Nine
ALLISON
T wo weeks in her home office went by in a flash.
How had she survived the daily grind of the office for so long? She felt like she had stumbled upon a secret treasure trove, one filled with sweatpants and coffee on demand. The best part? She realized she could rearrange her father’s high-profile meetings to all take place on the same day. This genius plan meant she could do a single heroic drive once a week, don her business casual (which, let’s be honest, was just a slightly nicer version of her pajamas), and then retreat back to her cozy fortress of solitude.
She had done that exact thing these past weeks, and it truly tasted like freedom.
Her thoughts, however, were anything but free. Instead of reveling in her newfound bliss, Allison was plagued by a parade of worries marching through her mind, each one more anxious than the last.
She fixated on every tiny movement she made, terrified that she might accidentally harm her baby. She longed for sleep every night, hoping for just a few blissful hours of rest to escape the anxiety.
As if that wasn’t enough, Allison found herself completely consumed by thoughts of Angelo. Although they hadn’t communicated much over the past two weeks, he still managed to text her at least three times a day to check in. Each message filled her mind with vivid images and memories of him; his intoxicating scent, the warmth of his touch, the sound of his voice, and those irresistible chocolate eyes framed by his tousled brown curls.
Honestly, it was enough to make her feel like she was living in a romantic novel—minus the dramatic misunderstandings and dashing rescues.
Just him.
Always him.
Unfortunately, sleep had become a cruel joke. Each night, she found herself upchucking as if she were trying to expel the remnants of the worst hangover of her life.
Ironic, considering that it was one too many tequila shots that led me to this situation.
Allison had never been much of a drinker, but on the off chance that she did drink, she would always, always go for tequila. She knew it was an acquired taste, but she liked it. She enjoyed the instant haziness and the burn that came with it.
“Next time,” she thought out loud, “I’ll stick to water. Or maybe sparkling water. You can never go wrong with bubbles.”
But there was no denying it: even with the discomfort, the sleepless nights, and the constant worrying, she couldn’t shake the bittersweet excitement hiding beneath her anxiety.
She was currently on her way to her very first ultrasound, and she couldn’t be giddier. The butterflies in her stomach had officially traded in their usual flutter for a full-on dance party. As she navigated through typical Seattle traffic, every stoplight felt like a mini eternity, each second stretching out like the time it takes for a pot of water to boil.
Allison had dreamt of this moment, imagining all the possible outcomes: would it be a tiny bean? A mini superhero? She could practically hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet already—though, given her current state of nausea, she wouldn’t mind if those tiny feet took their time making an appearance.
She had spent the last week watching videos of ultrasounds online, prepping herself for what to expect. The glowing images of babies floating in amniotic bliss only heightened her excitement and anxiety. What if the technician couldn’t find the baby? What if she ended up with a picture of her stomach instead, complete with a caption that read “You are here”?
As she pulled into the parking lot, she took a deep breath, reminding herself that soon, she’d get a glimpse of the little life inside her. This wasn’t just an appointment; it was a sneak preview of the blockbuster event that would soon take over her life.
She could already picture herself bursting into tears at the sight of the flickering heartbeat on the screen, possibly embarrassing herself in front of the technician, as well as the gruff man that would no-doubt be sitting beside her.
Allison was jolted out of her excited thoughts as yet another hot flash washed over her, leaving her feeling like she had just run a marathon through a sauna. She had been getting them for a couple of days now, and they absolutely, undoubtedly sucked. It was as if her body had declared an all-out war on her comfort, and this particular battle was one she was losing spectacularly.
She glared down at her baby pink sweater, already feeling the fabric cling to her skin like a wet towel. The idea of sweating through it was enough to send her into a mini panic. She knew it was cold—after all, this was Seattle, where the weather had a personality as dreary as a rainy Tuesday. Late November was practically synonymous with overcast skies and drizzles that seemed to last forever. Anyone else would be cold right now!
Yet, here she was, sweating like it was summer in Mexico, wondering if she could pass off her blush as a natural reaction to the excitement of the ultrasound.
“Great,” she muttered under her breath, imagining how she’d explain the situation to Angelo. “Oh, don’t mind the sweat; it’s just my hormones throwing a disco party while I’m trying to keep it together.” She adjusted her sweater, wanting to find some semblance of comfort as she parked her car.
The first thing Allison saw as she looked up from her thankfully-not-clinging sweater was Angelo.
He was hard to miss, dressed in a black polo shirt that hugged his well-defined shoulders just enough to make her wonder if he had recently been hitting the gym—and how easily she could convince him to spot her for the weights she would be fake-lifting. He paired it with casual pants—or as casual as a man like Angelo could be. Let’s be honest; he made “casual” look like a runway model’s day off.
Leaning against his very sexy, sleek black Mercedes with one ankle crossed over the other, he exuded an effortless charm that could make anyone forget their worries. The car gleamed in the overcast Seattle light, looking like it belonged in a movie rather than the parking lot of a medical building.
Lord, help me.
She opened her car door and Angelo took off his sunglasses to look at her.
Seriously, HELP ME!
The sexy billionaire in front of her rushed to her side to help her out of the car. To help her out of her fucking car.
I might just swoon like a debutante.
It was such a surreal moment that Allison felt her pulse rate spike. She tried to play it cool as she fumbled with her off-white pants. She thanked Angelo quietly, her voice barely a whisper, too scared to speak up in case she made an absolute fool of herself.
Angelo nodded politely, his eyes sparkling with amusement, and placed a large hand on the soft part of her back to help her. The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through her, making her forget about the hot flashes and the sweat. “I’ve got you,” he said reassuringly, guiding her with an ease that made her feel oddly safe.
As his large hand rested on her back, she felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over her. It was one thing to feel confident in her own skin; it was another to have him—Angelo, the gorgeous father of her child with that killer smile—grazing his fingers across the very areas she often tried to hide.
Standing at five foot seven inches, Allison was anything but short, but her height didn’t hide the fact that she weighed more than she should. She was one of the luckier plus-size women, with wide hips, big breasts, and a thin waist that helped her flaunt her figure with flattering clothes. Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was too curvy in places she shouldn’t be. The muffin top and small back rolls were a constant reminder that her body had its own agenda, and right now, the sinfully hot guy she was obsessed with was touching said back rolls.
She instinctively moved away from his touch, creating some distance as if it could somehow erase the blush creeping up her cheeks. Angelo tensed, his hand flexing slightly as if he wanted to reach out for her waist again but thought better of it. It was a moment that made her heart race for entirely different reasons.
“Sorry, I—” Angelo started, looking momentarily flustered, which was both adorable and oddly reassuring. The idea that someone like him could feel uncertain, even for a second, made her feel a little better about her own awkwardness.
“No, it’s fine!” Allison hurried to reassure him, a bit too eagerly. “I just… I’m just a bit warm.” She gestured vaguely, praying he would drop the issue.
Thankfully for her, he did.
They walked on quietly, both of them seemingly afraid to break the silence that had settled around them. It was as if they were tiptoeing through a moment that felt too delicate to disturb.
When they finally reached the doctor’s office, the assistant looked up from her desk and smiled brightly. “Oh, hello! What a beautiful couple you are!” she exclaimed, her voice ringing with cheer.
Allison’s heart dropped. Angelo glanced her way, and she opened her mouth to clarify that they were not, in fact, a couple. But before she could even form the words in her mind, he spoke so fast it caught her off guard.
“Thank you. That’s what I always tell her, but she doesn’t believe me.” He smirked at the young woman, giving her a look that clearly said, ‘my girl is crazy,’ which sent a thrill through Allison that she couldn’t quite process.
She elbowed him in the ribs, her instinct to correct the misunderstanding kicking in, but he didn’t even flinch.
Ow! That fucking hurt. Is he made of stone?
She rubbed her elbow and shot him a glare. Seriously, did the man have any sensitivity at all?
Angelo’s expression was a mixture of amusement and mischief, as if he found her attempts at asserting herself hilariously futile. “She’s just a bit shy,” he added, his eyes sparkling with humor. “But I think she’s beautiful, don’t you?”
The assistant’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she beamed at Allison as if she were the star of a rom-com. “Oh, absolutely! You both are just stunning together!”
Allison felt her face heat up. “Uh, thanks,” she mumbled, caught somewhere between flattered and embarrassed. She shot another look at Angelo, who was clearly enjoying himself far too much.
“See?” he said, leaning closer, his voice low. “Even strangers can see what I see.”
Great, now she felt like a beetroot. “Okay, stop,” she whispered, laughing nervously. “This is getting ridiculous.”
But deep down, a part of her was secretly reveling in the moment, enjoying the playful banter that somehow made the anxiety of the day seem the tiniest bit lighter. As they waited for the doctor to call them in, she couldn’t help but feel a flutter of something—was it excitement? Or maybe just a hint of something deeper? She wasn’t quite sure, but she was willing to find out.
The assistant ushered them into Dr. Malory’s exam room and explained what Allison needed to do. As she listened, a sudden realization hit her like a ton of bricks: she would have to lower her pants in front of Angelo. An exasperated breath escaped her lips.
Well, that sucks. Could this day get any worse?
She turned to Angelo to request some privacy, but instead, she found him already looking away, his back turned respectfully. It was surprisingly considerate of him, and for a brief moment, she felt a swell of gratitude—and a hint of embarrassment for her earlier anxieties.
With a deep breath, she lowered her pants until her lower belly was exposed. As if that wasn’t already mortifying enough, she laid down on the exam table and tried to distract herself.
She shifted on the cold table, trying to focus on the tiny life growing inside her rather than the awkwardness of the situation. She always hated going to the gynecologist.
Glancing over at Angelo, who was still facing the wall, she couldn’t help but admire how thoughtful he was. It was nice to know he wasn’t just some hotshot billionaire; he had a genuinely respectful side too.
“You can turn around now. I’m covered,” Allison whispered, unable to look at him directly. “Thank you for… that.”
“It’s just what you do,” Angelo replied, shrugging as if it were no big deal. “This is awkward enough as it is, and you don’t need me ogling you while you’re exposed.”
She could hear the teasing lilt in his voice, and it made her feel a lighter. After a moment, he turned around slowly, peeking to check if she really was decent. Once satisfied, he walked over to her and sat on the tiny chair meant for spouses. It was almost comical how such a large man could fit into such a small space, but he managed to pull it off with grace.
As he settled in, Allison noticed his hand flex again, and she realized he wanted to reach for her. The gesture was sweet, but the thought of him touching her while she was in such an exposed position made her stomach flip.
Their moment was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Dr. Malory. “Hello, Allison! Congratulations—Oh.” She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening as she took in Angelo’s huge frame in the chair. “I’m guessing this is the father?” Dr. Malory asked, her tone sounding more like a question than a statement.
At Allison’s nod, the doctor smiled warmly. “Well, get that towel off you so we can check.”
Allison felt her running pulse. “Right. Sure. No problem,” she stammered, pulling the towel away. It was as if the words had left her mouth before her brain could fully process the awkwardness of the situation.
Angelo’s gaze shifted to the still-black screen, a move that made her feel both shy and comforted. Dr. Malory moved to the ultrasound machine, preparing the wand with gel that would soon make her feel like a science experiment.
“Alright, let’s see that little one!” Dr. Malory said, smiling as she squirted the gel onto Allison’s lower belly. It was cold and slightly sticky, sending a chill through her.
Angelo leaned in a closer, his expression serious now. “This is it, huh?” he murmured, eyes fixed on the screen.
“Yup, this is it,” she said, her chest fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves. The doctor positioned the wand, and as the screen flickered to life, Allison felt a rush of anticipation. In that moment, the embarrassment faded, and all she could think about was seeing her baby for the very first time.
“Okay, let’s have a look here. Ah, so this right here,” Dr. Malory said, pointing to a tiny blob on the screen, “is your baby.”
At that moment, the world fell away. Everything else—the doctor, the awkwardness, even the hot flashes—vanished. All that mattered was that little shape flickering on the screen. Without thinking, Allison reached for Angelo’s hand, her fingers intertwining with his as they both stared, entranced by the sight before them.
Her baby. Their baby. It was only then that the reality of it sank in, hitting her like a wave.
I’m going to be a mom.
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she felt a rush of emotion. From the corner of her eye, she saw Angelo wipe his face discreetly. He was crying, too. The sight made her breath hitch, and she squeezed his hand tightly. He squeezed back, the unspoken bond between them strengthening in that tiny room.
We’re having a baby.
“So, it seems to me that you’re a couple of days over ten weeks pregnant,” Dr. Malory continued, her voice warm and encouraging, “which means that we can try…” She trailed off, pressing some buttons on the ultrasound machine, and just then, Allison heard it.
The most beautiful sound she’d ever heard in her entire life.
Badum. Badum. Badum.
“That’s—That’s the baby’s heartbeat?” Angelo whispered, holding on to Allison’s hand for dear life, as if the sound itself could float away if he let go.
When Dr. Malory nodded, confirmation washing over Allison, the man simply let the tears fall. She, on the other hand, had been crying ever since she heard that first badum .
Badum. Badum. Badum.
She was deaf to anything but that sound—the impossible sound of her baby’s fast little heart. The tiny organ inside that tiny baby.
My baby .
In that moment, Allison fell in love.
It was a feeling unlike anything she had ever experienced before. She’d loved in the past—felt that fullness of carrying someone in her mind, that rush of excitement, the warm glow of affection. But this was different. This was something deeper.
She was in love. Her heart felt as if it was going to physically beat out of her chest, and in that overwhelming rush, she wanted to give it all to that baby. She felt everything—the joy, the fear, the hopes for the future.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she couldn’t stop them. They flowed freely, mingling with her laughter and the sweet thumping, creating a symphony of emotions. She was absolutely, irrevocably, completely in love.
As she squeezed Angelo’s hand tighter, she could see the same realization dawning on him. His eyes glistened with tears, and his expression was one of awe and disbelief. They were both riding the wave of this monumental moment together, and it felt like they were the only two people in the world.
“Can you believe it?” she asked, her voice choked with emotion, though she knew he could hear the joy behind her words.
“Not at all,” he replied, wiping his tears with the back of his hand, still transfixed on the screen.
“Would you like me to print you a picture?” Dr. Malory asked them softly. They both nodded their heads simultaneously, a sense of childlike excitement washing over them. Dr. Malory chuckled and pressed some more buttons, before a small picture began to print out.
Allison took the picture, and she just stared at it, her heart swelling with emotions. She stroked the small blob with a finger, the image solidifying the reality of her baby. My baby . She thought she heard Angelo ask for a second picture, but she couldn’t be certain. It didn’t matter much; all she could think about was that tiny life growing inside her.
“When was your last period, Allison?” Dr. Malory asked, her voice calm and professional.
Allison didn’t reply. She knew the question was directed at her, but she couldn’t be bothered to answer, lost in her thoughts.
“Allison,” Angelo said, his voice gentle, the way he’d said it all those previous times when he wanted her attention.
She looked up at him, and her stomach fluttered at the kindness in his eyes. “Dr. Malory has some questions for you, sweet girl.” He stroked her hand with his thumb, and her heart skipped a beat at the nickname and the softness in his voice.
She glanced back at Dr. Malory, who seemed taken aback by their interaction but smiled kindly. “When did your last period start?”
“Um, I think it was August 30th. But… but I only had sex on September 12th,” Allison replied shyly, her cheeks warming. She didn’t enjoy sharing this kind of information with a stranger—and especially not in front of Angelo—but she knew it was a necessary evil.
“Okay, then that would mean your due date is around June 18th. Which is lucky, because you won’t have to go through your final trimester during the summer. Trust me, you’ll get what I mean,” Dr. Malory said, her tone light and reassuring.
Allison barely registered what Dr. Malory was saying, her mind racing.
June 18th .
That date echoed in her thoughts, and it hit her like a freight train. November was almost gone already, which meant the due date was less than seven months away. Seven months. That was no time at all.
Suddenly, the gravity of the situation sank in. She was going to be a mom in just a few months! The realization brought a mix of excitement and panic.
What will I do? Am I ready for this?
“Are you okay?” Angelo asked, sensing her sudden shift in mood. His brow furrowed slightly, and the concern in his voice was palpable.
“I—I think so,” she replied, forcing a smile. “I just… it’s happening fast.”
“Hey, we’ll figure it out together,” he reassured her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “One step at a time. Remember, we’re a team.”
His words brought her some comfort, and she took a deep breath, reminding herself that she wasn’t alone in this. They were in it together, no matter how daunting it felt. With the picture of their baby still clutched in her hand, she let herself feel the hope and excitement that came with the unknown.