AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CASSANDRA
Years later
“Oh my God. I think I love you,” I say as I enter the kitchen. My eyes take in all of the food that’s spread out on the kitchen island. My gaze flicks up to Chef Bottura, who has gone ghost white.
“Don’t kill him,” I quickly add and reach out to put my hand on my husband's chest. “I’m teasing.” I think Luke is teasing, too, about killing Chef Bottura, but you can never be too sure. Luke slowly lowers his gun.
“You’d get blood all over my food.” I smack his chest and head toward the kitchen island. I don't know where to start; every dish looks better than the last.
Luke had Chef Bottura flown in from Italy after I’d said I was craving one of his dishes. We’d spent our ‘real honeymoon’ as I call it, roaming France and Italy. This is where I’d first tasted the masterpieces that Massimo Bottura creates with food. He’s an artist in my eyes. I’m not even the tiniest bit surprised that my husband flew him here to cook for me. Luke does whatever it takes to make me happy. I may not have known what he was doing when he came into my life, but I quickly realized that he only had my best interest at heart.
“Don’t pay him any attention, Massimo. Please tell me what all of this is,” I say as I snag a bite of his tagliatelle. I moan when the taste hits my tongue. I hear Luke growl but I squint my eyes at him, letting him know that I’ll kill him if he ruins this for me.
“I’ve made you all of your favorites, Mrs. Knight.” I lick my lips and thank God I wore my stretchy pants today. “I’ve stayed away from soft cheeses, so you may not see some of the ingredients that you’re used to.” I side-eye Luke because he’s the reason that I’m not getting the full effect of Chef Bottura. “I did make the lemon tart that you love.Mangia.”
That brings a smile to my face. I clap excitedly, ready to dig in. A sharp pain runs up my back, making me freeze at the same time a gasp leaves my lips.
“Vixen.” Luke is all over me instantly. “What was that?”
I glance up at him as I quickly reach over and grab a piece of bread. I dip it in the ragu that is to die for. I want to stay at this table forever.
“A hiccup,” I say before I shove the bread into my mouth.
He narrows his eyes on me.
“She’s hungry,” I say with my mouth full and point to my giant baby belly. I’m due to pop any day now. Luke’s eyes grow soft as he puts his hand on my belly and starts to rub. I thought he was attentive before I got pregnant, but that was child’s play compared to how he is now.
“Are you sure?” He leans down and brushes his mouth against mine. I nod a yes, because I’m a liar. In all fairness, I’m really not sure what’s going on. I can only focus on all the delicious food that’s waiting for me to eat. I think I might have had a contraction, but I’m not ready. I can’t leave all this food.
“You’re not supposed to eat once labor starts,” he reminds me.
I know. That's the main reason why I’m not telling him. I’ve got an island of food to eat! I can't be in labor right now. Luke has read the pregnancy book cover to cover, multiple times. He even made us take a class on it. I think I napped through part of it. This baby is making me tired.
“Aren’t we celebrating?” I change the subject before Luke can try and call in the doctor. He's so over-the-top that he hired one to be on call for the next few weeks. He has a backup plan for everything.
“We are. My wife is a college graduate.” He smiles, pride in his eyes. And he’s right, I am. College was exciting and new. I felt like I got to spread my wings. I also learned how much I missed my husband when I wasn’t with him. How I enjoyed art so much more when he was next to me to talk about. I grew, but I also realized that I could pursue my art dreams while also having a family. Just the thought of a little one with my eyes and Luke’s smile is enough to send my heart pitter-pattering.
“Right, I have a diploma, and I’m not afraid to use it.” I lean against him for a moment, then go back to the feast before me. “That means I’m the smart one around here. I’d know if I was in labor.” I totally think I am.
He smirks.
“Eat.” He prods me toward my food.
“Don’t mind if I do.” I eat one of the fresh-made tortellinis in broth. I wonder if Luke will let Massimo live here permanently. Probably not. I sigh internally. I never should have said the L word. That’s going to bite me in the ass. I meant it about the man’s food, not the man, but I probably screwed myself all the same.
Ms. Kittles struts past, her tail tickling my swollen ankles. A demure meow earns her a tiny bit of chicken, though it hurts me to share even that little bite. She chews it appreciatively and waits for more. I lean down to feed her one more piece, but my breath hitches again, and I squeeze my eyes shut in a moment of discomfort.
“Massimo, give me the tart!” I may have yelled that part at him as I sit back up.
Before I know what’s happening, Luke is lifting me and carrying me away from heaven.
I sadly wave goodbye to all of the goodies. I should’ve known he was going to bust me on my lie. “I would kill to have one bite of that tart.” I look up at Luke, who smirks at me. He’d laugh if he wasn't worried about this whole labor thing.
“What am I going to do with you, little vixen?” he says as he places a kiss on my mouth.
“Let me go back and eat the tart?” I suggest.
“Later,” he tells me.
