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“How are you doing in there?” Francesca calls from the other side of the door.
I blink the tears away and open the door to show her the dress.
“Oh my God, Alexandra. That dress was made for you. It’s so perfect and makes you look like a goddess.”
My face flames with embarrassment. “You’re making me blush.”
“If you don’t buy this dress, I will. Your bump is so adorable.”
I trail my fingers down my stomach. “This dress makes it stand out.”
Francesca gushes. “How have I never noticed it before? You really should stop wearing baggy clothes. Flaunt your bump.”
“I will after Joseph knows. I don’t want everyone to find out before I tell him.”
“Well, then, let’s go tell him.”
I quickly try on the rest of the dresses and pick out a couple of blouses. We skip most of the store and head back to the baby clothes. With Francesca’s help, I pick out a cute onesie that reads,My Dad is my Heroand a card that says,Congratulations! You’re going to be a DAD!
“Joey is going to love this. I wish I could see the look on his face. You’ll have to tell me all about it tomorrow.”
On the way to the checkout counter, I grab aDaddy and Mepicture frame and toss it on top of all the clothes.
I pay for everything and put my bags in Francesca’s backseat. The drive home is silent. I try to remain calm and meditate, but the closer we get, the more nervous I am.
Francesca parks and glances over at me. “Relax. You will be great. Take a few breaths and just speak from the heart.”
“Thanks.”
I run inside and throw the bags on the couch. I grab an empty green gift bag from the back of my closet and put the frame and onesie inside.
Grabbing a pen, I write a note in the card.
Joseph,
While I’m unable to wrap my head aroundeverything just yet, I will try to put my thoughts into sentences. I know this wasn’t planned, and it’s not something we’ve ever discussed, but I couldn’t be happier knowing I am carrying your child.
You are going to be a loving and caring dad for our child. I know this because you are so loving and caring toward me. You protect me and never hesitate to let me know that I’m safe with you.
And while you might be rough around the edges and live a dangerous lifestyle, you are one of the most gentle and kind-hearted men I know.
I can’t wait to watch our baby grow with you by my side.
Love,
Alexandra
I place the card in its envelope and toss it in the bag before heading over to his house with a grin on my face.
Today is a new start for Joseph and me. Today, I will tell him how I really feel and tell him about our baby.
When I pull up to the Marino house, Joseph meets me in the driveway. He must have seen me on the camera. He’s flanked by Gage Roberts and his cousin AJ Fanucci, and all three men have scowls on their faces.
This can’t be good. What happened?
I grab the gift bag from the passenger seat and get out to greet the men. My gaze wanders over the three men before landing on Joseph’s bloody hands.
“Oh my god. Are you okay, Joseph? What happened?” I take a few steps toward him, but the two men at his sides hold out their hands to stop me.