"I thought you'd like it." He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. "You've been through so much this past year. You deserve a break."
I hold the tickets in my hand and look up at him.
This is the moment.
The perfect moment to tell him.
"I have something for you too," I say.
He tilts his head, curious. "Yeah?"
"I wasn't planning to tell you until after Christmas, but I can't wait."
I take a deep breath, steadying myself.
I take his hand, guiding it to my belly where a hard bump is beginning to be tangible there.
Then I press his fingers harder and whisper, "You're going to be a father again."
Dante's jaw goes slack and he shakes his head in disbelief.
"You're serious?"
"I'm serious. I haven't taken a test yet, but I know. I can feel it."
He pulls me into his arms, lifting me off the ground.
I laugh, clinging to his shoulders as he spins me around.
"Another baby," he says, his voice filled with wonder. "We're having another baby."
"We are." I laugh, and he sets me down gently, his hands moving to my face.
"When? How far along are you?"
"I don't know yet. Maybe six weeks? Seven? I'll make an appointment with Silvio next week."
"A son." He says it with such certainty, I can't help but laugh.
"You don't know that."
"I know." He places his hand on my stomach, even though there's nothing to feel yet. "It's a boy. I can tell."
"You're ridiculous."
"Maybe—but I'm right."
He leans down and kisses me so deeply it steals my breath.
When he pulls back, his eyes are bright with happiness.
"This is the best gift you could've given me."
"Better than the tickets?"
"Much better." He kisses me again, softer this time. "I love you."
"I love you too."
