Baylor held the door for them to enter. Leo saw Amelia across the room. She was facing away from him, sitting on a stool, a huge digital camera attached to a tripod in front of her.
She wore a beautiful emerald green sweater, soft leather pants, and flat boots. It was rare for Amelia to wear flat shoes unless they were sneakers.
Her hair was even longer now, shimmering in the set lights, and pulled back from her face with tiny clips.
She laughed and encouraged the young woman in front of the camera to relax and be herself. The images appeared on several screens to Amelia’s left.
“Kim, tell me something funny that happened to you.”
“Oh my god! I bent down to get something out of my locker in ninth grade and my pants ripped. Not a little bit, Ally…all the way. You could see my underwear with little green shamrocks all over them. It was nowhere near St. Patrick’s Day. Mom hadn’t had a chance to do laundry. I was thirty pounds heavier then. There was a boy I liked so I squeezed myself into my sister’s jeans. It was such a big deal then. Now though…I can laugh about it.”
The girl was lovely and Amelia took pictures while she talked. A few minutes later, she announced, “I think we have them, Kim. Come take a look.”
The girl walked over to stand beside her. “Oh my god! These are so great, Allison! Wow!”
“I just take the pictures. You’re the one in them.” She added, “Also…if you have to squeeze into tight clothes for a boy, he isn’t worth it. I promise the right man will love everything about you, no matter how flawed or bizarre.”
“Do you believe that, Ally? Really?”
“I do. You’ll know the right man, the perfect man, when you find him. Your soulmate, Kim. The person you love more than your own life. That’s the most important part. To find someone who thinks they can love you more than you love them. Happiness is sure to follow.”
“Ally, you sound like you’re in love.”
“I am and he’s so much more than I deserve.” She stood and Kim kissed her cheek.
“I can’t wait to see the proofs. Mom said she’ll pay for a second set. You know she loves hanging them in her office at work.”
“You’re her daughter. Of course she does.”
“See you later!” Kim jogged happily to the front door, smiling as she passed them.
No one else appeared to be in the bright, open space and Leo opened his mouth to greet Amelia as she turned.
His knees almost buckled.
He blinked hard.
He was sure it must be a trick of the light, jet lag, maybe food poisoning, or a nervous breakdown.
One by one, he checked off the possible explanations and took in the sight of the woman he loved that he hadn’t seen in almost six months.
Amelia was pregnant.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Amelia?” Leo’s voice didn’t sound familiar, didn’t seem like it came from his body. It barely carried but she heard him. He tried again, certain the calm person he’d always been was still inside him somewhere. “H-how is this possible? I-I don’t understand. I don’t understand anything.”
Suddenly lightheaded, he stumbled forward, catching the side of the receptionist counter to hold himself up.
Baylor was beside him as he sank to the floor. “Leo, take a deep breath. Settle yourself, focus on your breathing until your brain comes back online.”
Leo closed his eyes but it felt like the room was spinning and he knew he was in danger of passing out for the first time in his life.
“Pull it together, man.” Baylor smacked his cheek lightly and then again. “Pull your shit together and get on your feet.”
Fighting for balance, Leo pulled air deep into his lungs and held it. He repeated it three times and nodded at his bodyguard. Baylor gripped his hand and pulled him off the floor but maintained a hold on Leo’s shoulder as his charge swayed.
“Leo…”
“I’m good. I’m good.”
Amelia was frozen in place, a look of sheer terror on her face. The realization snapped Leo back into the moment as nothing else could have. He rubbed his hands roughly over his face and stepped away from Baylor.
“Amelia, are you actually pregnant?” She nodded slowly. “You have our baby growing inside you?” She nodded again and twisted her hands together nervously. “How? Can you tell me how? I was there when the doctor told us what he had to do to save your life.” A shocking possibility entered his mind. “Is the baby growing in your fallopian tubes? That’s dangerous for both of you.”
“No,” she answered weakly. “It’s not that.” Leo walked toward her and she flinched nervously.
“I’d never hurt you. Never, Amelia.”
“I know. It’s just…”
Augusta said carefully, “He’s just not sure what’s happening, Amy. That’s all. His first concern is you. It will always be you.” Her mother turned to him. “It’s a miracle, Leo. Something that happens more than anyone would believe but...still rare.”
Raking his fingers through his hair, he straightened. “Alright. Tell me. Help me understand what’s happening.”
Augusta looked at Amelia who remained frozen with wide eyes. “Shall I explain?” With a nod, Amelia kept her eyes on Leo. Clearing her throat, she said, “A couple of weeks after Amy returned here, I-I asked her if I could visit. I knew why she didn’t want you in Washington but...I hoped to have some time with her to heal things between us.”
“I didn’t know you came,” Leo murmured.
“Amy had some abdominal pain, was sick for several days, and didn’t want to worry you. With the s-scar tissue from her surgery, I worried there might be a problem.” She cleared her throat. “I found a gynecologist who specializes in patients with issues outside the norm. He did a full workup.”
“He...said Amelia was pregnant.”
“Yes. We both told him it was impossible and he did a few more tests. At this point, she’s had a dozen exams and ultrasounds. There’s no doubt that Amy is pregnant with your child.”
“I still don’t understand!” Leo’s voice was semi-hysterical. “We were told...they said they took her womb. How is it possible? How is it safe?”
“As it turns out, Amy has an extremely rare condition called didelphic uterus. It was something no one ever caught because doctors don’t look for it.”
He frowned. “What does that mean?”
“She was born with two, Leo.” He stumbled back a step and Baylor braced his shoulders from behind. “Both were attached to fallopian tubes and each had their own cervix. When one was removed, the fallopian tubes simply used the other. It happened over years...a slow healing.” She inhaled carefully. “The night she was bleeding out, the doctor was focused on stopping the hemorrhaging. They removed her uterus and one of her ovaries. They never saw the other uterus because there was so much t-trauma.”
“A second uterus.”
Augusta nodded. “Had I explained, you wouldn’t have believed it. You had to see it for yourself.”
Amelia whispered, “I wanted to tell you, Leo. I did. I just...I didn’t want your worry for me to overshadow the second chance I was given.”
He frowned. “That means there’s measurable risk to your safety, to the safety of the baby. Risk you didn’t want me weighing in on. That’s why you kept it from me.” He closed his eyes and added, “You’re gambling with your life to give me a child as if that’s the only thing I want from you.”
“No, Leo. There aren’t any…”
Augusta cut her off. “Amy, you cannot lie to him. It isn’t fair to keep him in the dark now. You’re more than six months along and you’re going to need his help for your last trimester. Tell the truth and let Leo be the man he’s always been. You know him. You know you can trust him.”
Staring at the floor, Amelia nodded. She seemed to collect herself and then lifted her face.
“I-I could deliver normally but the risk of hemorrhaging would be higher. The doctor isn’t sure how strong the u
terine walls will be during labor.”
“Amelia…”
“I didn’t know, Leo. I wasn’t having periods or anything. I haven’t since...I healed from the surgery. There’s never been any indication that I could get pregnant…”
He went to her and held her shoulders. “I know, honey. I know.” Bending, he kissed her forehead before pulling her into a careful hug. “I’m...overwhelmed and a little confused but what happens now? There must be conditions, things you have to do to make sure it goes safely.”
“Ricky came down with a bad case of shingles so I’m filling in on the studio sessions. Then I’ll go on bed rest.”
Leo scooped her into his arms. “No, Amelia. Bed rest starts now. Make whatever apologies or refunds you have to but being on your feet is done.” Inhaling carefully, he whispered, “It’s time to come home.”
She stared at him for a long moment. “Alright, Leo.” She removed her cell phone and her assistant picked up on the third ring. “Hey, Marjory. There’s been a change of plans…”
Fifteen minutes later, an older woman walked through the door and her mouth dropped open in shock. “Uh, hello.” A slow smile spread over her face. “You must be Leo.”
From the waiting area chair where he held Amelia in his lap, he answered, “I am. I’ve come to steal her.”
“About time.” Marjory put her hand on her hip. “I’ll wrap things up. Let’s go over the bookings.”
The women discussed the client book for a few minutes and Marjory took notes.
Finally, the assistant closed the heavy date book and said gently, “It’s time for you to go now. Don’t you come back, Amy. There’s nothing here for you that you don’t have more of where you’re going. I’ll talk her down from the ledge.”
“She’s going to hate me…”
“Sweetheart, if you leave it up to her, Ricky will keep making excuses to keep you here while your heart is clearly living with this man...and always has been. Go when she’s not looking and let her scream, let her cry, let her get the fuck over it.”
Tearfully, Amelia nodded. “Thanks, Marjory.”
“It’s going to be okay and you treated her better than anyone. You gave her everything but she won’t let go as long as she still sees you, still works with you every day.” She shook her head. “The way to help her is to leave.”
“You’re right.” Leo stood with Amelia in his arms, Baylor bracing their weight. “I’ll miss you, Marjory.”
“I’ll miss you, too. Keep in touch if you want. I’ll understand if you don’t. You hear me?” Amelia nodded. “Do let me know everything went right with the baby.”
“I will.” The woman leaned forward and kissed Amelia’s cheek. She whispered something at her ear and Amelia laughed. “I told you he was gorgeous.”
“Brat. Travel safe.”
Amelia looked into Leo’s face. “I’m ready now.”
“Thank god. I’m ready to have an aneurysm.”
Then Leo carried Amelia out of the life she’d built in Washington and back to the life she left in Illinois.
With a miracle growing inside her.
Chapter Twenty-Two
When they arrived at O’Hare, Leo kept Amelia’s hand between both of his as if he couldn’t bear to let her go. Baylor escorted them to the car, closed them in the back, and Augusta got in the front with him.
Amelia was both upset and relieved that her mother brought Leo to Washington. She knew his fear would be greater than hers...and hers was substantial.
“Amelia, I can’t believe you’re pregnant. It feels like a dream.”
“I was going to tell you soon, Leo. I wanted to wait...just in case the baby doesn’t make it.”
“I understand that. What bothers me is that something could have gone horribly wrong and I wouldn’t have even known there was a reason to worry.” He straightened and his eyes went wide. “When are you due?”
“My doctor found me a great team in Chicago. I’ll let him know to send my records over. He’s recommending a caesarean in four weeks.”
“You don’t seem happy about it.”
“It’s six weeks early. The experts I’ve consulted said I shouldn’t go past thirty-four weeks. After that, things get really tight and the risks get higher.”
“What are the risks right now? If they take the baby ten weeks early? I want to know.”
Amelia put her hands over her belly. “No, Leo.”
“Amelia, babies are born premature all the time. Medical science isn’t what it was even ten years ago.”
Her palms pressed more firmly around her stomach and she told him, “No, Leo. I’m not forcing him into the world a single day sooner than I have to. It’s more dangerous for him than it is for me.”
“I can’t live without you. I can live without a child and expected to do so...but not without you, Amelia.” He leaned his head back and took deep racking breaths.
Amelia lifted his hand and pressed her lips to his palm. Sitting forward, she placed it over her stomach. As if waiting for a signal, the baby moved inside her and Leo released a soft gasp. He moved so he could put both hands on her.
“That’s our child in there, Leo. By some strange twist of fate, we’ve been given a second chance. Look at me.” He lifted his eyes from her stomach to her face. “That’s your son under your hand, Leonardo De La Cruz. Growing healthy and strong less than an inch from your palm.”
He blinked and returned to staring at her stomach. Tears slipped over his cheeks.
She said softly, “I’ve had every test done, checked for every known possible problem. I kept the secret for many reasons and one of them is knowing you love me more than you love this baby.” She cupped his cheek. “But Leo…I love you and this baby more than I love myself.”
The baby moved again.
He replied hoarsely, “If I have to choose, I’ll choose you. Please, please understand…I never thought this would be possible. I closed my mind to it.”
Looking deeply into his eyes, she gave him a gentle smile. “Leo, you’ve never closed your mind to anything in your life.” His return smile was fearful. “I’ve made it so far…I can go a little further to give him a better chance. Say you’ll help me, Leo. I need this…something I thought I’d never have after that horrible night so many years ago. Our baby, growing strong inside my body right now.”
He was quiet as tears continued to fall. “You know it’s a boy?”
“Oh, yes. I wanted to know as soon as possible so I had a visual in my mind to help with the fear, the nervousness, and the stress of not telling you.”
Choosing her words carefully, she said what had been weighing on her mind since he appeared in her studio.
“I know you’re worried and scared for me. But is there any part of you that’s maybe a little...happy?”
He gathered her in his arms and whispered, “Amelia, I should have told you that first but...the shock. I’m happy, so happy. More than a little awestruck.” Leaning back, he winked. “Kind of cool that we made a baby in the spare womb you just happened to be carrying around.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“You’re beautiful. Glowing.”
“I wasn’t in the beginning. There was a lot of vomiting, swelling, and mood swings. My poor body has no idea what the fuck is happening from one second to the next.”
Lifting one hand, he stroked his fingers through her hair. “I wouldn’t have cared. I missed so much.”
“I didn’t know the first three months. It’s been hard to keep it from you. I knew you’d be afraid. I didn’t want you to make me choose, Leo.”
“Make you…? Amelia, I wouldn’t have asked you to end it. I would have had a nurse with you around the clock and never let you out of my sight. That - you can fucking guarantee - is what I plan on doing now.”
“I’ll be…”
“Understand this, Amelia. You’re taking a risk, right now, with your life. To have this baby, you’re gambling everything.” He inhaled deep
ly. “I’ll go all-in with you...but I’m going to be the most controlling fuck you’ve ever met and you’re going to let me be that person because you know me. You know I have to do something to feel like the world isn’t spinning off its axis. If you don’t let me bring in people to help, to do absolutely every goddamn thing for you until this baby is born, I’ll be counting down the seconds in my brain.”
She held his face. “Torture for you, I know.” Leaning forward, she kissed his lips lightly. Then she sighed. “You know I’m going to hate it.” He nodded. “I’m not used to anyone taking care of me now.”
One side of Leo’s mouth lifted in a smile and her love for him grew yet again.
Her brilliant, gentle Leo.
“You’ve been out of practice, Amelia. Let me remind you.”
* * *
They arrived at Leo’s apartment in Chicago and Augusta got out to wait for them on the sidewalk.
“Baylor offered to drive me back to my car and I’m going to take him up on it so you two have time alone.” She looked back and forth between them. “Thank you for trusting me, Leo. I always know Amy is in the best hands...when she’s in your hands.” Clearing her throat, she added softly, “I’m sorry I couldn’t keep the secret any longer, Amy.”
Reaching out, Amelia took her mother’s hand. “I was panicked when I made you promise. You were right to bring him. Thank you for caring.”
“Of course. Always, Amy.”
She started to turn toward the car but Amelia didn’t let go. Instead, she pulled Augusta into a careful hug.
Beside her ear, she said, “We’ve traveled a rocky road, you and me. A lot has happened between us. Pain, loss, anger...and those things don’t disappear overnight. Still...I see your efforts. I feel the difference in you, and I appreciate what you’ve done.” Pulling back, she added, “Let me know when you get home, Mom.”
Augusta placed her hand over her heart. “A-Amy…”
She hadn’t referred to Augusta as Mom in almost nine years. “One step at a time, right?”
“One step at a time.” She looked at Leo and said softly, “You’re good for my daughter and you’re going to be an excellent father to my grandson.” Getting in the front seat, she folded her hands in her lap and cried silently as Leo closed the door.
Feel My Love: The Damaged Series - Book Two Page 15
