He sighs, wistful, looking at her with actual heart eyes. “Good times.”
By the time I crawl into bed, dressed in one of Enzo’s shirts, I’m ready to crash. This day has been long.
Enzo shuffles in next to me, scooping me into his arms so my chest is against his side, one of my legs strung over his.
“I love you, Isolde AlessandraRomano,” he whispers, yawning as he does.
My breath catches. Papa gave me the name Alessandra after my mother. Despite never meeting her, there’s always been an ache, a cavern in my chest where she’s missing.
“I love you more,” I murmur, letting my head rest against his chest, listening to the steady drum of his heartbeat as I fall asleep.
35
These Are The Moments
Please respond to me. I can’t handle the silence. —Heartbroken, Izzy
Enzo
“DoyouunderstandwhatI’m trying to tell you? Can you get it through your thick fucking skull? I swear to God, Kai, I’m not speaking gibberish. Listen. Use your fucking ears.”
I try to stifle a laugh, which only earns me Tess’s death glare. She jabs a finger in my direction. “And you! Don’t even get me started!”
I hold my hands up, palms out. “What did I do?”
She bursts into tears.
My eyes widen.What the fuck am I supposed to do?
I take a step closer, but she only cries harder.
Kai steps in, running a soothing hand down her back and murmuring softly. “You want some fish fingers and custard?” he offers.
I gag. “Why the hell would she want that?”
He shoots me a look. “Tess thought it’d be a good idea to watch an old Doctor Who episode. Ever since, she’s been craving this combo.”
I can’t even pretend to understand the sentence he just said, but I nod anyway, pasting on a smile as Tess calms.
Kai heads off to prepare her weird craving—plate or bowl, who even knows—while I inch closer again.
“So… pregnancy?”
She glares at me. “Seriously?”
I shrug, laughing. “I don’t know what else to say.”
Across the room, I catch Izzy’s eye. We’re at Carina’s birthday party—well, ‘party’ might be generous. It’s more of a get-together: Nate, Tess, Kai, Izzy, me, and the birthday girl herself. Izzy’s chatting with Carina, who looks far too pleased with herself. God only knows what kind of bullshit she’s feeding my girl.
My girl.
I can’t wait to call Izzy my wife.
But first, Lucas Delaney needs to be six feet under. The second that bastard’s gone, I’m dragging her to the nearest courthouse.
Unless she wants a big, fancy wedding. Then she’ll have whatever she wants.
Tess’s eyes twinkle. “You love her.” It’s not a question.
