Kingpin(29)

I shoot a quick text to Emma, who’s watching the kids. She was our live-in nurse before she became part of the family. She sends me back a picture of six boys and a giant pile of Legos. I shake my head and smile. Four of them are hers, and they look just like their father.

Salvatore and I have been blessed with two boys, and I reach down, rubbing my belly, hoping that this time it’s a girl. He wants at least two more, but he never likes finding out beforehand. He likes it to be a surprise and I like being able to make him happy.

He’s stayed true to every promise he ever made me, and he’s given me all that I’ve asked for and more. There’s only ever been a few ways I’ve been able to pay him back, and that happens to be one of them.

We should all know in a couple of weeks what we’re having, and I’m about to burst with excitement. I feel like this pregnancy is so different than my last two, but who knows. As long as the baby is healthy, that’s all I want.

I spot a pink sparkly cover out of the corner of my eye and I take a step over to see what it is. As I reach for the book, I feel the familiar pain shoot across my belly and down my back.

“Oh shit,” I whisper, and grab on to the bookshelf.

Before it’s even possible, Salvatore is at my side and wrapping his arm around me.

“Angel, talk to me,” he says worriedly, and I breathe through the pain.

“The baby. It’s time,” I clip, feeling the contraction hit hard. Harder than with my other pregnancies.

“Ambulance, now!” I hear Salvatore shout, and the next thing I know he’s carrying me out of the store.

His men are waiting outside and it’s one of the few times I’m really glad they’re with us. Three of the guys help Salvatore get me in the back and keep me stable while one jumps in the front and hits the gas.

I have three more contractions, one on top of the other, before we can make halfway to the hospital. There’s a tractor trailer turned over and the traffic is backed up.

“Use the emergency lane!” Salvatore shouts to the driver, and he’s trying to. He’s got the hazard lights on and he’s honking the horn, but people aren’t getting out of the way.

“Sal, I don’t want to have my baby in this car,” I cry out as another one hits me.

“Shh. Breathe, Thea. Breathe, baby,” he soothes, rubbing my back. “Just think, we probably conceived him in here.”

I want to laugh, but the pain is taking over, and I feel like I might pass out.

“Get this thing moving, or so help me god, I’m going to start shooting!” Salvatore roars, and every one of his guys are on the phone.

Suddenly in the distance I hear the sirens and I think we must be close to the accident. Sweat is pouring down my face and I’m alternating between chills and pain as the pressure to push grows.

“They’re here,” one of the guys says, and I look out the window.

There’s a fleet of Los Angeles police cruisers coming up and making a path for us. Our driver scoots in behind them, and we start moving. The car is going faster than I’ve ever gone before, and I’m praying it speeds up.

“The Kingpin getting a police escort for his pregnant wife,” I say, gasping for air. “You’ll be on the news,” I groan as another contraction hits even harder this time.

“Anything for my angel,” he says, trying to rub my back and keep me from falling to the floor.

“I knew you were trouble the first time we met.” I say, and Salvatore laughs.

“I thought the same thing.” He looks into my eyes, and finally I’m able to focus. The pain recedes some and I’ve got my breathing under control. “I got your book.”

I smile, knowing he’s trying to distract me. I don’t care, though, as long as it works. One look at him and I know I can make it through anything. He’s my rock and my best friend. He gives a whole new meaning to the phrase partner in crime, and I know that if he tells me it’s going to be okay, then he will make it so.

We make it to the hospital surrounded by cops with a group of nurses and doctors waiting on us. I’m rushed into the delivery room, and nine minutes later, I’ve got my baby boy in my arms.

Life couldn’t be better.





Epilogue





Salvatore





Ten years later…



“Salvatore, I can’t wait.”

I look down at her red sequined dress. It goes all the way to the floor, and my eyes travel every inch of it.

“It wraps at the waist, and I didn’t wear panties.” Her eyes are hungry and pleading. “Please. I’ll be quick.”

“Liar,” I growl, and push her up against the wall.