I open my suitcase and stick my hand inside, feeling for the plastic pregnancy test I saved from when I tested myself months ago. Got it. I pull it out and hand it to him.
Alessio stares at the test. Just when I can’t stand the anticipation anymore, a smile lights up his face. “Say it,” he orders.
“Alessio, I’m pregnant.”
He envelops me in a bear hug. “I want to squeeze you,” he says and squeezes me hard, then sets me at arm’s length, then hauls me into a hug again. “Fuck, I’m happy.” He grabs a white T-shirt and pulls me into the bedroom, then stops at the bed. “I’d throw you on there and fuck you silly, but I understand you’re tired and why you’re tired, but I can’t keep this news to myself.” He steps back and rests his hands on his hips, his eyes bright, excited, truly happy.
He moves his finger between us. “We are going to be parents.”
“Yes, we are.”
He looks up at the ceiling, then says, “I’ll be back.” Alessio heads for the door, opens it.
“You’re not wearing pants,” I remind him.
He walks back into the closet, then leaves the room barefoot, in pajama bottoms. I follow him out but stop at the top of the stairs while he descends and enters the living room. A moment later, I hear the men congratulating him.
Val comes from Leo’s room across the hall. “What’s going on?” she asks.
Alessio climbs the steps two at a time. “Lake’s pregnant.”
Val looks to me for confirmation, and I nod.
“Oh my God, this is going to be the best Christmas ever.” Excited, she starts speed-talking, “If you want my help with anything, all you have to do is say so. I don’t want to be the sister-in-law who oversteps, but I want to plan with you. The OB visits, the shopping for baby clothes, nesting, all of it.”
“Thank you, Val.” I hug her.
We separate, and Val sighs blissfully. “I’ll call all the best venues in the morning. We will have weddings. Baby showers. Baptisms.”
“Good night.” Alessio grabs my hand and practically drags me back into the room.
He pulls down his pajamas and his boxers and sits on the bed with me between his legs. Since he’s tall and I’m not, we’re almost at eye level.
“Take off your clothes and show me your belly.”
FIFTY-SIX
GOOD MORNING
Alessio spent half the night inside me, the other half worshipping my pregnant body even though I’m not showing yet. He said the change is obvious, especially in the way my breasts feel fuller and heavier than before. He couldn’t stop touching them.
Being the object of Alessio’s attention felt good. Really good, and I slept deeply, feeling safe.
I wake up and roll onto my back, rubbing my eyes, when my elbow bumps a warm body next to me. I turn my head and see Alessio propped on the pillows, watching me.
He smiles. “Good morning, my wife.”
I check his watch, and it reads eight in the morning, which is like noon for this man.
“Good morning, my husband.” I touch his forehead and his cheek, but he’s not burning up. “Are you feeling well?”
“Mmhm. Why?”
“Because you’re not conquering the day already.”
He chuckles. “I’m sleeping in. I think that’s the correct phrase.”
“It is. Never thought you’d say it, though.” I throw my leg over his body and roll on top of him. Between my legs, Alessio is already hard, and I gently glide myself over his erection, eliciting a groan from him. Strong hands grab my hips and travel up over my belly to mold my breasts and tweak my nipples until I’m so wet that the erection I’m gliding on slips inside me without friction.
