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“Not exactly comforting words,sorella.”
“You know I’m right. Not only did you sleep with her, but you knocked her up and then you hid the pregnancy for an entire year!”
“That was not my decision,” I point out with a frown. “I had little control over that.”
“So what? You have a child, Rome. With a woman you’re not married to. Oh my god! Mom’s going to pass out. Salvador’s going to freak. Tony’s going to kill you.”
My jaw clenches. “Trust me, Rosa. I’m aware of how they’re going to react to the news.”
She looks over at my face and at the sight of my expression, her gaze softens. “I’m an aunt, though. That’s amazing. I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Yeah. She’s a perfect baby girl.”
“And you love her?”
I arch an eyebrow at that question. I’ve known about Cassie’s existence for almost three weeks. I’ve met her three times. But honestly, there’s no doubt in my mind how I feel for that little girl.
“Of course I love her,” I reply gruffly. “She’s my daughter.”
Rosa smiles. “I’m glad. And I’m happy for you. You’ll be the best father.”
“Sure. As long as my best friend doesn’t kill me,” I say grimly.
“He probably won’t kill you,” she offers optimistically. “But he might never forgive you, either.”
I blow out a breath. “Yeah. That’s what I’m afraid of.”
* * *
When I arriveat the apartment the next day, Kiara’s the one to open the door. I arch an eyebrow at her appearance.
“What’s with the shit on your face?” I ask, gesturing at the black substance covering every inch except her eyes, nose, and mouth.
Her eyes narrow. “It’s a face mask, thank you very much. Lena, your baby daddy’s here,” she announces, moving from the doorway to grant me entrance.
Rolling my eyes, I follow her in. Elena walks out of her bedroom, holding a crying baby in her hands.
“Hey,” she says, smile unsettled. “You can have her. She won’t stop crying.”
I reach for Cassie immediately, pulling her into my arms. Settling her against my chest, I rub her back in soothing circles, a tip I learned upon research. While I do my best to remember the worlds to the song, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”. “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, up above the world you are. In a diamond in the sky, lalalalalala fly. Twinkle, Twinkle Little star. In the sky, there you are.”
A few seconds pass and the wailing cries stop, dissolving into small gasps and noises. She finally falls silent and I grin.
Elena begins to chuckle making it clear I have forgotten the words. Or perhaps I’ve never known them.
“You are so good with her,” she says, eyes wide.
She moves to join her friend, who’s watching me intently. She whispers something in Elena’s ear, which causes her to gasp before slapping her shoulder.
“Shut up, Kie,” Elena mutters.
I watch the two women curiously while rocking the baby in my arms.
“So, Rome, care to tell me how you went from a guy that shoots people in the head to this,” she says, gesturing at me.
“Magic,” I deadpan.
She smiles. “This is so precious. I would take a picture to send to Michael and Tony but I can’t since you two haven’t come clean.”
