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Chapter Twenty-Two
When they arrived at O’Hare, Leo kept Amelia’s hand between both of his as if he couldn’t bear to let her go. Baylor escorted them to the car, closed them in the back, and Augusta got in the front with him.
Amelia was both upset and relieved that her mother brought Leo to Washington. She knew his fear would be greater than hers...and hers was substantial.
“Amelia, I can’t believe you’re pregnant. It feels like a dream.”
“I was going to tell you soon, Leo. I wanted to wait...just in case the baby doesn’t make it.”
“I understand that. What bothers me is that something could have gone horribly wrong and I wouldn’t have even known there was a reason to worry.” He straightened and his eyes went wide. “When are you due?”
“My doctor found me a great team in Chicago. I’ll let him know to send my records over. He’s recommending a caesarean in four weeks.”
“You don’t seem happy about it.”
“It’s six weeks early. The experts I’ve consulted said I shouldn’t go past thirty-four weeks. After that, things get really tight and the risks get higher.”
“What are the risks right now? If they take the baby ten weeks early? I want to know.”
Amelia put her hands over her belly. “No, Leo.”
“Amelia, babies are born premature all the time. Medical science isn’t what it was even ten years ago.”
Her palms pressed more firmly around her stomach and she told him, “No, Leo. I’m not forcing him into the world a single day sooner than I have to. It’s more dangerous for him than it is for me.”
“I can’t live without you. I can live without a child and expected to do so...but not without you, Amelia.” He leaned his head back and took deep racking breaths.
Amelia lifted his hand and pressed her lips to his palm. Sitting forward, she placed it over her stomach. As if waiting for a signal, the baby moved inside her and Leo released a soft gasp. He moved so he could put both hands on her.
“That’s our child in there, Leo. By some strange twist of fate, we’ve been given a second chance. Look at me.” He lifted his eyes from her stomach to her face. “That’s your son under your hand, Leonardo De La Cruz. Growing healthy and strong less than an inch from your palm.”
He blinked and returned to staring at her stomach. Tears slipped over his cheeks.
She said softly, “I’ve had every test done, checked for every known possible problem. I kept the secret for many reasons and one of them is knowing you love me more than you love this baby.” She cupped his cheek. “But Leo…I love you and this baby more than I love myself.”
The baby moved again.
He replied hoarsely, “If I have to choose, I’ll choose you. Please, please understand…I never thought this would be possible. I closed my mind to it.”
Looking deeply into his eyes, she gave him a gentle smile. “Leo, you’ve never closed your mind to anything in your life.” His return smile was fearful. “I’ve made it so far…I can go a little further to give him a better chance. Say you’ll help me, Leo. I need this…something I thought I’d never have after that horrible night so many years ago. Our baby, growing strong inside my body right now.”
He was quiet as tears continued to fall. “You know it’s a boy?”
“Oh, yes. I wanted to know as soon as possible so I had a visual in my mind to help with the fear, the nervousness, and the stress of not telling you.”
Choosing her words carefully, she said what had been weighing on her mind since he appeared in her studio.
“I know you’re worried and scared for me. But is there any part of you that’s maybe a little...happy?”
He gathered her in his arms and whispered, “Amelia, I should have told you that first but...the shock. I’m happy, so happy. More than a little awestruck.” Leaning back, he winked. “Kind of cool that we made a baby in the spare womb you just happened to be carrying around.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“You’re beautiful. Glowing.”
“I wasn’t in the beginning. There was a lot of vomiting, swelling, and mood swings. My poor body has no idea what the fuck is happening from one second to the next.”
Lifting one hand, he stroked his fingers through her hair. “I wouldn’t have cared. I missed so much.”
