He’s basically lurking in the doorway of the waiting room, feet spread apart and arms crossed like a sentry. I briefly wonder if he’s concerned something might happen with all of them in the same room, vulnerable, as they wait for the newest Bellanti to arrive. But then again, this is just his way. He’s the protector of this family and it comes naturally to him to keep watch over everyone. I find his intensity both endearing and intimidating.
After giving his hand a little squeeze, I take the empty chair next to Karina’s. Yup, there’s no question. We are fully occupying this waiting room. I can’t believe I’m sitting here with everyone, waiting on baby Bellanti as if I belong here.
And guess what? It sucks.
On one hand, I’m getting the family dynamic I always craved, and of course I’m thrilled to be here for Frankie’s special moment, supporting her as best I can. But on the other…I am being completely dishonest. I don’t belong with this family.
I never expected to have such wildly conflicting emotions over the role I’m playing in all of this. I shouldn’t have any emotions at all. Yet here I am, flooded with them.
A nurse appears, snapping me out of my brood-fest as she snags Dante and Charlie. They disappear down the hall. Everyone who’s left looks at each other. Is this it? Is the baby coming?
All we can do is wait and see.
Marco and Karina reappear with two carriers of to-go cups, a bag of snacks from a vending machine, and some plastic wrapped bagels, cups of fruit, and yogurt from the cafeteria. Mrs. Abbott sets her knitting in Livvie’s lap and proceeds to divvy up the provisions amongst us.
“Coffee or tea?” she asks when she gets to me.
“Coffee, please,” I say. “Actually, wait—I’ve had way too much caffeine today already. I think I’ll just go grab a water from the vending machine.”
I get a little lost looking for the vending area, but eventually figure it out. On my way back to the waiting room, I turn a corner and see Clayton and Armani huddled up by the doorway, heads down, speaking in low voices. Armani has a tense look on his face. My stomach instantly drops. Is Frankie okay?
Approaching on soft steps, I try to pick up on what they’re saying. But all I catch is a mention of something about Vegas before Armani’s gaze shifts to me and he pastes a fake smile on his face. Whatever they were discussing, it doesn’t seem like he wants to share it with me.
Too bad.
“Did you say Vegas?” I chirp.
Clayton shoots Armani a subtle look, but it doesn’t escape my notice.
“It’s just a business trip,” Armani says nonchalantly. “I’ll only be gone for the weekend.”
“The weekend? Perfect timing! I can go with you. I haven’t been to Vegas in ages.”
Armani moves his jaw from side to side. Nailed it. Something is definitely up.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he says.
“Why not?”
“You can’t leave your cat,” he reasons.
“Oh, that—Becca in the kitchen said she’d love to kittysit for me anytime. It’s all good.”
He frowns. “I’ll be in meetings all weekend, though. You’ll be bored, stuck in the room by yourself.”
“Silly man. I know how to keep myself occupied. I’ll just spend the day at the hotel spa or go shopping, and we can catch a show once you wrap up.” I smile as winningly as I can. “Maybe a little gambling and some drinks? It’ll besofun.”
The men noticeably exchange glances this time. Armani looks as if he’s about to argue when Karina walks up to us.
“Did I overhear you saying you’re going to Vegas? I’m so jealous! I’ve actually never been. Not twenty-one yet, you know. I’ve heard some of the buffets are pretty incredible.”
I grin at Armani, waiting for him to argue. But before he gets the chance, the double doors at the end of the hall burst open and Dante steps out with a huge grin on his face.
“Baby girl is here!”
Marco and Armani rush over and pull Dante in for a brotherly hug as our waiting room crew erupts into cheers and excited chatter.
“We’re naming her Lili,” he announces. In a softer voice, I hear him tell his brothers, “For Liliana. She’ll be Liliana Grace.”
