Page 70 of A Treasure To Keep
Marco clears his throat, bringing his arm out to guide him down to the NICU. The last piece of dry sarcasm. At least it better be. “For once, I would agree that I’d deserve that ass-kicking. Let’s go find out how mad she’ll be at us, Lover Boy.”
Chapter 76
Marco
Now that bitch boy is dead, I can focus on my son. Théodore Emanuele. A name I wouldn’t have picked, but a name I love, nonetheless.
I haven’t told anyone other than Domenico what Giovanni’s fate is, even though Andrea knows I went to find him and Alessandro knows someone was in the basement. By now, his body is being burned. When that’s done, his ashes will be dumped into the Delaware River, which will lead him out to sea. Eventually, his family will tell El’s parents, who will reach out to her. I’ll be the first name she calls when that conversation ends. That fight with her will be fun.
In between the time when I snagged bitch boy and when I slaughtered him like a pig, I raced down to the hospital to meet Andrea. He hadn’t gotten the clearance to see El or Théodore yet, and he was yelling impatiently in French. When we finally got clearance, I couldn’t get the courage to go into El’s room or the NICU. I stayed long enough to hear that Théodore and El were going to be okay, then pussied out. The doctor came out toget us, and initially, I stood up, intending to follow Andrea to her room. The thought of her unconscious flooded my mind, and I stormed out of the hospital.
When I got home, I immediately went to Alessandro, crying in front of him for the first time since Andrea and El got engaged. He sat there with me, letting me cry until I had no tears left. Now that I’m here, I need to get the courage to see her. To see my son.
The walk to the elevator and down to the NICU seems longer than it should. Has this hospital always been this big? In my defense, I’ve only been here once when Dr. Rossi was on vacation with some guy she was dating. I got drunk, ended up with a big gash in my shoulder, and woke up here after about fifteen stitches. According to what I heard, I hit on most of the nurses. I have to admit; they were hot. When Dr. Rossi came back from her vacation alone and heard what happened, she smacked my shoulder. That hurt like a bitch. We never knew what happened during the vacation or to the guy.
By the time I’m done living in the past, we’re walking past the windows of the NICU, approaching the entrance. My heart races when I notice the small babies in here. Is that how small my son will be?
Immediately, when we walk in, I notice El sitting down. Her normal glamour is washed away, replaced with a makeup-free face and her hair back in a single braid. She’s wearing something that mimics a robe versus a generic hospital gown. Something I assume she bought for herself. El wouldn’t be caught wearing something as basic as a boring hospital gown.
When Andrea and I finish approaching her, she had the top of her robe open. I’m caught off guard when I notice the woman squatting beside her. Quinn? When the fuck did she get here?
“Why isn’t he latching? This is the most natural thing in the world, right? Why the fuck do I have no idea what I’m doing?” The normally confident woman lets any facade she shows theworld fade as she tries to get his small mouth to attach to her breast.
“It’s okay. I spoke with the NICU nurse, and she said he’s been having a hard time latching onto bottles, too. Life is new for him, the same way that motherhood is new for you. Your milk has come in early, and I have no doubt he will get this.” Quinn helps El shift Théodore, getting them into the perfect position for him to latch. El’s shoulders relax the second he gently suckles.
“I told you.” Quinn winks at her and immediately sees Andrea and me.
Quinn must notice my expression and laughs. “I was over at Luci’s house and heard El had a C-section due to an accident. I must have missed Andrea on my way down here after talking with the labor and delivery charge nurse. I’m here to help El with any postpartum care. Premature babies are a different challenge from full-term newborns. I’d love to offer any support the three of you need. I’ll be staying in Philadelphia for at least a year. That gives me plenty of time to watch you become an amazing mother to baby Theo.” How did she find out? There’s only one person who knows specific details about El’s accident.
El gasps suddenly, switching her focus from Théodore to Quinn. “Holy shit! Is Luci pregnant?” Quinn’s eyes get big, realizing she unintentionally gave away Luci and Alessandro’s secret. “I knew you two were too hush-hush at my baby shower. You secretive bitches.”
Théodore suddenly moves, his mouth releasing from El’s breast. What the fuck? He just started eating. “Should he eat more?”
“He has a tiny belly. There’s only so much he can eat. I’m sure he will grow to be a big, strong boy. Even if his genetics meet in the middle, he would still be average height.” El side eyes me when I chuckle at Quinn’s comment. El hates it when I laughat anything involving her height. With anyone else, she doesn’t care. Go figure.
“I need to fix my gown. Marco, would you like to hold him?” Regardless of her constant annoyance with me, her eyes show how genuine her question is.
My heart races when I think of the idea of holding him. I bet he could fit into my hands. What if I fuck up? I’ve never even held Gia. I cannot imagine holding a baby as small as Théodore. “What if I crush him?”
Quinn pulls up a chair, practically begging me to sit. “You will not break him. Here. You sit down. I’ll teach you how to hold him. I’d recommend taking off your shirt. It will help you two bond by doing skin-on-skin.”
“Quinn. You don’t have to lie to me. If you want to see my muscles, all you have to do is ask.”
El whips her head to me, her braid swinging over one of her shoulders. “Stop being a pig and hold your son.”
I decide, for once, not to battle with El and remove my shirt. I drape it on the back of a chair Quinn brought over and sit down, letting Quinn place my son on my chest. Soon, he falls asleep, his sweet breathing calming my nerves. He’s alive. My son is alive.
Andrea, Quinn, and El are busy conversing while I take in the sight that is my son. I can’t believe I was a part of creating him. When I’m sure they’re not listening, I lean in, whispering the first of many words I’ll speak to my son.
“I promise that I will always protect you. Kill anyone I need to keep you safe. I love you, mio figlio.”
Chapter 77
El
Since my injuries were relatively minor, I was released a week after the accident. I’ve wanted to spend every second at the NICU with Théodore, caring for him the best I can. Except now we’re dealing with endless questions from my car insurance. Was I distracted? Did I speed up when he went to pass me? All dumb questions that make me think that my insurance is trying to prevent paying for anything. What’s the point of overpaying for car insurance if they won’t help me when I need it? And don’t get me started on what I’ve heard from my health insurance. I’m convinced I’ll get bills from the hospital until Théodore is twenty-six and can’t be on my plan anymore.
When I finally spoke to the police, they mentioned it was Giovanni’s car that hit me. Other than him being my ex, they can’t find a solid reason why he would target me. Even after I told them about how I messed with his dating life. Unfortunately for them, they can’t find Giovanni to question him about it. When I mentioned that to Andrea and Marco, Marco refused tomake eye contact with me. The big caveman knows something he isn’t telling me.