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My door swung open as I quickly released the seat belt before taking the hand he offered. We climbed three steps, then walked through the front door straight into bedlam.
Gabe and Cate’s son, Miller, was shouting something in another language, as he darted around the living room with a toy sword. He was swinging it through the air, fighting off an imaginary enemy while the rest of the family conversed around him.
Being the only child of only children, I wasn’t used to the chaos that came with large family gatherings. Listening to Miller’s gleeful squeals when his uncle, Rico, joined him in battle though, made me realize how lucky my baby was. He or she would have this incredible, larger than life group of people who would love and protect them without hesitation.
“Quin, I’m so glad you could join us.” Mrs. del Toro engulfed me in the kind of hug only a mother could give. I melted in her embrace, grateful for the warm welcome.
“Thank you for having me.”
“Let her up for air, Ella,” her husband chuckled.
“Silenziohush,Javi,” she scolded.
When she was finished, we were ushered farther into the room, while she and Cate went into the kitchen to put the final touches on dinner.
“How are you feeling?” River asked.
She and Ems had inserted themselves next to me the moment I sat down on the large gray microsuede sofa, forcing Alec to stand with his brothers across the room.
“I could use a shot of Fireball right about now,” I harrumphed.
“You have nothing to worry about.” Emory nudged me with her elbow.
“Alec said the same thing.”
“Speaking of. That man’s got it bad.”
“What the hell are you talking about, River?”
“Are you blind?” she exclaimed. “He hasn’t been able to keep his eyes off of you.”
She was right. I’d caught myself searching him out, even though I knew he was less than ten feet away. Each time I did, his intense gaze was fixed on me; those gray eyes assessing my comfort level.
“Dinner’s ready.”
Cate’s announcement saved me from having to answer.
We moved to the dining room where the table was covered with enough food to feed an army, instead of the ten adults and one child in attendance. Javier said a blessing and the bowls were passed around as plates were piled full with the delicious offerings.
Nausea began to swirl once again when I caught the scent of bacon. I swallowed down roughly, then leaned over to Alec.
“I need to use the restroom.”
“Are you okay?”
His voice sounded far away as I quickly pushed my chair back and stood. The room spun and my last thought, before everything went black, was I hoped I didn’t crack my head open on the table.
CHAPTER 5
Allesandro
IT ALL HAPPENED so fast, I almost didn’t make it in time to catch her before she crumbled to the floor. Mass hysteria erupted as everyone jumped out of their seats to come to our aid. Easing us both to the floor, I pulled her body between my legs, resting her head against my chest. I checked her wrist for a pulse and was relieved when I felt it pounding beneath my fingertips, but she was pale.
“Firefly, open your eyes for me.”
“Move out of the way.” Ma pushed through to kneel at my side. “Someone call 911.”
“She’s pregnant,” I uttered. “Nothing can happen to either of them.”
