Page 85 of Bastard Prince
“Well, then. I suppose I better hug my new daughter-in-law, haven’t I?” She held her arms wide, and I froze, sure it was some sort of trap. “Come on, then, Francesca. I don’t bite.” I went to her, slowly, and she wrapped me in her arms, as only a mother can do.
I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed something as simple as a mother’s hug.
“Welcome to the family, Francesca.”
I blinked back the tears before they had a chance to fall, and when she released me, my smile stretched across my whole face.
“Now,” Lita, said, her own smile evident, “we had better sit down and eat while the food is hot. I was honestly expecting to find you with a table full of Chinese food again this year. I don’t know who cooked, but it smells incredible in here. Cruise ship food is nice, but nothing beats good home cooking.”
We were headed across to the patio, Lita passing out more greetings to the rest of the crew whom she was obviously familiar with, when Enzo became distracted by something on the television.
“Hey, Masi,” he called to Massimo, who was closest to the remote. “Turn that up, will ya?”
The voice of the news anchor suddenly filled the house.
“What started as a night out with coworkers has ended in tragedy for one Las Vegas man. City councilman, Jeffrey Sanderson, was found dead this week of an apparent drug overdose, after what appeared to be an alcohol and drug-fueled binge around Las Vegas. Sanderson, who was forty-seven, had held his seat on the city council for over eight years. He leaves behind a wife and three children.”
“Oh, shit,” Enzo bit out, looking at me, both of us knowing what had really happened to Councilman Sanderson.
This was bad fucking news because we both knew what came next.
And sure enough, the next news story confirmed our worst suspicions.
“And in related news, local man Greg Belmont has added his name to the ballot in the bi-election being held to replace the recently deceased Councilman Sanderson.”
The screen showed a photo of Gregor, his startling blue eyes and toothpaste ad smile staring out at us, and I felt my skin crawl.
A sudden gasp came from the kitchen, followed by the sound of glass shattering, and we all turned to see Mia, her wine glass in pieces at her feet, staring at the TV screen as though she’d seen a ghost. Her face was pale, and she was visibly shaking, one hand over her mouth as she watched the broadcast.
“Hey, Doc?” Rocco called, heading in her direction. “You alright?”
“I have to go.” Mia didn’t waste a second, her long legs taking her past me and to the front door in seconds. “I’m sorry, Frankie. I am, but I need to leave.”
“Mia,” I called, but she held up her hand.
“Don’t, Frankie. Not right now.” She looked at me with an apology, and I smiled softly.
“Alright, but I’m here—we’re all here—if you need anything.”
She nodded, still looking shell shocked, then turned her gaze to Rocco.
“Doc?” he asked again, but she just turned and left.
No one said anything as the door slammed shut behind her. I hoped by now Mia understood that I was on her side, and I would to whatever I had to in order to prove that to her.
Somberly, we all moved to the kitchen, Enzo cleaning up Mia’s wine glass and pouring himself a tumbler of tequila, drinking deeply.
Once we had all taken a moment, Lita looked around and asked, “Well, does anyone have any more surprises, or can we finally get out there and eat?”
I swallowed. Now or never, I guessed.
“I’m pregnant,” I blurted out into the quiet room, and this time it was Enzo who dropped his drink.
He stared at me, a dumbfounded look on his face as he processed the information. I looked around, seeing surprised smiles and shocked faces all around. Lita in particular looked ecstatic. When my eyes landed back on Enzo, his face had his signature smirk back in place.
“Fuck yeah, you are, babe,” he said, then he grasped me under my arms and lifted me high. “A goddamn legacy. That’s what we’re making.” Pulling me close, he whispered low enough for only me to hear. “I fuckin’ love you, Frankie.”
I sighed, my heart so happy I could cry. “I love you, too, Enzo.”
“Hell yeah,” hollered Trick, whooping like he was at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. “I’m gonna throw you the best damn baby shower ever!”