The door is open so I can see people passing by.
I straighten up hoping I can get up and go for a walk but the second I do I regret it, my head gets that light feeling again and I sink back to the stack of pillows.
“Easy tiger,” says a voice at the door. A voice I’d recognize from my dreams.
Dante is standing by the door holding a large bouquet of long stemmed English roses, my favorites.
I try to shuffle again and reach for him when he comes in. He comes straight up to me and takes me into his arms, holding me.
“Dante, you’re here.” I bubble and he moves to my lips to kiss me.
I’ve missed his lips so much, having them again on mine feels like coming home from a long journey far, far away.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come before. I was here I just…”
“I know. I heard what Dad did. I’m so sorry.”
“Baby, no. Nothing to be sorry for. How are you feeling?”
“Awful. I can just bet I look awful too.”
“Never baby. Never Princesa. Things are going to be different now. No more secrets, no more of anything that doesn’t see me showing you off to everyone who knows me.” He nods firmly and takes my hand to kiss over my knuckles.
No more secrets. I have one more to tell him.
“Me too. Dante… I have something to tell you.” I pull in a deep breath and ready myself to do it.
“What? You can tell me anything, baby.”
“Well… there’s a reason why I fainted. I have low blood pressure and I’m anemic but that’s … because I’m pregnant.”
There I said it, and he stares back at me stunned with his mouth open and a vibrant gleam in his eyes.
“What?” His eyes suddenly become glassy and a wealth of emotion fills his face.
“I’m sorry I know I told you I was taking birth control and I was I just forgot to take it and –”
He stops my next words with a kiss. “Don’t you dare apologize to me.” a tear slides down his cheek and nestles in his beard.
“You’re crying.” I whisper and he smiles wide.
“I’m happy Princesa, we’re going to be parents?”
“Yes.”
“Oh my God,” he holds me, pulling me close to his heart. “That’s the best news Rachel. I love you and you’ve made me the happiest man alive.”
It fills my heart with joy to hear that. “I love you too Dante. I’m happy too.”
I couldn’t be more happy right now as he holds me.
I’m with him and we’re having a baby.
Epilogue
Rachel
Three months later…