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Benny’s cold blood can warm when he’s around those he loves.
“Oh, hey, Neomi,” Natalia says when she notices me.
I wave, feeling like I’ve witnessed a private moment between them.
Cristian slowly rises to his feet. “I’ll be in my office if you need me.” He kisses her and then nods at me as he passes, clad in his classic black suit. He enters the room I banged on when I was looking for Benny after our wedding.
“We have a new photo of baby Marchetti.” Natalia waves the paper and is practically dancing in place. “Want to see?”
I smile and walk toward her.
Natalia’s tan face glows as she shows me the ultrasound photo like it’s her most prized possession.
“There’s my future brother-in-law,” I say playfully. I tap the photo, and as if speaking to him, I say, “I hope you’re being easy on your mommy in there.”
She blows a breath upward. “Oh, he loves blessing me with morning sickness and heartburn. Sometimes, I wonder if he’s my son since he gets so temperamental after I eat pizza.”
I laugh and follow her into the living room. The room matches the rest of the home with its deep burgundy walls and velvet curtains. Beautiful artwork hangs along the walls, and I stop at a particular piece hanging over the stone fireplace with gorgeous, ornate designs carved into it.
I admire the artwork that doesn’t fit with the other decor. It’s bright yellow with hints of pink.
“Funny story about this piece,” Natalia says, stopping at my side. “I worked at an art gallery, and Cristian purchased this so I’dmeet my sales of the dayand have lunch with him.” She laughs and shakes her head at the memory. “He didn’t even look at it before buying. I thought it’d be cute to hang it in here—a nice little reminder of how far we’ve come.”
Natalia radiates with love.
No one ever expected Cristian Marchetti to remarry. Then, out of nowhere, he exchangedI dos with Natalia. According to the gossip, it was a forced marriage, but their love grew roots that connected them, and now, they’re happy.
“Aw, that’s sweet,” I say.
“Don’t let Cristian hear you say that. It’s a secret we keep here.”
I smile at her. “Your secret is safe with me.”
Not that it’s much of a secret.
Cristian had no problem going to war for Natalia. Undoubtedly, he has a soft spot in his heart for her.
Natalia cradles her belly as she plops onto the leather sectional, and I sit on the other end. It takes her a moment to make herself comfortable.
I wonder if I’ll get that too—to be a mother.
Will Benny and I have children?
Does he want children?
I do, but I don’t want to bring them into an unhappy home … a bad environment.
“How’s married life?” Natalia asks, breaking into my thoughts.
“It’s, uh … interesting.”
She nods, understanding my answer. “Benny can be a little …” This time, it’s her looking for the right word.
I find it for her. “Overbearing?”
“Yes, but if he cares about you, he’ll do anything to keep you safe.” She shrugs. “He’s a Marchetti.”
He’s a Marchetti.
