Page 185 of Angel

Our summer unfolded into a blissful blur of blue water and long afternoons.

We spent our first two mornings in Anacapri.

We had a ball re-exploring the narrow, cobbled alleys of the town.

The locals swarmed our stroller to swoon over Mila, cooing and fussing over her as we pushed past the bright storefronts.

‘They’re obsessed with her,’ I chuckled, stopping near a flower stall as an older woman swooned at Mila’s tiny feet.

‘She has everyone who sets eyes on her wrapped around her finger, Rox,’ Angel rasped as he kept a protective hand on the stroller handle. ‘We can’t even buy bread without starting a fan club.’

For seven days, our secluded villa was a haven of bliss, with Mila, Angel, and me enjoying sleep-ins, the pool, Mrs. C’s amazing food, and much-needed downtime.

One evening we even had Mrs. Campanelli’s lovely, boisterous family over for a true Italian feast.

Angel helped Mrs C. whip up ravioli alla Caprese, lemon spaghetti, seafood scialatielli pasta, and, as always, a Caprese salad for all fifteen of us.

While Mila slept, her son Matteo and I spent the evening comparing our art as his kids frolicked in the pool.

A week later, the rest of the Sinners started trickling into Italy to join us for their summer vacays.

Jude and Sofia arrived in Week 2, bringing more laughter and joy to the sun-drenched mansion.

Jude, Carlos, and Angel wasted no time hitting the water in the skiff on a fishing trip.

They spent a morning out on the ocean before bringing back a massive haul of fresh Mediterranean sea bass and red snapper.

While the men cleaned the catch in the outdoor kitchen, Sofia and I caught up by the pool with Mila.

Sofia peppered me with a thousand questions about motherhood, labor, and handling a newborn.

‘Does the sleep deprivation actually get easier?’

Sofia’s eyes fixed on my daughter as Mila gripped a plush toy.

‘And how do you know when a cry means hunger versus just being cranky?’

I answered all her questions, sharing the messy realities of our baby routine, but suspicion popped into my head as she quizzed me.

Why was she asking so many questions about pregnancy?

Those thoughts were soon confirmed at dinner the following evening.

As Angel served grilled snapper with fresh lemon, she dropped her bomb.

‘Sono incinta, amici miei. I’m pregnant, friends.’

Sofia made the announcement, her face radiating a brilliant, soft glow, while Jude sat beside her, eyes soft and a proud smirk on his face.

My heart leaped with joy, and I jumped up from my chair to hug her.

‘That’s the best news ever, honey! Mila is getting a new little friend.’

Angel chuckled, a grin breaking across his face.

He gave his mate a celebratory hug.

‘Damn, brother. Congratulations. Welcome to the club of the baby-whipped.’