“The baby’s…alive?” Don Mancini, arguably the king of the Chicago Underworld, was hoarse.Broken.In complete awe.
“Yes,” the doctor said in a softer tone. “I thought as much, but I didn’t want to get your hopes up. Alright, my dear, let’s get you to labs for a complete work up and then to a proper ultrasound. We’re going to put you through the ropes today.”
“But I was bleeding.” Penelope gripped the screen as if her life depended on it.
“That occasionally happens. Your cervix could have been irritated, you could have overdone yourself physically, there are countless possibilities. But I want to check everything to make sure we aren’t missing something, okay?” The doctor patted her hand.
“So I should go on bed rest?” Penelope chewed her lip.
The doctor shook her head. “While there are still some cases we recommend that, it’s an outdated idea. You need to stay active, just don’t overdo it. We’ll chat more about that when you come back to me after labs and the sonogram.”
“Oh, honey!” The nurse came over and gave Penelope a big hug.
That was when Penelope’s strong façade broke. She began to weep. Tears of joy pricked my own eyes.
The doctor waited impatiently but didn’t comment on the nurse’s break from professionalism.
We were whisked away, shepherded from each area, and not a stone was left unturned. Even when her blood was drawn, Mancini stayed right next to her. It would have been the perfect opportunity for me to ask for his help, and I might have if he’d stayed in the waiting area with me. But by the time wewere done, I’d forgotten about my own plans. Brunch was also forgotten in the whirlwind of excitement.
It wasn’t until we were driving back to Ivan’s home that the thought of escape popped into my head, and I had to hide my jerk of surprise. I fidgeted, trying to think of another way to contact Maninci. Nothing came to me.
As I walked around to the backyard, I paused to watch Ivan shooting hoops with Brady.
The sight was overwhelming to my already fragile state. Ivan’s hair was tied back in a low ponytail. He moved with grace and agility, clearly letting Brady win, but not making it easy for him. There were plenty of dads younger than Ivan who couldn’t move like that.
Age wasn’t the issue. Ivan said once that he was going to live for his child.
My fingers spread across my belly.
That could be me in the doctor’s office. Right here was the chance to have everything I wanted, and yet I was still planning to run away. With a sigh, I leaned against the post of the chain link fence. Maybe that could still be in my future. But if I found a man, there was always going to be the cloud of worry that Ivan would burst back into the picture and destroy my world. That was the risk I was taking by running away.
And no matter how I tried to picture it, I couldn’t see another man filling the place of father and husband the same way Ivan could. It hurt to let that dream go, but for my son, I would.
Chapter 27 – Ivan
Kiril:It’s a girl!
Boris:She’s beautiful!
Rayko:How’s Katerina?
Kiril:Resting. She’s the strongest woman I know.
Kiril:Pushing that head out...I’m still shuddering.
Boris:Sending pictures.
Rayko:Don’t you dare send—
Rayko:Oh, cute kid. Boris ruins the shot, tho.
Georgi:Proud godfather, right there.
Me:Call if you need anything. I mean it, Kiril.
Kiril:Thanks, boss.
“There you go, buddy, you’ve Christened the shower,” Poppy said, shutting the water off.
