it. Maybe too much sun and exercise.” He raised his brows at me. She did ride me hard this morning like she was in the Kentucky Derby.

Knocking on the door, I say, “I have your water.” She unlocks the door and I come in, closing it behind me. “How are you, my love?”

“I’m okay.”

“What do you need?”

“Can I just lay down?”

“Absolutely.” I scoop her up and carry her over to the bed. My cousin has left the room, so we have some privacy. Kicking off my shoes, I climb in bed beside her and press the back of my hand to her head. She’s not clammy or running a temperature. Maybe she just got too much sun or too much sex without enough food.

“I didn’t feed you enough today,” I say almost to myself.

“No, it’s not that, Fabio. I have a feeling I know what it is.”

“What is it?”

“I think our little family is growing.” My eyes immediately dart down to where her hands are resting on her stomach. “This morning my breasts were so tender I thought maybe you were too rough, but when I put on my bra, I was uncomfortable.”

“We’ll find you some new ones.”

“It’s too soon to tell without some test, but I should have gotten my period by now.”

“Wow, I’m going to be a dad?” I can’t stop the smile spreading across my face at the news. I’ve wanted her to carry my child since day one and now it’s more than likely a possibility.

“It seems like it.”

“Yes,” I cheer, kissing her forehead and pulling her into my arms.

“We don’t know for sure,” she reminds me. That’s true, but I’d rather believe that than she’s actually sick.

An hour later, the doctor arrives and Anabelle is sitting in the kitchen feeling a lot better. “You are the patient, my dear?”

“Yes.”

“You look radiant. Are you with child?”

“I’m not sure. How did you know?”

“I did not. It is one question we ask most married women when they feel unwell. I have a test if you will please take it now.” He hands it to her and she goes into the bathroom down the hall.

“I am certain it must be the case because she doesn’t seem as you described, Soren.”

“No. She appears to have improved.”

“Fabio, it’s great to see you, my boy. It’s been many years.”

“Same to you, Dr. Argo.”

“I hear you are world famous now with your food.”

“Yes. Perhaps you could bring your lovely wife to join us for dinner one night.”

“She would love that. It’s a pity that you don’t have a restaurant here.”

“We don’t need it here. You have amazing talent cooking all over the country.”

“True. True. Ah. Bella has returned. And?” he says, staring at my beautiful wife. She nods and smiles. I grab her and lift her into my arms.

“I love you so much, Anabelle.”

“Congratulations.” We kiss and then I set her on her feet. “We have much to celebrate.”

“It’s too soon. I will still have to tell my family,” Anabelle says.

“She’s right. My mother though will be excited for the world to know that we have a baby on the way. I’m sure Franco might be in the same boat right now.”

“Oh yes, he married as well,” the doctor says.

“Yes, my twin sister.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, and she was my head chef. The reason my restaurant was always busy.”

“Well then she must come to Italy as well one day and share her gifts.”

“Franco won’t share her with anyone.”

“Wise man.” He winks. “I must go. I have two more patients to see. It is good to see you and many congratulations on your new family. Please rest and eat small meals and often, so you don’t upset your stomach. I’ll tell my wife about dinner.” We shake hands and Soren escorts him out while I hold my wife close.

“How are you feeling, my love?”

“Better. Happy. It’s too soon to tell people, but I have a feeling it’s going to be town gossip in a bit. Should we call our parents?”

“Yes. I think my parents first since they have ties here.”