Page 136 of The Proposal

“I was going to say over-the-top … maybe gaudy is a better word, but ethnic-y also suits.”

I chuckle. “Papa definitely had a unique taste.”

“He did,” my brother says with a quiet nod, but I don’t miss the brief flicker of pain that crosses his face.

The air suddenly feels thicker. Our father’s absence seems to hit in the most unexpected moments, and right now, the loss of him is weighing heavily on us both.

I climb the first few rungs of the stepladder and reach up to unhook one corner of the Baby Mancini sign hanging on the wall before moving over to do the same on the other side.The women really outdid themselves with the decorations. I wasn’t expecting anything this sophisticated.

I know the planning took weeks, with Lucia, Chloe, and Lina constantly messaging back and forth as they made plans.

I handed Lucia my credit card and told her to spare no expense. Everything had been preordered, so as soon as I got Arabella out of the house this morning, they swooped in and took over.

Arabella was so disappointed when Chloe’s baby shower had to be cancelled at the last minute, so I wanted to make today special for her.

I pass the sign down to my brother and watch as he carefully folds it. “Can I ask you something?” I say.

“Depends on what it is. It doesn’t involve sex or my balls, does it?”

I roll my lips. “No. What did the doctor say about Chloe going into premature labour? Is it something that happens often? Should I be concerned about Arabella? Or would it be wiser if I Google it?”

When his eyes narrow, I grin. “Not everything you read on Google is correct.”

“Well, the two of you have something in common then.” When he growls, my smile grows.

“He said it was just one of those unfortunate things.” He follows with a shrug. “Chloe’s already talking about having another one. I’m not sure if I can go through that again. It freaked me the fuck out.”

“I know, I was there, remember? You were so panicked, I thought you were going to pass out.”

“I wasn’t even close to passing out,” he grumbles. “I can guarantee if it was your wife and child’s life on the line, you’d be freaking out too.”

“On the inside, maybe, but I’m confident I’d still be able to keep it together for them.” Honestly, I’m not sure if I would, but I’d never admit that out loud. “I bet you’re glad I wasthere with my level head so I could save the day. You’re welcome, by the way.”

“Your head is the furthest thing from level. If it weren’t for Arabella, I’d be seriously concerned about the child you’re about to have.”

“Whatever,” I snap, seeing the smirk tugging at his lips. He definitely said that to get under my skin. “Maybe Luca was just making an escape.”

“An escape from what? His mother’s womb? That is an absurd assumption.”

“No, not from Chloe, from you.”

“Me?”

“You know that Leo the Lion roar of yours. You probably scared the crap out of the poor little guy.”

“You’re a dick.”

“You’re just jealous.”

“Of what? Your immaturity? Hardly.”

“No, of my dick. You know, since God was a little stingy when he was handing out yours, so when he gave me mine, I also got your leftovers to compensate.”

When my brother throws his arms in the air and storms out of the room, I bark out a laugh. Antagonising him will never get old.

“Are you okay,Bellezza?” I ask, dragging her body closer to mine and placing a soft kiss on her bare shoulder.

She’s been quiet. Last night, she went to bed before all of us, claiming to be tired, but my gut told me it was more than that, especially when I offered to go with her and got an abrupt“No!”in response.

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