Chapter 59
Luci
20 Weeks Pregnant
“ F uck.”
Alessandro’s words are muffled as pain and heat spread through my shoulder and down my arm. Nonno’s voice is going back and forth with Alessandro’s as they fight with Elio’s voice as a separate panicked murmur in the background. I stare up at Nonna and Mamma while they whisper sweet words with sadness in their eyes for what could be seconds or hours.
Sirens come closer and closer and suddenly strangers are picking me up, putting me into the back of the ambulance. They keep asking me if I know who I am, how far along I am, and what happened, but I’m convinced I’m hallucinating. Is this a fever dream? What happened before this? The walk with Mamma and Nonna, gunshots, Alessandro. Alessandro! He came for me, for our baby! Oh no! I told him about Elio, about having to marry him.
I’m held down by strong hands when I cry out as I try to sit up. Strangers’ voices tell me to lie down and that they’re trying to help me but they won’t tell me from what. My brain can’t fully process what they’re saying as I continue to fight them until I’m stuck with a needle.
A familiar sensation consumes me, the same one from months ago when Alessandro took me. Instead of panic this time, peace radiates through my body as I let unconsciousness take me.
An annoying tap arouses me from my confused state. “Wakey, wakey.” I slap away whoever is hitting my face, receiving a huff in response. “Well, that wasn’t very nice.”
That voice, I know that voice. The harsh white lights hurt my eyes when I try to open them, still confused about what happened. “Where am I?”
“You’re in the hospital. That dumbass fiancé of yours shot you by accident. I swear, the reason we give men weapons is beyond me.”
“Dr. Rossi?” Pain shoots through me when I try to sit up and she grabs me, adjusting the bed to help me sit up.
“Who the fuck else do you think Alessandro would let take care of you? The man calls me from bumfuck Wyoming, panicking because he shot you by accident. What pissed me off the most was Aldo yelling at him in the background and some pussy of a boy was calling 911. Shit, I had to fight all of them and a few doctors to get in here. Fucking. Men.”
“Are they here?”
I can’t decide if yes or no would be the better answer.
“No one is here. I sent everyone away because they kept fighting in the ER. Your family is back at whatever house you’ve been staying at while Geno and I sent Alessandro back to Philadelphia. First, he got an ass-kicking from me and a fun conversation with Geno when I told him that Alessandro shot the woman carrying his great-grandchild. I wish I could have heard that. Basically, Alessandro is in timeout.”
She didn’t mention Elio. What did Alessandro do to him? “And what about Elio?”
“Is that the pussy boy’s name? I don’t know, he disappeared after I got here. According to Stella when I spoke to her last, he’s still MIA.” I can only assume what happened to him and hope I’m wrong. I may not want to be married to him, but I don’t want Elio dead either.
In my foggy state, the most important thing escaped my head. “Wait! My baby. What about my baby?”
“I was wondering when you’d ask. Your baby is fine. Nothing was near her since you got shot in your shoulder. You’ll need to play it easy for the rest of your pregnancy, but she will be okay. Speaking of, with your consent and an NDA we should fly your midwife to Philadelphia to continue your prenatal care. I’ve spoken with her charge nurse from when she worked here for a reference. She’s an impressive young woman.”
All that information is fantastic, but my brain holds onto a small detail. “She?”
“Oh shit, I fucked up. Did you not know? Stella said you were working with a midwife, but your blood results and the ultrasound showed you’re having a girl. Honestly, I’m happy for you, the last thing this world needs is another man. Are you happy?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I’m happy. Do you think I can see the ultrasound? With all of my visits being at home, I’ve never seen her.” Her. I’m having a baby girl.
I’ve never seen Dr. Rossi smile, but a corner of her lip tips slightly up before she speaks. “Of course.”
Dr. Rossi sets up the machine and lifts my shirt, spraying blue liquid on my stomach before looking for her. Before I know it, the steady thump of her heartbeat appears on the screen. Dr. Rossi points out every part of my baby, including her head, feet, hands, and that she is definitely a she. I suddenly wish Alessandro were here, despite what happened.
“Do you want me to call anyone? Your family? Mr. Shoots-A-Lot?”
“Yes. To all of them. Don’t call my family yet. I need to see Alessandro first.” She gives me a nod before exiting the room, I’m assuming to call Alessandro. How am I going to feel once Alessandro gets here? Yes, he shot me. Yes, he intended to shoot Nonno. But I love him and I’m carrying his baby. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.