Page 45 of Blissful Devotion

“Where is Lorenzo?” I ask, turning to find Sofia lingering near the doorway.

“The master is out for the day for a meeting, but he said he will be home for dinner.”

My face falls as I turn back, the food on the table no longer sounding as good.

“He requested that you enjoy a day relaxing and wanted me to let you know he has scheduled ‌the doctor to come out in two days for an ultrasound appointment, first thing in the morning.”

Just like that, I feel my spirits rise again. I know it’s silly anyway; Lorenzo is here with me as often as he can be. To think he won’t leave for work or something ever again is crazy.

Nobody ever said pregnant women's emotions were reasonable, though, and I’m sure I can keep myself busy until dinner.

Starting with eating my weight in this delicious-looking French toast.

Today’s the day!

I wake up feeling tired but excited. Enzo said that being tired was normal during pregnancy, actually, with parenting in general, and that we should get used to it.

Rubbing a hand over my belly, I can’t deny that I’d be more than willing to trade my rest for this little one.

Boy, girl, it doesn’t matter to me. I already love them more than I ever thought possible.

I wonder if they will look more like him or me?

We need to start thinking of names.

Tossing back the blankets, I quickly jump from the bed, only to fall back onto it as the room spins.

“Katherine.”

My head snaps up, and I find Enzo standing in the doorway, his brows pulled together in concern.

“I’m okay. I just tried to get up too fast.” I force a smile, trying to put him at ease. “I need to remember I can’t move as fast anymore.” He’s always worrying about me, and I hate that I’m a burden.

He watches me for another moment before moving toward me, stopping in front of me and offering me his hand.

I hesitate, though I don’t know why.

He’s offering to help me, so why does this feel so wrong?

With a deep breath, I push that silly feeling aside and let my hand fall into his with a smile. His lips turn up the slightest bit, but his eyes remain hard, and for a second, I worry I might have hurt his feelings.

Gasping, I quickly pull his hand toward my stomach, pressing it against the spot where I just felt the flutter of movement, and hope he gets to feel it too. I’ve felt movement a few times, but never this much, and unfortunately Enzo hadn’t been around for any of them.

His eyes go wide, and he drops to his knees before me, pressing his other hand to my stomach as well.

Tears prick the back of my eyes as I see the wonder in his, excited that I’m able to give him this experience.

“What do you think of the name Addison?” The words leave my mouth before I can think about them; honestly, I’m not even sure where the name came from, but the second I say it, I love it.

Enzo doesn’t. I can see it in the way his shoulders tense and his hands freeze, no longer rubbing at my stomach.

He’s quiet for so long I’m about to say it was a joke when he finally pushes to his feet, offering me his hand, and this time I don’t hesitate.

“How about we see first? We might not even need a girl's name.”

He’s right, of course, and I nod as he pulls me to stand.

I move to grab fresh clothes from the dresser: a large, comfortable green shirt and a pair of black leggings that are stretchy enough to fit even with my growing belly. I have a few pairs of maternity pants, but they aren’t as comfortable.