At least until the baby came. They’d deal with things after then when they had to.
She put her purse down on the floor. He wanted to shake her and yell and he wanted to hug her at the same time. He didn’t know which would win out. She didn’t approach him, just stood there looking lost. As if she’d lost her best friend.
So he chose to hug her. He took her into his arms and squeezed. She responded, hugging him back.
“I missed you,” he said. “I’m glad you’re home safe.”
“Thanks,” she said into his chest. “I’m sorry if I worried you.”
He wasn’t one to play coy. “You did worry me. I didn’t sleep. I called Madge and told her that I wasn’t going to be in today.”
Violet let go. “You didn’t have to call out of work for me.”
“I think we need to talk. Really talk. And to spend some time together.”
She sighed. “We do need to talk.”
He brushed a hair off her face. “You need breakfast?”
“I’m starved.”
He took her hand, then headed for the kitchen. “I’ll make you eggs and bacon.”
“That sounds great.”
He poured her juice, too. He spoke while he cooked. “Can you tell me what’s going on inside of your head?”
She frowned. “I’m just having doubts about being a mother.”
“What exactly?”
He put a plate of food in front of her. “Can I eat first?”
“Go ahead.”
He held a coffee mug in one hand, leaned on the counter, crossing his legs at this ankles. He could wait all day if he had to. He knew he needed patience for this conversation. She shoveled the food in her mouth as if she hadn’t eaten in days.
“You need more?” he said.
“No, this will be enough for now.”
“Let’s go sit in the living room.”
She followed him to the couch. He gave her some space. She curled her legs underneath her.
“What are you having doubts about?” he said.
“I don’t know if I can be a mother to this child.”
“I’m not sure you have any choice. I’m not letting him or her go up for adoption. I’ll take him if you can’t.”
“I’m wondering if that’s the best idea. I have no role model. I have no family. You have your mother and your brothers.”
He cocked his head. “You think because I have a family I’m better equipped to be a father?”
“Yes.”
He took her hand in his, stroking the knuckles with his thumb. “My mother wasn’t close to her mother and she never saw her when we moved to America. She was able to raise three boys without her family. I think you are just as tough.”
She looked at him a small smile on her lips. “You think so?”
“I do, Violet. You came from poverty and pregnancy and yes, you’re pregnant now, but you are an adult who is dealing with the situation. You aren’t a teenager on welfare. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Carl thinks you’re the best thing since sliced bread and he isn’t easily impressed.”
“He does?”
“Yes. It was his idea to offer you a job. You’d have benefits and maternity leave.”
She looked own at their hands. Hers were small and dark in his olive-skinned ones. They were so different, but they could come together to raise this child. He had more faith in her than she did. He wished she could spend one day seeing herself through his eyes.
And she was sexy. Even with a little belly pouch from the baby. He could take her right now, but he wanted to finish this conversation. He wanted to be sure that they were in the same place, of the same mind about this child. They had to be. They were going to be parents. Together.
Forever.
Somehow he didn’t mind that. He’d been chafing more at things Tory did than anything Violet did. He didn’t ponder that for too long, thinking about his conversation with Salvatore. No, he wasn’t going there.
He wasn’t in love. He just cared for Violet.
“You really have faith in me?”
“I do, Violet. You’re smart, tough, not to mention sexy.”
“Still sexy?” She patted her stomach. “Even like this.”
“It only makes you more beautiful.”
***
Violet wanted to tear off the man’s clothing. What Amedeo said to her might have been the nicest and most romantic thing anyone had ever said to her. He stared at her as if he wasn’t sure what to do.
“That may be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me,” she said finally.
A smile lit his face. “I’m here, Violet. I’m not going anywhere. We are going to have a child together and I don’t plan on letting it go. I’m here to be a parent.”