“I called Finn about forty minutes ago,” Marcello said, “and spoke to Arianna, too.”
The rest of the family began listing when they’d last spoken to the couple and it became apparent that either Arianna or Finn had been taking their calls every hour all day long.
“Jesus,” Alex said. “She probably hasn’t been able to get a wink of sleep because of us.”
“At least she knows we’re thinking about her,” Nate said. “Though, I think, going forward, we should just have one designated point person for updates. Ethan, I think it should be you.”
Ethan’s eyes bugged out. “Me? Fielding calls from all of you every other minute? I’ll go insane.”
“I agree,” Marcello added, and slapped Ethan on the back. “I second the motion for Ethan to be the designated contact.”
“Let’s vote on it,” Lorenzo said with a mischievous smile. “All in favor of annoying Ethan for news about Arianna?”
A chorus of “Aye” rang out.
“All those opposed?”
“Nay,” Ethan said, the lone voice in the room.
Lorenzo slapped a hand on the table. “Motion is passed. Everyone will annoy Ethan.”
They all filtered out of the room, ignoring Ethan’s protests while they did.
Typical. Really fucking typical of his fucking brothers and sisters.
They were lucky he loved them—really fucking lucky—because it was the only reason he put up with their shit.
* * *
ETHAN
One year ago…
Brazenbourg (capital city), Brazenbourg
Royal Hospital
Ethan had just finished speaking to Arianna. She was doing fine, all things considered, but he’d pulled Finn out of the room to question him.
Ethan asked for it straight. “How’s she really doing?”
Finn let out a breath. “Better than me. Fuck, I can’t believe this.”
Ethan put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed hard before letting go. “She’ll be all right. The baby will be all right. Trust in that. Believe in that.”
“Is that the truth?”
“I believe it is. That doesn’t mean the road is clear. It may get rocky again, she could have more complications, but I believe everything will be all right. I’ll confirm that with the doctor.”
Finn nodded. “Good.”
They talked a little more before Ethan asked him another straight question. “How are you really doing, brother?”
“My pregnant wife’s in a hospital with complications. How do you think I’m feeling?”
“My guess? I’ve just come from my father’s hospital bed to my sister’s, which is different. But, I imagine, if my wife was in that position, I’d want to punch a fucking wall.” He nearly did punch the wall when the call about Anda needing a rescue came through. Then to see her hurt, bleeding, unconscious…yes, he could imagine how Finn was feeling.
Finn chuckled, then rubbed a hand over his face. “That sounds about right. I feel fucking useless. I can’t do anything to help her.”
