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"Have you seen the doctor yet?" I ask. "How far along are you?"
"I'm not too sure. I think I should be a little over six weeks," she exclaims.
"I'll have an appointment set up tomorrow," I add.
I make a mental note to clear my schedule. I want to be there to hear our child's heartbeat for the first time.
"You must tell me if you need anything," I say. "Anything at all."
Tatiana smiles softly. "Just your love. That's all I'll ever need."
"You have it. Always." I kiss her hand again, silently reaffirming my vow.
We sit quietly as the stars shine in the night sky, basking in this perfect moment. The future has never looked brighter.
Tatiana's hands are soft and delicate in mine as I press tender kisses across her knuckles. Our eyes meet, speaking a thousand unsaid words. In her bright gaze, I see our future - one filled with joy and new adventures.
"I can't wait to meet our child," I murmur. "To hold our baby in my arms. Our littlefamiglia."
Chapter 38
Tatiana
A yawn escapes my lips as I gaze at the remnants of thepanacottaon my plate. Exhaustion weighs heavily on my body, the result of this little life growing inside me.
Philippe's observant eyes flick to mine, his brows furrowing. "You look tired,amore mio."
I wave a dismissive hand, but another yawn betrays me.
Philippe's fingers curl around my wrist, his touch gentle yet firm. "No more pretending. I will carry you to bed."
Heat floods my cheeks at his commanding tone. I open my mouth to protest, shaking my head at his overprotectiveness. "Carry me to bed?" I laugh. "I'm fine. Just a little tired."
He frowns, icy eyes probing. "You need rest. The baby—"
"Is perfectly healthy." I place my hands on either side of his face, tilting his head down for a soft kiss. "But I appreciate your concern."
Philippe sighs, tension leaving his body. He presses his forehead to mine, hands settling on my waist. "You must tell me if there is anything you need, Tatiana. Anything at all. I will not have you suffering or our child at risk."
My pounding heart calms at his words, at the love and fierce protectiveness in his voice. I stroke his cheeks, feeling the rasp of stubble under my palms. "I know. But we're both okay. You don't need to worry so much."
"It is my job to worry for you both." He straightens, eyes shadowed. "Now, you will rest. No arguments."
I hold up my hands in surrender, a smile teasing my lips. "As you wish."
With a resigned sigh, I push away from the table. Philippe rises in a fluid motion, all hard muscle and predatory grace, and satisfaction flickers in his gaze as he scoops me into his arms. I laugh, shaking my head at his ridiculousness, but curl into his warmth.
Being carried like a delicate flower should annoy me, but with Philippe, it only makes me feel cherished. Safe. Loved.
My breath hitches at the feel of his strength and warmth. His scent, sandalwood and spice, envelops me. I settle into his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
Philippe kisses the top of my head and strides from the balcony up to his room. "You need your rest,cara mia. I will not have you exhausting yourself. Now that I know you are with child, there won't be any more late-night dinners under the stars. Early. We eat early from tomorrow."
A smile tugs at my lips. I caress the lines of his tattoo, following the intricate design up his neck.
How did I get so lucky? To find a man like Philippe, a man who loves me with a fierceness and protectiveness that steals my breath, is a gift I will never take for granted.
He lays me on the bed, tucking me in with gentle hands, kisses my forehead, a benediction, and whispers against my skin, "dormi, amore mio." – sleep, my love.
