Trying again, I said, “I’ve been looking at names. How do you feel about Luca?”
“Whatever you want.” He waved a dismissive hand.
My frustration leaked over, and I cried, “I didn’t know, Gio! He purposely kept his identity a secret.”
My husband scoffed. “It doesn’t matter, Rory, because anyone willing to help you escape was my enemy. You had to knowthat.”
Fuck. I couldn’t argue that point.
“I’m sorry. Is that what you want to hear?” Desperation leaked into my tone.
Gio shook his head. “You can save your apologies. They won’t make a damn bit of difference now. The damage has been done.”
“So that’s it? You’re going to throw me out with the trash after I provide you with your heir?” I hated that my voice cracked, letting him know how much the mere idea affected me.
His eyes remained downcast. “You’ve done this to yourself, Rory.”
Tears burned behind my eyes, but I managed to blink them back. “Got it.”
Turning on my heel, I stopped short when I saw Summer standing in the doorway to Matteo’s office, the pity shining in her eyes revealing she’d overheard our entire exchange.
“If it’s all the same to you,” I croaked out past the lump formed in my throat. “I’d rather not talk about it.”
She nodded, stepping closer to loop an arm around my shoulder and steer me toward the elevator. “Let’s focus on baby boy today, okay?”
I pulled in a deep breath as we stepped inside the polished chrome lift. “Yeah, sounds like a good plan.”
As we descended to the ground floor, my hand found my bump.
I’m sorry I fucked everything up, sweet boy.
I was numb, practically on autopilot, while Summer bought every item in the boutique baby store on Michigan Avenue. There wasn’t much point in having an opinion about wood finishes on furniture or a nursery theme when I wouldn’t be around to enjoy those choices every time my son required a feeding or diaper change.
After we checked out and arranged a delivery date for the purchase, Summer mentioned the need to stop off at Valentina Morello to pick up Bianca’s gift, so that’s where we headed next.
Deciding I needed the pick-me-up that browsing sparkling gemstones would provide, I accompanied Summer into the jewelry store.
Immediately, sales associates leapt to our aid, ready to earn a fat commission from our purchases. Summer produced her claim ticket, and the man assisting us ran to the back to grab her purchase.
“Was this your idea or Matteo’s?” I asked as I dragged a finger along the glass case and gazed upon the glittering display of diamonds.
Summer laughed. “Definitely mine. And he’d be the first to tell you, I go overboard at Christmas. A therapist would probably tell you I’m overcompensating for my own crappy childhood, and the fact that I only received gifts because someone was generous enough to select my name off the donation tree in the library. Most of what I was gifted was clothing essentials; toys were a rare treat. So yeah, I spoil my girls. But we also take time out of the season to serve those less fortunate to keep them grounded.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with trying to give your kids the world during the holidays.”
“Not sure Matteo saw it that way when I gave them a cat the first year. Our Cookie girl causeda lotof trouble, and I’m not sure he’s forgiven her for half of it yet.”
Mention of their pet made my heart ache for Cosmo. Winters were brutal in Colorado, and it killed me to think of him out in the cold, alone and hungry.
Annnnnnnd I was crying again. Goddammit!
“Oh, no,” Summer cooed. “Was it something I said?”
Embarrassed to high hell, I wiped at my eyes. “No, I just miss my dog, is all.”
“Ah.” Understanding filled her blue gaze. “When did they pass away?”
A fresh flood of tears blurred my vision. “I honestly don’t know if he’s dead or alive. He was left behind when Gio brought me back to Chicago.”
