Page 44 of Blissful Devotion

The clock on the bedside dresser says it’s only nine thirty, which isn’t my usual wake-up time but also isn’t late enough to be the problem.

Well, I’m sure it’s nothing a shower can’t help clear up; they always make me feel refreshed.

I take my time, enjoying the warm spray and the way it relaxes the tight muscles in my shoulders, and by the time I get out, I feel like a new person.

Again, my little one kicks, and this time I can see the movement. As happy as I am, I can’t seem to kick the feeling that something's missing…

Or maybe someone?

But just like when I woke, I can’t place what or who. Lorenzo is all that I have now…

I feel silly the second I think of him; of course, he’s who I’m missing.

With my big fluffy towel, I make my way back into my room for clothes and nearly scream when I find someone standing there.

Pressing a hand to my chest, I take a few deep breaths as I try to keep my heart from beating out of my chest.

“Dear God, you scared me.”

“Apologies, miss,” she says, looking down at the ground as if she actually did something and I’m not just super jumpy.

“It isn’t your fault,” I tell her, waving away her apology as I head toward the closet for some clothes. “I just wasn’t expecting you. Good morning…”

Crap, maybe the shower didn’t clear it all up because there’s no way I’ve forgotten her name.

“Sofía.” I nearly facepalm when I finally manage to say it; no doubt I was very obvious about my brain fart.

Not that Sofía would ever call me out on it.

I opt for a dress that comes down just above my knees. It’s tighter up top given the sudden growth of the girls, but it’s loose around my belly, flowing out so that it swooshes when I spin left and right.

I love dresses that swoosh.

Moving out of the closet, I drop my towel in the hamper and go back into the bathroom to brush my teeth, then my hair, before I join Sofía back in my room.

“Don’t forget your pills, miss.” Sofía nods toward my bedside dresser, and I look back to find the two little pill bottles.

Crap.

“Thanks, Sofía.” I grab both pills and toss them back with the glass of water from last night.

I’d like to actually digest this meal, and, better yet, seeing it only once would be great.

“Of course.” She bows her head before she turns and leaves, and I follow ‌her.

“What’s for breakfast today, Sofia?” I ask as we make our way downstairs, the silence feeling somewhat overwhelming for some reason.

Usually, I don’t mind how quiet Sofia is, but today it feels even quieter than usual.

“I believe the chef said stuffed French toast.”

Oh! That sounds amazing!

My stomach rumbles, and I swear it’s like my hand is glued to it now, unable to stop holding my baby.

Something about feeling the movement changed things, makes it more real.

I make it all the way into the dining room and to my chair before I realize that Lorenzo isn’t here.