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“I didn’t know the first three months. It’s been hard to keep it from you. I knew you’d be afraid. I didn’t want you to make me choose, Leo.”
“Make you…? Amelia, I wouldn’t have asked you to end it. I would have had a nurse with you around the clock and never let you out of my sight. That - you can fucking guarantee - is what I plan on doing now.”
“I’ll be…”
“Understand this, Amelia. You’re taking a risk, right now, with your life. To have this baby, you’re gambling everything.” He inhaled deeply. “I’ll go all-in with you...but I’m going to be the most controlling fuck you’ve ever met and you’re going to let me be that person because you know me. You know I have to do something to feel like the world isn’t spinning off its axis. If you don’t let me bring in people to help, to do absolutely every goddamn thing for you until this baby is born, I’ll be counting down the seconds in my brain.”
She held his face. “Torture for you, I know.” Leaning forward, she kissed his lips lightly. Then she sighed. “You know I’m going to hate it.” He nodded. “I’m not used to anyone taking care of me now.”
One side of Leo’s mouth lifted in a smile and her love for him grew yet again.
Her brilliant, gentle Leo.
“You’ve been out of practice, Amelia. Let me remind you.”
* * *
They arrived at Leo’s apartment in Chicago and Augusta got out to wait for them on the sidewalk.
“Baylor offered to drive me back to my car and I’m going to take him up on it so you two have time alone.” She looked back and forth between them. “Thank you for trusting me, Leo. I always know Amy is in the best hands...when she’s in your hands.” Clearing her throat, she added softly, “I’m sorry I couldn’t keep the secret any longer, Amy.”
Reaching out, Amelia took her mother’s hand. “I was panicked when I made you promise. You were right to bring him. Thank you for caring.”
“Of course. Always, Amy.”
She started to turn toward the car but Amelia didn’t let go. Instead, she pulled Augusta into a careful hug.
Beside her ear, she said, “We’ve traveled a rocky road, you and me. A lot has happened between us. Pain, loss, anger...and those things don’t disappear overnight. Still...I see your efforts. I feel the difference in you, and I appreciate what you’ve done.” Pulling back, she added, “Let me know when you get home, Mom.”
Augusta placed her hand over her heart. “A-Amy…”
She hadn’t referred to Augusta as Mom in almost nine years. “One step at a time, right?”
“One step at a time.” She looked at Leo and said softly, “You’re good for my daughter and you’re going to be an excellent father to my grandson.” Getting in the front seat, she folded her hands in her lap and cried silently as Leo closed the door.
Looking at Baylor, Leo offered, “I’ll see us up…”
His bodyguard sighed. “It’s incredible how much you miss when it’s about you. Even when you see yourself up, you’re never alone, Leo. I’ll be back in an hour.” He walked around the car and Leo frowned.
“What do you…?”
Baylor pointed in both directions and got behind the wheel. As the car pulled away from the curb, Leo took in the two men standing a few feet from either side of the door.
“Uh…”
The first man said, “The apartment has been cleared, Mr. De La Cruz. There’s a wheelchair in the lobby for Miss Whitehall.” The second man held the door.
Leo and Amelia walked through it and she could see that there was a lot of new information flooding into his brain. Where she’d always assumed Leo was accustomed to his protective detail, she now realized he honestly hadn’t really noticed anyone but Baylor.
“How did I…” Leo’s voice trailed away.
She reassured him with a shrug. “You’re a genius. You focus on what matters. The rest is white noise.” He helped her lower into the wheelchair and pushed her toward the elevator. “I’m starving, Leo. I hope you’re prepared to feed a pregnant lady every bite of food in your house.”
“Take out, Amelia. I’m going to fall back on take out.”
He pushed her into the elevator and she inhaled deeply. It was her first step into his life - a life that had never had her in it. His apartment, his career, the man he’d become after she left him without warning at eighteen.
She imagined there would be adjustments to make, fights along the way, and days they’d both hate living with another person…
He was her Leo. Her soulmate.
They’d figure it out.
