“Fine.” Summer rolled her eyes. “But can I just say how much this lockdown sucks? I mean, I get why we can’t shelter in place together, but it’s Christmas. Not to mention, the girls are freaking out because they don’t think Santa will be allowed to bypass our security. How are you two holding up?”
“It’s pretty lazy and lonely over here.” Gio wasn’t home much, putting out literal fires all over the city because of Dario’s attacks. We’d be lucky if there was anything left to salvage of his empire by the end of this. “But I’ve had way too much time to fixate on how massive Gio is compared to how tiny I am when it comes to pushing out a baby who is measuring two weeks ahead.”
Summer grimaced. “Bellini babies are notorious for being gigantic. Best to wrap your head around it now.”
“Great,” I muttered.
“What about you, Allie?” Summer asked.
A sigh sounded from Enzo’s wife. “Defeated. Because of all the uncertainty surrounding when lockdown will end, we had to postpone our egg retrieval next month.”
My ears perked up. “Egg retrieval?”
Allie nodded. “Gemma offered to be our surrogate, and we were scheduled for the first round of IVF after Carter turns one.”
While I’d been made aware that pregnancy and babies were a triggering topic for Allie, I hadn’t realized that the reason stemmed from her being unable to carry a baby herself.
She blinked furiously, her voice growing thick. “Almost feels like the universe doesn’t want us to have a baby.”
“Aw, that’s not true. You’re the best aunt, and you’re going to make the best mom. I know it,” Summer said with the perfect mixture of confidence and compassion.
Allie wiped at her wet eyes. “The support of this family is the only reason I’m still standing.”
“Honey, you’re stuck with us. We love you.”
Allie nodded. “Love you guys too.”
The emotional moment brought with it a heaviness, and silence descended. I didn’t know about the other ladies, but I was thinking about the baby boy squirming inside my belly. We’d had two close calls already during this pregnancy, and if, God forbid, either of them had ended in tragedy . . . I wasn’t sure how I would find the will to move on. He might’ve been a surprise—to me, at least—and I was beyond terrified that giving birth might cost me my life, but I already loved him with my whole heart.
Sensing the need for a change in topic, Summer prompted, “So . . . book club?”
“What about it?” Allie asked.
Summer lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know, I was thinking since we’re stuck inside, it would help pass the time for the three of us to choose a book and host a virtual club session.”
“That sounds fun.” I folded my arms over the pool’s edge. “How does a holiday romance sound? Keep it festive?”
Pursing her lips, Summer replied, “That’s one way to go.”
Allie laughed, shaking her head. “You already picked one, didn’t you?”
“Okay, but at least hear me out first.”
To me, Allie said, “Ten bucks says it’s a hockey romance.”
Summer threw her arms up. “What’s wrong with hockey romance?”
I fought hard against a smile. “Nothing. They’re great.”
“You’re addicted to them,” Allie teased. “Maybe, since distance isn’t an issue, we should pull Gemma in this month, and she can point out any inaccuracies. Since she’s married to a player and all.”
“Wait.” I cut in. “Gemma’s married to ahockey player?”
“Mm-hmm.” Allie’s smirk grew. “Sasha Gusev, goalie for the Indy Speed.”
My head cocked to the side. “Aren’t goalies notorious for being . . . eccentric?”
Allie snorted. “That’s one way to describe Goose.” When my brow furrowed, she explained, “That’s what everyone calls him.”
