Sold to Mr. Giordano

Arielle

Laying on Antonio’s side of the bed I lift up my shirt and rub my stomach. I allow my mind to wander on what life will be like in four to five months. I’ve always had a girl’s name picked out since I was little and while I love the name and would definitely pitch it to Antonio—I find myself thinking of the name Antonia in memoriam.

Carmelo has offered to help me transform one of the guest bedrooms into a nursery but it didn’t feel right, maybe as time gets closer, I’ll let him help me out if I have none. I asked Carmelo if I could keep the penthouse if Antonio is hypothetically dead. He told me that it’s paid in full and the money is his account would go to me and I would be set for life. He told me I could move if I wanted but told me not to because he knows in his heart that his Capo is alive.

For a nursery I want lilac painted walls and a white furniture. I want her name spelled out in wooden block letters on the wall and I want a picture of her daddy on her dresser.

I’ve always wanted to be a mother, I think it’s also because I always knew I was going to be a mother. Men in the Famiglia expect children and that also explains why Luca was out of his mind mad at Arabella—although it’s no excuse. I’m excited to be a mother and to have someone to love and love me back. I’m going to do it right, I’m going to do it differently than my parents did. I never expected I would be having a daughter, I guess I always assumed I would be having boys—heirs for my husband. While I would love a mini-Antonio, I’m over the moon happy it’s a girl. I’m going to let my daughter have freedom and future that she chooses.

“Hey,” Arabella knocks on the door and enters. She notices my exposed stomach. “I know I’m not technically your sisters-in-law anymore, but I’m still the kids aunt, right?”

“Yes, you’ll be her godmother,” I smile.

“Her? It’s a girl?” Arabella sits on the edge of my bed and squeals. She reaches her hand over to touch my stomach placing her palm flat against my belly button. “I’m so happy for you. Hell, I’m so happy for me. I’m going to have a niece!” Her smile quickly fades when she sees me struggling to keep the happy expression on my face. “I’ll help you, you know? I can play Daddy whenever you want. I’m… I’m here for you, Ary.”

“Thank you,” I place my hand over hers.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Carmelo enters and brings in Chinese food for all of us. I didn’t expect to be hungry but as soon as I spot an egg roll, I automatically crave it. I reach for it and down it within seconds.

Carmelo, who has taken his own seat on the bed opens his box of lo mein noodles. “If you want more egg rolls I can order more. I’m just so happy to see you eating.”

I give him a guilty expression and he simply smiles and punches in the order on his phone. I use my stomach as a tray for the food and dig in.

“How is the little one?” Carmelo asks. “Do you want me to take you to any appointments or those classes that pregnant ladies go to?”

“Everything is fine. I don’t have an appointment until a few weeks from now and no it’s fine.”

“Okay, but if you ever want to go to those classes I can go with you.”

I give him a kind smile that tells him how much I appreciate him. He’s become so much more than my bodyguard. I hated him at first, hated having a guy follow me around wherever I went, but now…

Now I can’t imagine going anywhere without him.

Or Antonio, my mind likes to point out.

The egg rolls arrive in record time, but that’s expected when people see the name Giordano. I ate every single one and even craved more, but I didn’t want to bother Carmelo again. The bed is trashed with Chinese takeout boxes and the stench of egg rolls, teriyaki sauce and Arabella’s sweet and sour chicken fill the room. We’re all too full and tired to move, so we don’t and on Antonio’s king sized bed we all fall asleep.