Ties That Bind Us

by Nicole Knight

  I smiled, watching Nick dance around the kitchen in excitement. He was like a child himself. All of my fears and qualms about the situation were vanishing and being replaced with excitement. I was going to be a mother. Nick and I were going to have a child.

  Suddenly, our perfect little family was all that mattered.

  Chapter 35

  Ava

  Tonight was the fundraiser at Nick’s parents’ house. I had been looking forward to the event for weeks, but now that it was finally here, a sinking feeling had developed in my stomach, and I couldn’t put my finger on why. It probably had to do with the fact that this was the first time that both of our families would be together since the night at my parents’ when everything about Andrew came to light. There had been a growing tension between my family and me, particularly my father and me, for the last few weeks, and thinking about being in the same room as all of them had made my nerves a wreck.

  There was also a possibility that Gina was going to be there, and I wasn’t thrilled about that either. Since our altercation at Frankie’s graduation, Nick had been tiptoeing around the subject. I believed him, but it still made me uncomfortable. He had offered to speak with his mom and ask her not to invite Gina, but I didn’t want to appear petty and jealous. It shouldn’t bother me as much as it did. Nick was my husband—he loved me, he came home to me every night, he treated me like an absolute queen. Gina’s presence was nothing but an annoyance, and I needed to be the bigger person.

  To top it all off, Nick wanted to tell everyone tonight that we were married. It had already been a month, and I was pregnant, and we weren’t going to be able to hide the pregnancy for much longer. I was definitely ready to get it out in the open, but I was still anxious about it. My last conversation with my dad had left a bad taste in my mouth, and I had no idea what his reaction would be.

  I straightened out my dress for what had to be the thousandth time. It never took me so long to get ready, but the added pressure of tonight was wearing on me. Not to mention my clothes were starting to fit more and more snugly—I was going to need to do some serious shopping soon. Nick had been downstairs and ready for half an hour, and I was on my third outfit.

  “Babe, we’re going to be late if we don’t leave now.” Nick peeked his head into our bedroom cautiously.

  “Okay.” I sighed, running my finger down the front of my dress to smooth it out. This would have to do.

  “You seem stressed, is everything okay?” He came up behind me and slipped his arms around my waist.

  “Just nervous about seeing my dad.”

  Nick stiffened at the mention of him. “Baby, you have nothing to be worried about. He’s not going to pull anything tonight. If he reacts as anything less than thrilled for us, everyone will see right through him.”

  “I know he’s not going to pull anything in front of everyone, I just . . . he’s still my father, and I’ve lived my life trying to win his approval. It’s just going to take some getting used to.” I smiled, tight lipped. It was hard to explain how I was feeling to Nick. It was black and white for him, but for me, it was every color of the rainbow. My dad was a horrible person. He was selfish and manipulative and constantly tried to undermine Nick. I knew I should hate him, and deep down I did. But it was still hard to wrap my head around the fact that my own father could be so callous and deceptive. It didn’t fit the picture I had of him in my mind, which I had created for years, building him up to be a much better person than he was—the picture of the person I wanted him to be. I had to accept he would never fit that, that I would never win his approval or be more than a tool for him to use. I was slowly getting there, but it wouldn’t happen overnight.

  “I know.” He kissed my cheek. “Everything is going to be fine, I promise. I don’t like it when you’re stressed.” His palms found my stomach and he rubbed softly. “It’s not good for the baby.”

  “About that . . .” I grinned anxiously. “Do you think we could hold off on telling everyone I’m pregnant for right now? I think the news of the marriage is going to be shocking enough, and I don’t want to steal all the thunder from this evening. Your mom has worked really hard on it and—”

  Nick kissed my lips, effectively silencing me. “Say no more. You’re right. We’ll start with the marriage, and let everyone have some time to simmer on that.”

  Nick

  Ava was tense and I hated it. I hated that Alessandro was still ruining things for her. This should be a fun and happy occasion, and instead she was nervous about seeing him, about telling him she was married. It wasn’t fair to her, and it made me hate him even more. I knew this was hard on her—I couldn’t imagine hearing these things about my own father—but the faster I got her away from him, the better.

  When we got to my parents’ house, most of the guests had already arrived. I bypassed the valet to park in my usual spot, and helped Ava out of the car. Something about knowing that she was pregnant made me even more tender with her. She was already glowing, and I couldn’t wait until there was no denying she was carrying my child. In my mind, I had already decided we were having a boy, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. Ava was taking everything incredibly well too. Based on what she had said previously, I hadn’t expected her to be excited right off the bat, but several times in the last few weeks I had caught her googling nursery ideas and baby names. She would always have this soft smile on her face, as if she was doing it subconsciously. She was going to be such an incredible mother.

  “Good evening, Mr. Caponelli, Ms. Moretti.” One of the attendants smiled, greeting us and taking our coats.

  I nodded politely to him and we made our way over to the reception table where seating assignments were. I had been here earlier in the week, and knew we were sitting with Leo and his date, and Zane and his girlfriend. I figured it would take a little of the pressure off of Ava and help her relax if we weren’t seated with either of our parents. Gina, who had somehow finagled an invitation, was seated across the room, and I was intent on ignoring her most of the night. I would be happy once everything was out in the open and we could just enjoy a dinner party without all the added drama.

  Ava spotted Bella at one of the cocktail tables and we made our way over there.

  “Hi, guys!” Bella greeted us, wrapping her arms around Ava and kissing her cheek. “What a beautiful party.”

  “Isn’t it? Nick’s mom has been pining over the details for months. It’s absolutely perfect.” Ava smiled, then hugged her sister’s fiancé as well.

  “Just think how she’ll plan your wedding!” Bella grinned mischievously.

  I could feel Ava stiffen in my arms, and knew I needed to change the subject. “How are you guys? What stock is up this week?” I grinned. Bella’s fiancé loved to talk about his job, and I knew if I could distract him with that, that would be the end of the wedding conversation.

  After a little while, the MC announced it was dinnertime, and we made our way to our seats. Dinner was plated, and when they brought out the main course, my dad was going to make his announcement that he was stepping down in two months, and invite me on stage. That was when I was supposed to announce that Ava and I were married as well. I knew she was worried, but it would make things much easier on all of us. Alessandro was right where I wanted him, and honestly, there was nothing he could do. I had enough to incriminate him if it came to that, but I was hoping after he heard my little announcement he would just fade into the woodwork. Since Ava was pregnant with my heir, that automatically made her the head of the Caponelli family if anything were to happen to me. Alessandro would be forced out of the picture for good. Her pregnancy had inadvertently helped me protect her even more from him.

  The first course was served and Ava was starting to relax. She loved Leo, and for once, his date was actually pretty enjoyable too. The entire evening was going better than I had expected. We had seen her parents briefly, and the greeting had gone off without a hitch. Alessandro was on his best behavior
, but that could all change at the drop of a hat. The man was a loose cannon, and there was no telling what he would do when he found out Ava had married me without him knowing.

  My dad motioned for Ava and me to follow him to the side of the stage. I would bring her up for the announcement as well, so we could appear for the first time in front of my future men as husband and wife. My dad went up on stage and took the mic, speaking to everyone in attendance.

  “You know, after this there will be no going back.” I arched my eyebrow at Ava. “If you want to run, now’s your chance.”

  She let out a sharp laugh. “I think it’s safe to say we’re already past that point. Not that I would even consider it.” She smiled widely, easing any sense of worry I had. Who the fuck cared how Alessandro reacted? She was incredible, and with me, she was free to be exactly what she wanted. It was breathtaking to watch her realize that.

  “Good.” I pressed my lips to her ear, kissing gently. “I can’t wait to get this over with and take you home to celebrate properly.”

  “We’ve been celebrating for weeks.” She giggled, trying to squirm out of my grasp, but it only made me hold her closer.

  “I’m going to celebrate every day for the rest of my life.” I grinned. “I love you.”

  “I love you too. More than you could ever know.” She touched my cheek softly and then stood up on her tiptoes to kiss me. I deepened the kiss, slipping my tongue in her mouth, about ready to take her right here. Fuck the announcement. We could send a postcard for all I cared.

  “Ahem.” Someone cleared their throat next to us and Ava and I jumped. Alessandro was standing a few feet away from us.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt, I understand that you’re about to make some sort of announcement.” Alessandro’s face was flat, completely unreadable.

  “We are.” I held Ava protectively close.

  “I assume it’s that you will be taking over for your father in the next few months?” Alessandro arched an eyebrow, staring at me and not even looking at Ava. Every muscle in her body was tense.

  “Among other things. Can I help you with something, Alessandro? We’ll be needed on stage any minute.” I gritted my teeth. Leave it to him to weasel his way into my moment with Ava.

  “I’ll make it quick.” He glared at me and then turned his attention to Ava, putting on a fake-ass smile. “Darling, I have had a change of heart. I am no longer asking you to marry Nick. You can come home whenever.”

  “Are you out of your fucking mind?” Nick let out a sharp laugh.

  “I never should have made the deal in the first place. You’re my daughter after all, I don’t want to force you into anything you don’t want to do.”

  This guy was unreal. His change of heart was about as fake as anything I had ever seen. He couldn’t control Ava so he was trying to figure out another way to weasel his way in. It took all the reserve I had not to knock his lights out, but this was my mother’s event, and it wasn’t the time for a scene like that.

  “Actually, Dad,” Ava said, stepping forward, still holding on to my hand. “I love Nick. And I want to stay with him. In fact—” She looked back at me as if asking for permission to continue. I nodded, stunned she was willing to stand up to him like that. “Dad, Nick and I are already married. We have been for several weeks now. Since our trip to Saint Lucia.”

  Alessandro’s jaw hardened and he stared intently at Ava, processing her words. Ava didn’t back down, and stood a few inches in front of me, still gripping my hand tightly. I knew she was nervous but I had never been so proud of her.

  “And now I’d like to introduce my son and future daughter-in-law . . .” My dad’s voice came from the stage and the room erupted into applause. Perfect timing.

  Ava looked at Alessandro expectantly, but he stood completely stoic. I tugged on her hand and she hesitantly turned away from him and followed me up the stairs.

  “I am so fucking proud of you,” I whispered to her as we walked up the stairs. “You were incredible.”

  She gave an unsure smile and we made our way to the podium.

  I clutched her hand at my side and waited until the room had quieted down. “Thank you all so much for being here tonight. Every year my mother puts on a wonderful fundraiser for underprivileged kids in New York, and it is because of your support that that is possible.”

  There was loud applause again.

  “Tonight is special for a multitude of reasons. One of them being that my father is officially announcing his retirement and I will be taking over for him in the next few months. It is not a position I take lightly, and I am thrilled about what the future holds for the group.”

  More boisterous applause.

  “I am confident about the future because I know who will be beside me through it.” I grinned at Ava. “Several months ago, Ava accepted my proposal, and at the time, we knew nothing about each other. Since then, we have gotten to know each other and I can tell you there is no one more fit lead beside me than this woman right here. She is brilliant, charismatic, and one of the bravest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She’s pretty easy on the eyes as well.” A few laughs traveled through the crowd. “I am telling you all of this because Ava is another reason that this night is special to me. Tonight, I get to announce that this beautiful woman married me on a beach in Saint Lucia a few weeks ago, and it was the best day of my life.”

  The entire room erupted in laughter. Ava smiled, glancing around anxiously. I watched as her eyes landed on Alessandro, who threw the wine glass he was holding against the wall and stalked out one of the side doors.

  “Ignore him, baby. Look at everybody who is thrilled for us,” I whispered against her ear. She nodded briefly and relaxed slightly.

  I finished my speech and Ava and I exited the stage. We spent the rest of the night fielding congratulations, and I introduced Ava to several of the men in our group. Her father’s reaction had only momentarily shaken her, and I could tell she was easing up a little bit. I loved watching her with other people. She was so charismatic that I couldn’t help but watch in awe at the way she captivated everyone she spoke with, making them feel as if they were the most important person in the room. Every once in a while she would catch me staring, and a slight blush would blanket her cheeks.

  The rest of her family took the news well, seemingly unaware of Alessandro’s reaction. Her mother was thrilled, and while both of her sisters were a little upset she hadn’t told them, they were excited for us nonetheless.

  “How are you feeling?” I asked when we had two minutes to ourselves. Her energy had been down with the pregnancy and normally by this time she was absolutely knocked out on our couch.

  “Okay.” She smiled but I could tell she was lying.

  “Let’s get out of here. Leo can finish up checking in with the men.” I put my arm around her.

  “Isn’t that your responsibility?” She gave me a sleepy smile.

  “My only responsibility is making sure my wife is completely happy and content.” I smirked and kissed her cheek.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive,” I said. “Hey, Leo, can you finish up here? I’m going to get Ava home.”

  “Whatever, lovebirds.” He chuckled, rolling his eyes. “I’ll finish up as long as I can drive your car home.”

  I laughed, shaking my head. Leo had a love affair with my Corvette and wanted to drive it any opportunity he got.

  “Fine.” I tossed him the keys. “But bring it home by noon tomorrow. And if there is a single scratch on it, I’ll kill you.”

  “So strict.” Leo grinned, taking the keys and replacing them with his. He leaned forward, kissing Ava’s cheek. “Good night, Ava.”

  “Good night.” She smiled.

  “Keep your hands to yourself, moron,” I teased.

  “Don’t make a baby in my backseat!” Leo called over his shoulder, loud enough for other people in the room to hear. Ava blushed.

>   “Let’s get out of here.” I slung my arm around her shoulder and led her outside.

  The valet brought the car around and I helped Ava in before going to my side.

  “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” I asked, as I wound through the streets toward our penthouse.

  “It wasn’t. I mean, I wish my dad would have stuck around to talk, but at least he didn’t make a scene.” She smiled through her yawn.

  “He’ll come around, babe. And in the meantime, try to put it out of your mind and—”

  All of a sudden, we were hit from the side. Ava screamed, clutching the handle on the ceiling as the car spun in circles. Glass shattered around us, and the crunching of metal filled the air. I was flung forward over the steering wheel, driving it hard into my chest and taking my breath away.

  When the car finally skidded to a stop, I looked at Ava. She was hunched over in the seat, her head hanging loosely. Fuck. Oh God, no.

  “Ava, are you okay? Baby, can you hear me?” She didn’t answer.

  I unbuckled my seat belt and scooted toward her, tilting her head toward me with my hand. “Ava, answer me, baby,” I asked again, noticing the blood dripping down the side of her face. It was coming from somewhere in her hair, but I couldn’t see the actual wound.

  “Ava!” I yelled, shaking her a little, trying desperately to wake her up. This couldn’t be happening. What the fuck was going on? “Please, baby.”

  Still no response. I needed to get out of the car. I opened my door and stumbled out. The car that hit us was long gone. I tried to limp around the car, but my leg gave out suddenly and I fell to the ground.

  “Ava!” I called out with all the remaining strength I had.

  She didn’t answer.

  Chapter 36

  Nick

  We had been here over an hour, and the emergency room doctors still weren’t letting me back to see Ava. No amount of pacing in front of the doorway was changing their minds, and I was losing my shit.