A Debt To Pay (Leone Legacy #1)

Chapter 74

Alessandro

28 Weeks Pregnant

“ L uci, you’re progressing wonderfully, and you’ve officially hit your third trimester. You’re measuring right on track and are incredibly healthy. I have no concerns. Now, Alessandro, you need to help her stay comfortable for the last months of her pregnancy and during labor. I know Luci and I spoke about a home birth in Wyoming. Is that still the plan here?” Strange doesn’t begin to describe Quinn’s presence, but regardless, she stays professional during our appointments.

“Anything Luci wants is what she will get. Our on-call doctor— who I know you’ve vaguely met—will be around, but she promised to let you run the show unless an emergency arises. You should take that as a compliment. It means she respects you.”

“That sounds great! You can labor and birth wherever it’s most comfortable for you. Some people prefer to go about their day while laboring that way they’re comfortable and calm then pick a place to birth in. A bed, bathtub, or some women want to be connected to nature and will give birth outside. Wherever you’d prefer is okay with me. I’m here to help and support both of you, whatever that means.”

“We’ve spoken about it and Alessandro was born in his nursery bathtub and that’s where our baby will be born.” It was Luci who mentioned having our daughter in her nursery and I couldn’t think of a better place. Initially, I was pissed at Geno for keeping the journal from me, giving it to Luci, and giving her the choice of when to give it to me. Having the journal has given me the closest thing to a relationship I’ll ever have with Mamma.

“I want Luci to be comfortable and safe. Other than that, she’s the one having our daughter and I’ll be the one to support her.” Luci looks up at me, smiling like I can make the world turn for her. The farther along Luci is in her pregnancy, the calmer she is. Me on the other hand? I’ll never let it show, but the closer to her due date she gets, the more I internally panic.

“That sounds amazing, you two. I should head back to the guest house. Remember that I’m always available for you two whenever I’m needed, day or night. Thank you again for allowing me to stay here. This has been a . . . unique job, but I’m excited to keep working with you, Luci.”

As Quinn goes to leave, I tell Luci I’ll be right back and rush to catch Quinn outside as she heads back to the guest house.

“Hey, Quinn, one second. I hope you’ve been comfortable here. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything. That’s not why I came out here, though. I wanted to talk to you privately. Do you have a minute?”

“Thank you. I appreciate it. I will reach out if I need anything. Domenico has actually been extremely helpful since I got here.” Domenico? Really? Interesting. “And I always have a minute to talk with my moms and dads.”

“Come back inside, I’ll make us some coffee while we talk.”

Quinn and I sit in silence with our coffee, waiting for each other to start the conversation.

“Alright, Alessandro, what can I help you with? I know I haven’t known you as long and I’ve known Luci, but I’m here for you as much as I am her.”

“My mamma died about a week after I was born from heart failure. The pregnancy was perfect, and it happened out of nowhere. I cannot let anything happen to Luci.” I can’t begin to describe the emotional roller coaster the last few weeks have been since receiving the journal. Before then, I never thought about grieving for a woman I never knew. Now I worry constantly that something similar will happen to Luci, not that I’d ever burden her with my worries.

“I understand. This is something where Dr. Rossi would come in. Normally when women pass away with anything heart-related after giving birth it’s due to a pre-existing condition. Let me speak with Dr. Rossi to get an examination and scans of Luci’s heart. My apologies for repeating myself, but she’s progressing wonderfully, even after the unfortunate event. I have no doubt Luci and your daughter will be perfectly healthy. Does that answer your question?”

“Yes. Thank you. I’ll call Dr. Rossi and have an appointment scheduled to examine her heart and anywhere else that’s needed.”

“I’ll go ahead and schedule that if you don’t mind. We’ve only spoken once and I always try to connect with any medical staff I’ll be working close to.” I don’t think she understands what ‘connecting’ with Dr. Rossi means, but I don’t argue with her.

“In that case, I’ll tell her to expect a phone call from you.”

Quinn heads back to her guest house, leaving me as I contemplate the best and worst-case scenarios.

Luci comes downstairs, waddling more than walking since she’s become more belly than body lately.

“How was your talk with Quinn?”

“Good. It was good. She’s going to schedule an appointment with you and Dr. Rossi for a full body exam. It’s my job as your husband, as your protector to make sure you’re safe and I will do everything necessary to keep mio premio safe. Si?”

I leave no space for arguing when I place my hand on her belly and kiss her forehead. Our heads snap to face each other, our eyes connecting when our daughter kicks. She’s been stubborn and hasn’t kicked me until now. With that little kick, this pregnancy becomes as real for me as it has for Luci.