His Hostage: Extended Epilogue (2 page)

I
’m so fucking tired
. I shoot daggers at Vince the entire way to the restaurant. I can’t get the irritated look off my face. Vince should have to carry this baby for a day and see how drained he feels. Yes, I’m starving, but I’m so damn exhausted. I just wanted to stay home. According to the internet, I should have gotten my energy back at the start of the second trimester. Dr. Google is a fucking liar.

His large hand settles on my thigh and he squeezes. “Don’t be so pissed at me sweetheart; I’m gonna feed you.”

My head falls back against the seat and I turn to face him, “sorry I’m so damn moody.” I pout and really do feel like a bitch. He’s given me everything I could ever want, including this little one. My hand rubs on my belly, where there’s a tiny little bump there for my tiny little human. I wince as my sweet baby jabs an arm or a leg into my bladder. I guess pregnancy has its ups and downs.

“It’s alright sweetheart; you’re just hangry.” He chuckles at his joke and I smirk back at him. He thinks he’s so funny.
Hangry
is his new word for me. Because I’m always angry that I’m hungry. I’m honestly grateful that he finds humor in it. And that he seems to love me more every day that passes, even if I am a little moody.

We pull up in front of the restaurant and my mouth is already watering. I love this place.
Serpico.
Becca and I took a trip out here a few weeks ago to taste test new dishes for her place. We came back every day for a week to sample their rotating menu. She was considering the idea for her restaurant, but decided against it. This little one seems to crave their white asparagus soup though. It’s my new favorite place and definitely worth the drive.

Before I can even open the door, Vince is there, holding his hand out for me. He’s so freaking sweet. I place my hand in his and easily step out. His strong arm wraps around my waist and guides me to the entrance. He’s so careful with me now. Constantly helping me move about and get up. He should save that for when I’m really huge and can only waddle. I tease him about it, but it’s really nice to be cared for by him. I smile up at him and plant a kiss on his lips, catching him by surprise as he hands his keys to the valet.

He gives me a sexy smirk and hugs me close to his side, “what was that for?”

I look up at him with a hand on his chest and continue to walk with him, “Just because.” I bite my lip and then realize we walked right past the hostess. I don’t notice where we’re going until he pushes the double doors open on my left and a hand flies to my mouth as my eyes widen.

“Surprise!” Everyone yells as I stop dead in the entrance to the room to take in the scene.

Tears cloud my eyes and I get all choked up. Everyone’s here. All the familia. The guys, Tommy, Vince, and Joey, are to the left clapping and grinning from ear to ear. Uncle Enzo and Dante are shouting with large smiles on their faces. Linda has little Ethan on her hip standing next to a table with a pile of presents covered in baby hand and foot printed wrapping paper. Clara and Becca are front and center, both bouncing on their feet and with huge smiles across their faces. The kids, Jax and Gino are suspiciously hanging around the tower of yellow sprinkled cupcakes. There’s a sign above them that says, “What will the baby bee?” with little bees on it.

We just saw them all for the wedding, but it still means the world that they came out for us.
Again.
I wipe the tears away and smile. I know I’m not cute with all these emotions coming through and I know I’m an ugly crier. I don’t know if it’s the hormones or something else, but I fucking love his family. They’re always there for us and they’ve accepted me as though I’ve always belonged with them.

“Thank you!” I say as Becca comes up to me and gives me a huge hug, squeezing me tight, followed by Clara. I wipe my eyes and clear my throat. I just want to enjoy this. My heart is so freaking full of love. “I love you guys so much.” I say as Linda walks up to us.

“We love you too, dear.” She gives me a kiss on the cheek. “He didn’t tell you, did he?” She asks, looking past me at Vince.

“I didn’t tell her anything Ma. Look at her; can’t you tell she’s surprised?” I chuckle and the small laugh makes my shoulders shake. Dante walks up and gives Vince a pat on the back and a beer.

“Congratulations you two.” He says with a smile. “Now go open the damn box so I can know if we’re having a grandson or a granddaughter.”

“Boy. She’s carrying low.” Becca says pointing to my stomach.

“Boys carry high in our family.” Clara says.

“But she hasn’t been sick and if you don’t have sickness then it’s a boy.”

“That’s true!” Clara’s eyebrows raise, “and they say girl’s steal your beauty, but Elle’s skin is glowing.” I laugh at the two of them. We’ll know soon.

I rub my belly and lean into Vince, “come on babe, let’s go see!” I’m kind of shocked I waited to be honest. But I wanted to find out with everyone. It feels right somehow, to share this with all of them.

The only person who knows is Linda. I knew Vince’s Ma would want to know. My heart sinks a little, knowing my mom isn’t here. I don’t have to look around for her as we walk to the box. She’s in rehab. Court mandated. I shake off the ill feelings and keep the smile on my face.

One day she’ll be better. One day I won’t have to worry about her. But right now, there’s nothing I can do for her. And this day and this moment is for me.

And Vince of course.

I turn to him and smile as we round a huge box covered in white paper. It’s obvious the top is open and I know there are balloons inside, just under the piece of wrapping paper holding them in. Clara gave me the idea and I freaking loved it. Pink balloons for a girl and blue for a boy. I can’t see anything through the thick paper, but I’m ready to tear through it and see.

“Ready sweetheart?” Vince asks with his fingers on the edge of the box.

I take a deep breath and nod, “ready.” Together we tear into the paper and I watch as 4 blue balloons float into the air and stop just above our heads. She weighted them down with little boy shoes! So freaking cute! I pick up the strings and lift them up so I can hold the little sneakers in my hand. Vince drops to his knees and kisses my stomach as everyone claps and cheers.

We’re having a little boy. I quickly wipe the tears away again, cursing my hormones and lean down to kiss my husband.

“I knew you were giving me a boy. I knew it.” He says with tears in his eyes. At least I’m not the only one who’s emotional.

“Love you sweetheart.” He stands up and kisses me with his hands on my belly. “I love both of you.”

“I love you too Vince.” I’ve never felt so sure of anything in my entire life. I love him and everything he’s given me. The most important thing being, a family.

T
hank
you so much for reading the extended epilogue of His Hostage. I hope you’ve grown to love Elle and Vince and all of the Valetti familia as much as I have.

Lots of love,

Willow xx