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“Semantics,” Pippa shouts at them.

“All right, I have to go,” Julian tells them. “I just couldn’t wait to tell you, bro. I feel like I’m on top of the world.”

“You are,” Damien says. “I’m happy for you and Genesis, brother. I was worried about you for a while. It might’ve been hell for the both of you, but I’m happy Genesis was brought into your life. She’s who you needed to save you.”

I slam a hand over my mouth as tears prick at my eyes.

Jesus. Is this what pregnancy does to you?

I’ve never been much of a crier, but these tear ducts are a-flowing.

Julian tells them goodbye, and I dash back to the bedroom, jumping back into bed. I situate myself to how I was lying before, pretending to sleep as I hear Julian’s footsteps come up the stairs.

“I know you’re awake, eavesdropper,” he says with a chuckle. “You could’ve come down and joined the conversation.”

I sit up in bed. “I was trying to only be halfway rude.”

He’s shirtless, but since he put his sweats back on, he takes them off before climbing back into bed, wearing only his boxer briefs.

He reaches across the bed, dragging me closer, and I turn on my side to face him. I settle myself as he loops his arm around my shoulders, and I relax my head against his warm chest.

I trace one of his tattoos with my finger. “Two people who felt like they had no one will now have everything they’ve ever wanted,” I whisper.

He takes my hand, moving it from his chest, and trails kisses along my palm. “Destiny was just waiting for us.”

I let out a breath when he bends forward, spans his hands along the flares of my waist, and pulls me onto his lap so I’m straddling him.

“Thank you for saving yourself and our baby.” He opens his hand, smoothing it over my bare stomach. “You were so brave, and you did it for us.” Grabbing the back of my head, he drags my face toward his. “I’m ready for our future, Genesis. A real wedding, our baby—babiesif you’ll let me be lucky enough to keep trying. Fuck a contract. I just want you.”

“A big Bellini family,” I whisper.

He nods, swiping his nose against mine. “A big Bellini family.”

“Just like your mother wanted.” I press a soft kiss to his lips, but he deepens it.

“I love you, Genesis,” he says when we finally take a break for air. “You are now the reason I’ll make sure I stay breathing. I never thought I’d be lucky enough for love. I always thought men like me didn’t deserve it, but even if I don’t, you’re giving it to me anyway.”

48

Four Months Later

I adjust my bow tie,staring at my reflection in the mirror.

For a man who doesn’t look any different, Iam.

Damien steps behind me, doing the same. “I appreciate you inviting me to this one.” He slaps my shoulder. “Glad you didn’t leave me out.”

I flip him off. “You’d have objected if you’d been invited to the first wedding.”

When his bow tie is straight, he backtracks a few steps to sit on a chair. “Nah, if I’d done that, you’d have probably shot me.” He scoots toward the edge, resting his elbows on his thighs. “Though I’d have just made you annul it later.”

“You wouldn’t have made me do shit.” I spin on my heel to face him.

“True. You were so obsessed with Genesis that I could’ve offered you a billion dollars and control of the world in exchange for not marrying her, and you’d have still told me to fuck myself.”

“Damn straight.” I snatch my tux jacket and pull it over my shoulders. “And still shot you because the offer would’ve pissed me off.”

The door opens, interrupting our conversation, and Antonio steps inside the Groom Room.