Page 47 of Blissful Devotion

“We need to start thinking about some names. Oh, can we go and get some stuff for the nursery now that we know?” I can’t contain my excitement as I nearly skip down the hall, holding tight to his arm.

“What else could we possibly need for the nursery?”

“Do you remember when we went to that one store…” Shit, I can’t remember the name. “They had all the dinosaur art and accessories. Or even the space stuff was really cute too.”

“Hm, I’ll have to look up to see what store it was, but I’m sure we can go soon.”

It’s not a no, but somehow it feels like one, and the excitement I’d had a moment ago melts away.

He stops, tugging me to a halt before he hooks a finger under my chin and forces my gaze up to meet his.

“Don’t pout. We can’t go today because I have some work to get done, but soon.” He holds my gaze, his other hand pressing gently against my stomach, and I can’t help but melt into his touch. “You know I want to give you and our boy everything.”

Our boy.

Again, tears well in my eyes, and I try to look away, feeling silly.

“Sorry, I’m emotional today.”

“Don’t be sorry, love. It’s a lot, and you're tired. Why don’t you go and have a bath and maybe take a nap while I get some work done? I’ll come check on you before my meeting.”

He doesn’t give me a chance to answer before he wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me into his chest, pressing his lips to mine in a kiss that’s all-consuming.

Or at least it should be. Yet even as his tongue trails along my bottom lip, I can’t shake the feeling that something's wrong.

He pulls away quickly, pressing a kiss to my head before we head down the hall again toward my room, him none the wiser while I stay lost in thought.

“I’ll be back soon.” This time his kiss is quick, and I’m almost grateful.

As soon as I have the thought, I feel terrible.

What kind of wife feels like that?

It must be because I’m tired, like he said.

“I love you. Relax and get some sleep.”

It takes me a second to realize he’s waiting on my response before I shake myself and offer him what I hope is a reassuring smile.

“I love you too, Alex.” Despite my brain malfunctioning, I still press up on my toes to kiss him again, only to pause as his fingers dig into my biceps enough to make me wince.

His gaze snaps down to my arm before he pulls away, his hand dropping at his side.

“Sorry, I just remembered I’m supposed to be on a call.”

He’s moving before I can say another word, stalking down the hall and out of sight.

I stand in the hall watching the spot he disappeared into as I nervously chew my lip. Somehow I keep feeling like I’m fucking everything up, as if everything is all wrong.

With a sigh, I turn and go into my room, closing the door without Sofia. I know Enzo would like her to help me, says she’s here to help, but right now I just need ‌my baby boy, a nice soak in the tub, and some sleep.

The glass shatters against the wall, deep golden amber whiskey running down it, but I couldn’t give a fuck less.

I’d poured it in hopes of calming myself, but it’s done nothing.

Alex.

How dare she call me Alex, as if he’s half the man I am, as if he ever were?