EMILIANO
Cassie had proposed a quiet dinner together, so Emiliano had taken care of the reservations. Now, as his wife steps out of the bathroom. she asks. “Has Alex gone to sleep yet?”
“No, he’s with my mom.”
Cassie moves to the closet, scanning for an outfit. “When are you getting ready?”
Instead of replying, Emiliano throws a question her way. “So, did you get it?”
“You’ll find out later.”
His arms wrap around her waist. “Can’t I get a sneak peek?”
“No, or we’ll never leave.” Cassie slips out of his hold. “And if I don’t step away from you now, we’ll end up naked on the floor with
you inside me.”
“I can’t help it if you’re so gorgeous that I can’t keep my hands to myself.” He steps closer.
“Emiliano…”
“I’m going.” he says, turning to leave the closet. “Hopefully dinner will be quick so I can take my time with you tonight.”
Once Cassie is ready. Emiliano escorts her to the restaurant he’d booked before. He hopes they won’t end the night in a fight again, but he can’t help but order a bottle of wine to see if Cassie will drink.
As Emiliano pours them each a glass, he notices the uncertainty in her eyes. She accepts the wine with trembling fingers, but while he takes a sip right away, she sets her glass aside and opts for water. He decides to keep quiet for now.
“Is there a reason for this dinner, darling?”
“You could say that. I wanted to talk to you, and I figured we wouldn’t be interrupted here.”
“Talk about what?” he asks, though he has a hunch about her answer.
“Things.”
“Is it important?”
The waiter returns then to take their orders, but Cassie only requests a Greek salad. When he leaves, Emiliano says, “You suggested this dinner, and now you’re barely ordering anything.”
“I just felt like something light.”
“You’re not drinking.” he points out, gesturing to her untouched wine. Here comes another excuse.
Cassie avoids his gaze. “I’d rather not,” is all she says.
Their food arrives, but Cassie barely takes three bites before setting her fork down. She sips some water and looks at him.
Emiliano meets her gaze. “What’s wrong?” he asks. “Isn’t it good?”
Emiliano…I need to tell you something. I should’ve told you sooner, but I couldn’t find the words.”
He sets down his own fork. “What is it?”
“I’m… I’m pregnant,” Emiliano doesn’t respond, just watches her face filled with fear. “Did you hear what I said?”
He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed is a shock. “How long have you known?”
“For about a month.”
“Is the baby mine?
Cassie gasps, shocked at the question. Disbelief flashes in her eyes, and Emiliano realizes he crossed a line. She would never do something so dishonorable.
“Of course, the baby is yours. I haven’t been with anyone else.”
So, why are you only telling me now
“I was scared. You kept saying we didn’t need another unplanned pregnancy, so I didn’t know how to tell you, I was afraid you might think I did it on purpose.”
“Did you?” he asks.
“No!” she exclaims softly. “On our second honeymoon, I realized I didn’t have any extra pills. I always carry an extra pack in my purse, but I must’ve forgotten to check the day I went shopping with your mom and José picked me up….
“I told myself it was okay because I had just finished my period, but the next day we made love again before I could get my pills from the pharmacy, and I forgot, I don’t know how I could have forgotten it’s never happened before but when I’m with you, I forget about everything else.”
Emiliano had told her they didn’t need another unplanned pregnancy, but now that she is pregnant, he doesn’t know what to feel. He’s still getting used to being a father to his son: having more kids was the last thing on his mind.
After a few minutes of silence, he asks, “Do you want the baby?”
“It’s too late to ask that question… but yes, I do”
Truthfully. Emiliano isn’t ready for another child, but he loves this woman, and if she wants to be the mother of his children, then he has no objections–she’s an amazing mother. They’ll figure it out as they go. He doesn’t run from his responsibilities; he’ll protect them all
with his life.
“How far along are you, and when are you seeing a doctor?”
Cassie looks surprised by his question. “You’re not mad?”
“Getting mad won’t change anything.” he says, “Now, answer my question.”
“Seven weeks. I have a doctor’s appointment next week, and your mom offered to come with me.”
“So, that’s why she’s so happy. How long has she known ?”
“I told her yesterday. She was bound to figure it out eventually.”
“You trusted my mom more than your own husband?“”
“No, Emiliano…. Try to see it from my side: you made it clear from the start that you didn’t want me to get pregnant, and then it happened. I was scared you’d be mad and not want the baby. I was planning to tell you, I swear.”
He can see the honesty in her eyes, those eyes that never lie, even when her words might.
“From here on out,” Emiliano says, “I want to be in the loop about everything related to the baby and your doctor visits. And starting today, you’re done working; you need to stay off your feet.”
As Cassie starts to protest, he cuts her off, “Don’t even try to argue with me. I’ve seen how tired you
are -you need to rest. I haven’t been very thoughtful either; we’ve been having sex every chance we get, but we need to slow down until you’ve regained your strength.”
“I’m not complaining…”
“And that’s the problem! When you open up to me, you surrender so willingly. How can I resist you?”
“Emilio, I might be pregnant, but I can still make love to you. I think you’re overreacting. Once I quit my job. I’ll get plenty of rest, and if you you’re wrong.”
think we can share a bed and not do anything, th
“I could always sleep in a different bed.”
“Try that, and I won’t quit my job,” Cassie warns.
Emiliano grins at her. “Are you threatening me?“”
“No, I’m just saying that I have needs as a woman, just like you have needs as a man.”
“Cassie, you need rest, and you know what happens when we get close.”
Next Chapte
