“Should I be worried?” he murmurs, just for my own ears.
I kiss him on the lips. “Never about me.”
I hope I’m right. But what if he doesn’t want a baby?
“All right, then,” he says. “Let’s the three of us go in. There’s a cold wind tonight. Rain’s coming.”
We sit on the side of our bed and start with Bianca’s troubles. Damien listens hard to us both, his frown deep with thought. Mostly it’s Bianca trying to tell her story, then me filling in all the holes because she keeps crying.When we’re done, Damien thinks it over. I can see when he has the answer because he is solemn.
“You’ve no say in the matter, Bianca. You must leave the city and run,” he says. “Carboni’s got a long reach and he’ll send some hard lads after you. You can’t stop running ’til you’re good and hidden.”
“Where?” she cries, sucking in sobs. “I don’t know where to go.”
My heart aches for her, and I’m ashamed of my selfish thought. The truth is, I’m glad ’tis her and not me off. Sure, and this place is all I’ve ever known, and ’tis the same for Bianca. She’s plain terrified, and I can feel it along with her. I wish I could help, but Damien’s right. She’s got to go. Where? I’ve no idea. If ’twas me, I’d be lost.
“There’s buses,” I try weakly. “The Gray Coach line will take you out of the city. I’ll give you money for it.”
Damien says he’ll think on it, and we will, too, but the clock’s ticking and Mr. Carboni’s not one for patience.
“What’s the other problem? The one that has a whiff of myself about it.”
“Only partly about you,” I remind him nervously.
Bianca gets to her feet. “You don’t need me for this part. Thanks, Damien. I appreciate your help.”
Damien still wears his serious face after she’s gone. “Well?”
It’s like a herd of horses is galloping through my heart. “Listen, Damien. ’Tis only that…” My hands are slick with sweat. I clench them into fists. “Tell me plain. How much do you love me? Like, if I made you cross, would you up and leave me?”
“Never. You’re mine, Rosie. Through thick and thin. Now spit it out, whatever it is.”
I take a deep breath. “You’ll be a papa.”
I’ve never seen this face on him before. His mouth is a big O and his eyes are wide as saucers. The sight near makes me laugh out loud, but I don’t. Not yet. Not ’til he says what he’s thinking.
“A papa!” He throws his arms around me and squeezes until I gasp forair. “?’Tis blessed news! This is pure grand, Rosie! Our own little family!” He catches himself long enough to ask, “Are you glad, Rosie?”
I droop with relief. I’ll tell you, knowing he’s happy makes it better all around. But do you know what? Part of me is sad. I’ll be a mother. Of course I am mad with delight about that. I’d love a baby with Damien’s sweet face. It’s only, I’ll not have a job at the Dominion for too long. Faith, I’ll miss it and Mrs. Evans.
But that’s for another day. Today, Damien is fit to burst. I wrap my arms around his neck. “I’m on top of the world about it, Damien. I am. Sure, and I’m the luckiest girl alive. But we’d best get to a priest before everyone can see for themselves what we’ve done.”
“I expect so.” He’s grinning like a cat with cream. “God help me, I can’t believe it. I’ll work myself to the bone, I will, and I’ll not complain a bit. As long as I breathe, you and the little one will want for nothing.”
chapterTWENTY–EIGHT
LATE OCTOBER
What a lovely surprise. I’m in the hallway, leaning into my trolley, when I see Damien step out of the elevator. His eyes are on the room numbers as he passes.
I fold my arms and block his way. “What are you doing here? If ’tis to see me, Mrs. Evans will have a few things to say about it.”
“Rosie.” His face warms with his smile, along with my heart. “Sure, I’d give the world to be here with you, but Mr. Carboni’s keeping me busy today. He says there’s plenty to be done, and he’ll be lining my pockets well for it. Rosie, this could be it. This could lift us out of here and into a new life.”
Mr. Carboni’s book appears in my memory, along with a mighty list of people and money. I can still see his name on that page.
“?’Tisn’t safe,” I whisper urgently. “If Mr. Carboni is as busy as you say, something big is coming.”
“Sure, and your Damien’s in the thick of it.” He shrugs. “Could be good or bad, but either way, I’m paid for it. I’m thinking of us.” His attentiongoes to my stomach. “The three of us.” He checks to see we’re alone, then he kisses my brow. “I’ll see you when you’re done your shift. I’ll bring supper.”
