Choices We Make: The Moretti Brothers Series (10 page)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Sunday came quickly and Dominic was anxious about the discussion he was about to have with his family.  He pulled in front of his family’s home, the driveway congested with his sibling’s cars.  As he climbed the porch steps, he could hear the bustling of his family inside. 
The only way to deal with this is head on and as fast as I can.  
He opened the door and could see Marco standing in the foyer on the phone.  Marco turned to see his brother enter the house. “Mom was asking about you, we’re about to eat and you’re late.” Marco said as he put his cell phone to his chest. 

The house was full of chatter, Dominic made his way to the kitchen where he knew his mother would be, and he heard little feet padding towards him.  “Uncle Nick, Uncle Nick” two little ones yelled as they grabbed him around his legs.  “Hey Lilly and Nico.” Dominic picked the pair up and swung them around.  “Hey munchkins, what you guys up to?”  Dominic said.  Lily was the daughter of his older sister Maria and Nico was the son of his oldest brother Rafael. The two were very close in age, Lily was five and Nico was four.  He looked at his beautiful niece and nephew and realized soon he would also be a parent. Lily was the spitting image of her mom, Maria and Nico was a cross between both his mom and dad.

“Where are your parents?”

“There in the family room with Pop-Pop” Lilly said. 

Dominic kissed both of the children on top of their heads “Okay go finish playing, I’ll catch up with you guys later.” Dominic decided to head to the family room before going into the kitchen.

“Hey Pop, hey Maria, what's up Ralph,” Dominic said as he sat on the sofa and stared at the TV.

“Well at least you made it here before mom put the food on the table” Maria chastised.

“Love you too Maria, where's Francesca and Francisco?”

“Mom sent them to the store, as soon as they get back we’re going to eat.” Maria said before going into the kitchen.  Their parents still lived in the same house they did when they were children.  When he finalized his first major deal, he wanted to buy them a new house, but they wouldn’t hear it. 

“What's going on with you Pop?”

“Everything's great; what could be better I have all my kids at home?”  Dominic smiled as he looked at his dad. Lorenzo and Annette had raised their six children in that house and every Sunday they all tried to sit down together as a family for dinner.  Dominic tried to figure out how to broach the subject of fatherhood. “Hey Pop…”

“Hey Nick,” Francesca said as she and Francisco entered the family room.  “What's going on with you, big brother?”

“Oh you know, working.” Francisco walked into the room shaking Dominic's hand while giving him a hug.

“I'm surprised you made it today, what's this, three weeks straight, you're on a roll big brother.” Francesco teased. 

“Whatever, I try to get here as often as I can.”  They smiled as his mother, Annette walked into the room.

“Nick I didn’t know you were here?” She walked across the room as Dominic stood to kiss and hug his mother. “Come everyone, dinner is ready.”  The entire family filed into the dining room to eat. Over the next hour the family talked and shared stories about everything that was going on in their lives.

“So Dominic, we never did find out about your vacation and the mystery woman you went on vacation with,” Rafael said.  Dominic looked over at Rafael then at Marco; Marco shrugged his shoulders and continued to eat his pie.

“Actually that's kind of what I wanted to talk to everybody about,” Dominic looked over at the children's table and there set Lily, Nico and his other two nephews Stephano and Mario.  Maria understanding that whatever Dominic needed to talk about was for adults only, she ushered the children into the family room, so that they could play.  Dominic looked at his mother and father and decided he just needed to get it over with. “Well, as all of you know I went away on a two-week vacation with a friend and I just recently found out she's pregnant.” Dominic turned to look at his mother who now had her hand over her mouth in shock. He looked around at the table and could tell the reactions of the rest of his family. He knew Rafael would be judgmental; Maria had a look of pity and his dad looked disappointed. He could see the excitement in his younger brother and sister and Marco always had his back.

“So who is this woman Dominic and why haven’t we ever met her?” his mother finally asked.

“I can't believe you were that careless Dominic.  How many times have I told you, use protection.”  Dominic looked at his older brother and chose to ignore his comment. 

“There is more, I also found out that we’re having triplets.”  His youngest sister jumped up from her chair and ran over to her brother excited.

“That’s great Nick, congratulations,” she said as she hugged her brother. 

“Congrats big bro.” Francesco said. 

“Should we be congratulating you Nick?  Are you happy?”  Maria asked in a condescending tone. 

“Of course he should be happy, babies are a blessing” his mother said as she stood and gave her son a hug. 

It was Marco’s turn to speak up, “so when do we get to meet her Nick?”  Dominic cut his eye at Marco who had a smile on his face.

“I wanted to invite her over next week for Sunday dinner so that everyone could meet her.” 

“That would be great. Wow triplets, this is going to be great,”
Francesca, said as she clapped her hands together. 

“There’s one more thing, I want to make sure she is going to feel welcomed.” 

“Why wouldn’t we welcome her?” his mother asked.  Dominic looked over at this father who had been quiet throughout the entire conversation. 

“She’s special to me and I don’t want her hurt.” 

“What are you talking about, you act like we’re uncouth, of course she will be welcomed,” Maria said with an attitude. 

“What aren’t you telling us Nick?”  Dominic turned to look at his father again staring directly into his eyes to gauge his reaction. 

“The woman who’s having my babies is African American.” 

Dominic could see his father’s face tense up as he rose and left the room without saying a word. 

“Who is this woman and how do you know she didn’t trap you?” Rafael asked clearly disappointed.

“What about Anna, isn’t she back in the picture now?” Maria questioned. 

Francesca chose to ignore Maria comment about Anna because she never liked her.  “So what, why does it matter what she is, you clearly care about her so I’m happy for you big bro,” Francesca said of Victoria. 

“Mom, I will not bring her here if I think she will be disrespected.  I will not stand for her being hurt.” 

“Look at you being protective over some whore that trapped you.” Dominic moved swiftly getting into Rafael’s face.  Marco, sensing the confrontation jumped from his seat and got in between the two brothers.  Dominic already had Rafael by the throat, “If you ever call her anything but her name again, I will put your fucking ass in the hospital.”  Dominic’s voice was barely above a whisper. 

“Boys stop it!” Annette yelled.

“Let him go Nick, not in front of Mom.” Dominic let Rafael go but not before saying “don’t you ever disrespect her again.”  Dominic turned and walked away.  “You know what Mom, forget it, I’m not bringing her here to subject her to this.” 

“No Nick, I want to meet her, Momma say something,” Francesca said pleading with her mother.  Annette remained seated apparently trying to process everything she was just told.  “Forget it, I’m out of here.”  Dominic said as he headed towards the door. 

“Dominic I would like to speak with you in the kitchen.” his mother said as she walked towards the kitchen.  She didn’t need to look back, they all knew when their mother spoke, and they listened.  Dominic stopped in his tracks and walked towards the kitchen.  He stared at his mother as he leaned against the counter and folded his arms in front of him.  “Please, come sit with your mom.” she said in that soft voice that always made his heart melted.  He pulled a chair out and sat in front of his mother.  “So tell me about your lady friend, who is now carrying my grandbabies?” Dominic looked into his mother's eyes and wanted her to know that Victoria meant something to him.  He didn’t need anyone’s approval, but he really wanted his mother to understand. “Mom she's an intelligent, caring, beautiful woman.  We vacationed together and had a wonderful time.  I later found out that she was pregnant, it was not planned.”

“So what do you plan to do about it?”

“I plan to take care of my responsibility.”

“Son, I mean what do you plan to do about the woman who is carrying your babies, do you love her?”

“You don't understand Mom, it's not that type of relationship.” Dominic looked away as he stood not wanting to look his mother in the eye.

“I don't understand Dominic, you take a woman into your bed and you don't love her, we didn't raise you that way.”

“We went on vacation, we had a great time.”  He stood, walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a beer, opened it and took a big gulp. “We are not in love with each other, we were careless and now we have deal with the consequences of our carelessness.”  He was still unable to give his mother eye contact.  She was always able to see through the bullshit and the truth was that he was confused about his feelings for Victoria. 

“Dominic, the one thing I know for sure is that babies are a blessing, and I look forward to meeting the woman who is carrying your babies.  I will talk to your father and he will be on his best behavior.  Please bring her to dinner next Sunday.   He nodded as he drained the contents of the bottle and discarded it.  He walked over to where his mom was seated and kissed her on her head.  “Okay Mom, I’m out of here, I will call you later, I love you.”  He stated as he walked out the door.  As he approached his car he could feel his phone vibrate, seeing it was Kevin calling, he answered it. 

“Hey Kev, where have you been?” 

“I told you I was going to be out of town this weekend.  I saw the missed calls, is everything okay?” 

“Shit, I forgot you were going to be away.  We need to talk; you want to meet for drinks?  Alright I will see you in about twenty minutes.”  Dominic placed his car in gear and headed to Charlie’s.  His phone vibrated again, this time it was Anna, he would have to call her later.

Dominic met with Kevin and explained about the pregnancy and the fact that she was having triplets.  Kevin sat back in his chair and huffed as if all the air left his lungs. 
Did he just hear his best friend right, Pregnant with triplets?
 

“You are fucking kidding me right?  Her doctor said that she was sterile, you think she set you up?” 

“No Kevin I think she was just as surprised as I was.” 

“So what are you going to do?” 

“What can I do, abortion is definitely not an option for either of us, so it looks like I’m going to be a father in about seven months.” 

“Nick, I am so sorry man, I feel like all of this is my fault, if I had never asked you to do me a favor, you wouldn’t be in this predicament.” 

“Yeah you’re right, it’s all your fault, so maybe we’ll have to give you one of the babies,” Dominic said jokingly. 

“So did you tell Anna?” 

“I told her and she seems to be okay with it, but what choice does she have.  I don’t know how much longer that relationship is going to last anyway.” 

“Why, I thought you two were reconnecting again?” 

“She’s a great woman, but I don’t know if she is right for me anymore.  Before she left, I was certain she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, but now, that she’s back, I can’t stop thinking that her leaving was a good thing.  Distance definitely didn’t make the heart grow fonder.” 

“I hear you man.”  They continued their conversation as they drank beer. 

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Dominic worked assiduously for the next five days, taking a break only to attend the doctor’s appointment with Victoria. He picked her up from her office and drove to the appointment.  Victoria noticed all the heads that turned when they entered the office together.  Dominic was an extremely handsome man and she would have to get use to all the attention he commanded from other women when he entered a room.  Oblivious to the attention, Dominic had been nervous about this appointment all week; he needed the doctor to assure him that his babies and the woman carrying them were healthy.  He sat in the exam room, looking at the monitor displaying the babies he created and he had an epiphany, the realization that he was going to be a father of three babies truly struck him as he gazed at the monitor and saw the most beautiful sight he had ever seen, he and Victoria’s creation.  The doctor explained what was to be expected when having triplets, discussed her working habits and the precautions they needed to take when having a multiple birth.

As they walked out of the office, Dominic placed his hand on her lower back; at the moment of contact, Victoria felt a tingling sensation invade her body.  The feeling was so strong that it halted her progress.  “You okay Vic?”  Dominic asked concerned.  “Yes, I’m fine,” she said as she looked into his eyes and she saw something more than concern,
“could he actually have feelings me?”
she thought but quickly dismissed the notion. 
He was there out of the concern for his babies.
  Victoria noticed the looks again as they walked out of the office.  They sat quietly in the car as Dominic drove to the restaurant, trying to absorb all the information that was handed to them.  They agreed to take the rest of the evening off and talk about schedules and how they were going to work together to make sure that their babies were born healthy.  

Victoria had a taste for Italian food so they decided to go to Napoli’s Restaurant.   As they were seated Victoria excused herself to use the bathroom.  Victoria exited the restroom, once again seeing the beautiful little girl that was there the last time.  “Hi Giana, how are you?”  Victoria asked as she bent over to greet the little girl. “Hi” Giana said cheerful.  Her mother came up behind the pair.  “Hi, Victoria right?”  As Victoria stood upright she smiled at Giana’s mother. 

“Yes Stephanie, how have you been?” 

“I’ve been great as you can see.” 

Victoria looked at the beautiful baby girl Stephanie was holding.  “Oh Stephanie she is beautiful, how old is she?” 

“She’s two months and it’s our first outing since she was born.  I see you have a new development since we last spoke,” Stephanie said smiling as looking at her stomach.  “How far along are you?” 

“Sixteen weeks” Stephanie surprised expression prompted Victoria to explain.  “We found out we are having triplets.” 

“Wow, that’s amazing you both must be extremely happy.  Is he dining with you? I will stop by your table before we leave.  I would love to exchange numbers, I know what it is like to go through multiple births and could give you some pointers it you would like.” 

“I would love that, this whole process is very scary.”

“I know, but I’m sure it will be fine, enjoy your dinner and I will see you later. 

“See you later Giana.”  She waved at Victoria as she bounced back to her table with her mother right behind her.

As Victoria approached the table, Dominic stood and held her chair.  “Is everything okay?  I started to come and look for you,” Dominic said concerned. 

“I’m great, I ran into someone I met the last time I was here and we were talking for a few minutes.”  She smiled inwardly, she loved that he really cared about her. 

“I’m still a little freaked after seeing our beautiful babies on the monitor.  I realized while sitting there that we are going to be parents and there is still so much I want to know about you.” 

“What do you want to know?”  She asked smiling. 

“We can first talk about our plans moving forward.  I still need to confirm all of your scheduled doctor’s appointments.” 

She pulled out her phone and they discussed dates, talked about the pregnancy and schedules.  They also talked about work and she intently listened as he talked about the software he developed.  She could see the passion exhibited when he talked; he really loved what he was doing. 

“I’m sorry; I have monopolized the conversation for the last half hour.  I want to hear about your company.” 

“I enjoy listening to you talk, the intensity with which you speak about your business is exciting, you make me want to come work for you,” she said joking.  “I could use the help, are you available?” he said smiling.   They were so enthralled in their conversation that she didn’t realize how much time had passed.  Stephanie walked up to the table with her husband and children.  “I don’t mean to interrupt…” 

“Oh Stephanie, I’m sorry we….” Stephanie waved her hand to stop Victoria as Dominic rose from his seat

“No need to explain, I recognize new love when I see it” Stephanie said smiling. 

“This is my husband Ivan Quinn.  Honey this is Victoria and …” 

“Dominic Moretti, nice to meet you.” Ivan and Dominic shook hands.

“Dominic Moretti, the software developer?”  Ivan asked.  Dominic nodded.

“Yes and are you Ivan Quinn of Quinn Corporation?” 

“One and the same,” Ivan said in a low deep tone.

“I would love to talk to you about a software program I developed that might fit your company.” 

Ivan pulled out a business card “Call me, I like your work and I’m interested in hearing your ideas.”  Stephanie and Victoria exchanged knowing looks and they also exchanged information. 

“Thanks Stephanie and I will call you soon.  It was nice meeting you Ivan.” 

Ivan nodded as they said their goodbyes and continued towards the exit. “The software developer?  Sounds like there is more to you than you’ve shared Mr. Moretti?”  Victoria said as she directed her attention back to Dominic. Dominic smiled. 
Soon she would know everything,
he thought. 

Dominic drove Victoria home and he discussed what to expect from his family when she meets them on Sunday.  He explained that his father has issues with other races.  “So your father is a racist,” she said curt.  “No, I don’t think he is a racist Victoria, he is from a time when different races kept to themselves and definitely didn’t date.  Don’t worry about him, my mother will handle him and I’m sure she will love you.  Victoria let the subject go, but began to feel uneasy about meeting his family.   Victoria and Dominic rode the rest of the way in silence, the jazz music permeated through the speakers creating a calming relaxing atmosphere. Dominic walked her to the door both agreeing that they needed to get up early for work tomorrow.   Dominic got in his car just as his phone buzzed.  “Hi Anna, how are you? No and I can't see you tonight I have to get up early tomorrow, I know, I'll make it up to you.  We can have dinner on Friday. Okay, we'll talk tomorrow.” Dominic closed his phone still a little confused about how to handle Anna.

Dominic was so engrossed in his work on Friday that when he looked at his watch, he realized it was seven o'clock; he needed to pick up Anna.  By the time Dominic arrived at Anna's place she was pretty upset because he was forty five minutes late. “I'm so sorry Anna I was so immersed in the program I’m creating that the time got past me.” 

“Whatever, let’s go I don't want to be late for our reservation,” she said agitated.  Dominic placed his hand on her shoulder, halting her progress, “I said I was sorry for being late, but I will not apologize for the time I spend on my business, if you can’t handle that then maybe we need to...” She interrupted him; “Nick I was anxious to spend time with you and of course your business comes first.”  She kissed him softly on the lips, not wanting to irritate him further.  They rode to the restaurant in silence. 

Once inside the restaurant and seated Dominic began to explain about his day. Anna was not interested in his day, what she wanted to talk about the doctor’s appointment. “So how did it go yesterday?” she asked, interrupting him mid sentence.  Dominic looked at Anna, not wanting to discuss that with her but knew if they were going to be together he had to be open “it went great, I found out we were having triplets,” he said nonchalantly as he signaled the waiter for another drink.

Anna didn’t think she heard him correctly,  “what… what do you mean triplets?”   She sat stunned for a few seconds.  “I don't understand Nick, I'm having a hard time understanding how she's not only pregnant, when you never slept with me without protection, but is pregnant with triplets.  Where does that leave us?”  Anna looked totally deflated. Dominic looked at her for several seconds before responding.  “It leaves us right where we are today, and I'll understand if you no longer want to pursue a relationship with me, but if you do, you will have to understand that I will have three babies in my life.” Dominic took a gulp of his drink.

“Let's not forget your baby mama,” Anna said snidely.  Dominic looked at Anna and tried to contain his anger.   “Anna if we are going to make this work, I will not allow you to insult the mother of my children, her name is Victoria and she is also going to be a part of our lives, that is something you’ll have to learn to accept or walk away right now, and don't ever refer to her as my baby mama again,” he said as he looked directly in her eyes.

Anna was visibly shaken by the entire situation, but refused to allow that woman to screw up her relationship with Dominic, now that she had him back.  She read that his software had taken off and knew he was financially secure.  “Dominic do you even want to pursue a relationship with me?”  Dominic sat back in his chair and thought about what Anna was asking, did he really want to pursue a relationship with her?  He did care for her. 

“Anna I do care about you, but my life is extremely complicated right now and it really isn’t fair for me to ask you to deal with all the shit I have going on, so if you want to just remain friends I will understand.”

That definitely wasn't the response she was looking for, but she was not giving up that easily.  “I have you back in my life Nick and I think we owe it to each other to see where this relationship can go.”  He thoughts went back to the day she left him, to accept a job, in another town.  He loved her so much, but her career was more important to her at that point in her life. Dominic was devastated and threw himself into his company.  That was two years ago and now she was back and looking to start up where they left off. 

“Things are different now, so if you are willing to see where this relationship is going, even with my added responsibilities, then we can see if we can make this work.”

The rest of the evening was solemn, with light conversation about jobs, but there was no more mention of Victoria or the babies. Dominic dropped Anna home but refused her invitation for a drink.  “I’m really tired and need to get up early tomorrow, I will call you tomorrow afternoon.”  Dominic kissed her on the cheek and headed home. 

He pulled into his driveway and looked at the beautiful home he had purchased when he and Anna were dating three years. He got the house for a great deal, and he thought it would be an ideal place for them to raise children, but then she left and he was stuck with this huge house. He contemplated selling it, but decided against it.  He could afford to buy any house he wanted, but he chose to stay.  Now Victoria was pregnant with triplets.  “Fuck me; I’m going to have three babies in this house in less than a year.” He went into the house and showered before getting in bed but was unable to sleep, because he had so much on his mind.  After tossing and turning for about an hour, he finally fell into an uneasy sleep.