He makes a face. “I dunno, Tits. I want little Domenica to have fun and whatever—”
“Domenica?!”
“Or whatever we decide to call her. But I was a pig to chicks in high school. I don’t want anyone treating my baby that way.”
“Well, you shouldn’t have been such a jerk. And if we’re respectful to our children and teach them to value themselves andignoreidiot teenage boys who have a point to prove, I’m sure they’ll make better decisions than anyone who slept with you.”
Eli and Bobby laugh.
“Fine,” Doc says with a scowl. “But she’s going on birth control as soon as shethinksabout banging someone.”
“I agree.”
“So, it’s decided?” Eli asks. “Are you prepared to commit to starting a family with us?”
I lick my lips trying to think over my last concerns. “There are just so many things that could happen. What if our baby’s gay? Or trans? Or really into… I don’t know Pokémon or something lame that embarrasses you?”
Eli gives a dry smile. “Bella, you can’t anticipate every possible problem. A chance for healthy children who look like their mother is all we’re asking for.”
“Or at least kids that don’t look like Adriano,” Doc interjects.
I press a hand to my heart. I feel so different from that girl who first arrived at Velvet House, she might as well have been another person. Back then I was little more than a baby in high heels and lingerie. Now I’m a woman. A year has passed, but I’m older in ways that have nothing to do with time. I’ve become a real and whole person, someone who knows what she wants. And looking at Eli, Doc, Bobby, and Adriano I know I can say no. That I want five more years before children. Ten. Yet I can feel the idea calling to me. Small kissy lips and long lashes. Smooth skin and the joy of knowing I created something new and wonderful to take care of.
“Okay,” I say. “Let’s have a baby.”
Eli goes still. Bobby grins. Doc looks like someone’s hit him on the head with a frying pan. Adriano gives a curt nod, green eyes shining. “So, it begins.”
“I guess it does,” I say, a great lightness spreading through me.
“Then there’s something you should see.” Adriano looks at the others. “All at once.”
I watch, confused as every man reaches for his collar. Bobby and Eli open their shirts, Doc and Adriano yank the material aside and I see each of them have a similar mark over their left pectoral muscle. A sword through an apple.
“What…?” I lean forward. “Adriano gave you all new tattoos?”
“For you,” Adriano says gruffly.
“For all of us,” Eli corrects. “Take a closer look.”
Doc, the nearest turns, and I see the design is exquisite, as all of Adriano’s tattoos are. The detail on the sword handle and the shadow and shine on the apple are amazing.
“Read what’s written on the side of the blade,” Doc says.
I stand and go to him. Leaning in I see that right above where the sword enters the apple there’s a tiny word in curling scriptJanuary.
My throat closes over. “Oh my gosh…”
I move to Eli and see my name engraved on his chest too. “You…you have my name on you.”
“Yes,” Eli says quietly. “Forever.”
My heart squeezes so hard that I feel dizzy. “But you barely have any tattoos.”
He nods. “It’s a commitment,bella. Something beyond words to show what you mean to us.”
“And if you should be impressed by anyone, it’s me,” Doc says, tapping his chest. “I’ve been saving this space for a decade and a half.”
“You’re amazing,” I say, tears coming to my eyes. “You’re all amazing.”
