Ghostface Killer(77)

"She hit on me," Baz smiles coyly.

"I broke the ice," I set the record straight, rubbing his forearm. "And what would have been so intimidating anyway? I'm nothing special."

Desmond snorts. "You have looked in a mirror, correct? You're like . . . a goddess."

"Ha! That's hilarious, and so not true." I disagree straight away. "She's the goddess." I run my palm lovingly down the center of my globular belly.

"I'm sure she is," Desmond agrees. "Given her mother. And grandmother, Baz's mom is a looker, too."

Everyone at the table nods. Especially Baz.

I'm looking forward-and a little scared shitless-to meeting my infamous mother-in-law. She could hate me, and wouldn't that just suck.

"Have you thought about any names for your little goddess?" Gianna asks, surprising everyone at the table. She concentrates on her fork as she spins it over her plate. We aren't on the best terms, and I understand why. Gianni practically had to force her to attend the wedding. She may never forgive me, and I can live with that. But she's important to Baz and so is her son. I would never intentionally do anything to come between them. Even if she resents me for the rest of her life. It's just a consequence I have to live with. 

I take this rare opportunity to engage her. "We have a list, but we haven't decided yet." I slide my eyes over to Baz. "There was one more name I was going to suggest but hadn't yet."

Baz cocks his head. I glance around the table before I speak.

"I thought maybe we could name her after your mother, Audrina. And maybe call her Audie for short. I know it's sort of different." I shrug. "But it was just a thought."

Everyone is silent. We didn't invite any other family or friends to the wedding. We thought it'd be too dangerous.

Besides the people sitting at this table, no one knows we got married. I have wanted to reach out to Claudia so bad. Tell her I'm alright. Tell her about the baby. I've written several letters, but they're all folded up and stuffed in a drawer in our room. I just can't risk putting her in danger. No one knows about her except Baz, and I have to keep it that way.

My old life, it's gone. Eradicated. I'm walking a new path now. One where I have so much more to lose. Hopefully one day I'll be able to see Claudia again, but for right now, she has to stay part of my demolished past.

After a few long moments of silence, Baz smiles, blindingly. "I love that idea." He leans over and kisses me, and I taste bourbon.

"You do?"

He nods. "It's perfect."

"I think so, too." I know how much his mother means to him.

"I'm sure it will also help grant me forgiveness for not inviting her to our wedding," he quips.

Gianni taps his crystal wine glass then raises it. "To Baz, Stevie, and baby Audie."

Everyone else lifts their glass to join in the toast. I'm not used to being the center of attention, so I shrink a little bit in embarrassment. Baz eats it up.

Dessert is served several hours later. It's a rich piece of chocolate cake with raspberry drizzle and whipped cream. I eat the whole thing. I'm going on a crash diet after this little girl arrives.

"Happy?" Baz rubs my very hard, very full stomach.

"Deliriously. Both of us."

"Good."

"Sir, this just arrived for you." Gun appears with a flat, wrapped, gold box. "The delivery man said it was a wedding present."

Baz and I look around the table. "From any of you?"

Everyone shakes their head. We both frown.

Before Baz can take the box, Gianni intercedes. "Maybe Gun should open it first."

Baz and I both agree. Who could possibly be sending us a wedding present? Only one name comes to mind. How she found out about tonight is anyone's guess.

Gun walks across the lawn, far enough away to where we can only make out his imposing silhouette in the moonlight. We all wait anxiously. You can hear the tearing of wrapping paper in the distance and the click of his pocket flashlight.

"It's clean," Gun announces and walks the gift back to us.

"What is it?" Gianni asks.

"Pictures." He hands the box specifically to me. He seems a little uncomfortable. "You might want to look at these in private," he whispers.

"What? Why?" I peek into the box and gasp.

"Stevie, what is it?" Baz grabs for the box, but I pull it away.




 

 

"Baz, don't."

"Stevie, give me the goddamn box."

"Let's go inside first."

Baz doesn't listen. He just rips the box out of my hands and sends the lid flying. I clench my jaw and turn my head away in shame. Then I look back at Baz. His eyes are wide and wild, and his chest is heaving like he's about to breathe fire.