CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Tears of Joy
Reese
A week ago, I would have said that my stomach is just reacting to the fact that Nico is suiting up to play tonight. I would have blamed it all on nerves. That was a week ago. Now I know without a doubt I am carrying Nico’s baby.
I’m shocked, excited, and overwhelmed all at once. We have only been together officially for a little over two months. Two months and Nico has done so many things that my ex-husband couldn’t do.
I don’t even know how I am going to tell him. I know I want to do it soon. I have known for two days now. I just haven’t wanted to put any more stress on Nico before tonight’s game.
They are calling tonight Nico’s resurrection. I have to be honest. Nico looks great. He’s ready. He hasn’t seemed nervous at all about this game, but I have been a nervous wreck. I swear I changed my outfit for tonight a hundred times. I finally settled on a grey maxi dress that is slightly short in the front and shows off my legs. I know Nico will like it.
I went to see Alee this morning to have my hair rodded so that I could wear it in a curly afro. I opted for my usual natural face, with just lip gloss. Honestly, my face already has a glow to it or it could be the fact that I haven’t stopped smiling.
I’m going to be a mother. We made a baby. I am having Nico Donati’s baby.
It still doesn’t seem real to me yet. I hope Nico is as excited as I am. I think I plan to tell him tonight after the game. If I don’t tell him soon I am going to burst.
I turn my head to the corner of the room and wipe at my stupid tears. I burst into tears every time I think of the little person we have made. I need to pull it together before someone sees me blubbering. I have caught Uri staring at me a few times.
I hate that I feel like he can see through me. All of the Donati men have this thing, where it is like they can see through you to your innermost thoughts. It is madding when you don’t want to share what you are thinking.
Just to prove my point, Michael walks over with a bottle of water for me. He takes a seat and nudges me with his shoulder. “Uri says we will be uncles,” Michael whispers. “He says he knows the look. So when do you plan to tell Nico? I know he does not know. He would have told the world by now.”
My mouth flaps open like a fish. I look between Uri and Michael. Uri just shoots me a smile and lifts his glass. I groan and cover my face. When I peek through my fingers I see Valentina. She is smirking at me.
We are all in a private box. I am so grateful that Nico has so many people that care about him and that could come and support him. I know how much they all mean to him. I have come to learn that the Mairetties and Briggs are just as much family to him. I smile as I think of all the family this baby will have.
“I plan to tell him tonight,” I whisper back to Michael.
“Holy shit, those two were right,” Michael says in surprise before his entire face lights up. He pulls me into a hug. “He is going to lose his mind. You are the best thing that has happened to him in a long time.”
“He is the best thing that has happened to me,” I say and smile up at Michael. I look up into Michael’s eyes. He is just as handsome as his brothers. “So when do I get to meet the woman in your life?”
Michael stiffens and looks away. “My love life is a complicated one,” he replies emotionlessly.
“How so,” I pry. “Nico said you were seeing someone.”
Michael sits quietly at first. For a moment, I think he is not going to answer me. “Julissa and I have been seeing each other for a few months. It was wrong of me to get involved with her. I knew she was damaged and I knew I couldn’t give her my heart. I care about her, but things are…they are becoming strained.
“We are better as friends. I can’t give her what she needs or deserves,” Michael rubs his forehead and sighs. “She is just really fragile. Right now, we are taking a bit of a break and she makes it seem like that is fine, but I’m really not sure if it is.”
“Wow, that is the most you have ever said to me,” I laugh. “And yet I feel like you are leaving something out.”
I lift a brow at Michael and his blue eyes roll. “It is the most I have said to you because Nico doesn’t let you out of his sight. Yes, I am leaving something out, but it is something we will not talk about today,” Michael winks.
“What’s her name,” I ask.
“Not today, Bella,” Michael chuckles.
“And here I thought we were bonding. Well answer me this one. Are you also into black women? I’m just curious,” I ask and give an impish smile.
Michael throws his head back and laughs. His face turns thoughtful when he regains his composure. “I never thought about, but I guess I am, and before you ask, she is Black and Hispanic,” Michael frowns. “They both are.”
“Interesting,” I chirp.
“Not really. I love women. I have no control over which ones I fall for,” Michael shrugs.
I sit and think about that. Michael is right. I have never based my love on color. It’s not like I set up to be with and fall in love with white men. I have been attracted to black men before. My heart has just fallen for men that happened to be white.
“She must be special,” I whisper to Michael.
He closes his eyes and inhales. “More than you know. That is why it will never be,” Michael replies sadly.
I keep my mouth shut this time. I can see I am taking him somewhere he doesn’t want to go. This is a day to be happy. I will be telling Nico about the baby and Nico has been looking great on the field. The game is tight, but Nico has been playing like a man on a mission.
I sit silently and fall into my thoughts. Before I know it, I finish the water Michael brought over and he is handing me another. As Nico assists another goal I cheer and smile from ear to ear. It sinks in that I did it. I got Nico back on the field.
The seriousness of it all rushes in. Nico playing means Nico traveling. I never thought about how much he would have to be away. I hadn’t even prepared myself for the chance that this could be like Ty all over again.
I place my hand over my belly and look down into my lap. I don’t think I can handle this all again. I don’t want to be that girlfriend. The one that is scared every time her man leaves out of the house, but I would be lying if I said it isn’t a thought in the back of my mind.
As much as I hate to admit it, Ty scarred me. I know I shouldn’t judge Nico based on my relationship with my ex, but right now it is a bit hard to separate the two. Rationally, I know all men don’t cheat and I know all athletes are not liars and cheats. Ty is in a league of his own.
I feel Michael’s gaze on me before he speaks. “You do know my brother is nothing like the man you were married to? You are his main priority, as will be the baby. We Donati men are a lot of things, but what we are not is disloyal.”
I look at him sideways. “Are you sure about that? You yourself just admitted to loving one woman and sleeping with another,” I say with my brow lifts.
“Do not talk of things you do not know or understand,” Michael clips out, causing my head to whip back. He frowns at his harsh words. With a sigh, he continues. “Forgive me. I never said I was sleeping with either. As I said, it is complicated, but I have never been disloyal. Nor will my brother be. Don’t worry yourself over foolishness. Nico waited for you. He will not risk losing you.”
I know he is right. I sigh as I take a hold of his words. “Thank you, Michael,” I say softly.
I focus back on the game and scoot to the edge of my seat. The energy in the room is high. Nico’s team is down by one goal and they are down to the wire. No matter what, this has been a phenomenal comeback for Nico, but I know this will mean so much more to him if his team walks away with a win.
Nico has been sitting out for a bit, but my heart races when I see him come off the bench. I feel light headed with excitement. The crowd is going nuts around the stadium. The arena is charged with excitement.
I hold my breath as Nico’s teammate, number forty, steals the ball and heads up the field towards their goal. Number forty passes off to someone else half way up the field. My hands go to the arm rests of my seat. Number fifteen has possession of the ball now.
I watch with baited breath as the clock ticks down. The crowd goes nuts when number fifteen kicks the ball across the field to Nico, who is ready and waiting. My breath catches in my throat as Nico jumps in the air and kicks the ball right into the net. My eyes are not on the winning goal, but the man who just delivered it.
As everyone around me is losing their minds, I watch as Nico lands on his feet. He stands staring at the goal with his chest heaving, sweat dripping from his nose, and that cheeky ass smile on his lips. The look of awe, determination and satisfaction that I see cross my man’s face are priceless.
Uri comes over and lift me from my feet. He kisses my cheek and beams at me. “You did that, Bella. You gave us our Nico back,” Uri says proudly. “For this, you can have anything. When you ask, I will not deny you. Anything.”
I smile at Uri as my shock wears off. “He did it,” I shake my head and say.
“Not without you, not without you,” Uri smiles.
~B~
Nico
I’m still in shock. I made the game’s winning goal. I have pushed my body to its limits for one reason and one reason only. I just didn’t think this would be the result. I wanted to get back on the pitch to prove what a great PT Reese is. I decided some time ago that I don’t need football to be happy anymore.
It was after I started coming to practice again. The thrill was gone. Nothing has been the same. I will always love the game, but I don’t need it the way that I used to. I want and need Reese more.
The idea of having to travel and be away from her so much does not appeal to me at all. What I want is to build a life with her, to start a family and to help her build her business to be as successful as possible. This is why I have played so hard tonight.
I can’t believe I just kicked the winning goal. I never thought I would execute a move like that again in my life. It was just instinct. The old Nico took over and I was in the air before I knew it. Of all the goals of my career, I think this one will always mean the most.
It is my last. I know it in my heart that it is. Not that I don’t think I can continue to play. I just don’t want to, not anymore. I’ve done what I set out to do. Reese has resurrected me from the dead. Everyone will be talking about this comeback for years to come.
I will have my publicist spin something great to keep the public from thinking that I have retired because of my injuries. I am just done. I want to love my woman in peace. Reese deserves as much. After what she has done for me there is no other choice for me.
“Nico,” I hear Reese’s voice call from behind me as I walk to the locker room with my teammates.
I turn to see her beautiful face beaming at me. She looks gorgeous. I love the large curls that are framing her face. The grey dress she is wearing shows off her smooth sexy brown legs. She looks like a small sexy doll. My eyes fall to her full breasts and I can feel my body coming to life at the mere sight of her.
I move around my teammates and rush to her with open arms. Reese launches her small body into my arms. I catch her and wrap my arms around her tight.
“You did it,” Reese sings as she looks at me lovingly.
“We did it, Cara mia. I couldn’t have done this without you. We are a team, no,” I grin back at her.
Reese looks at me shyly. Her fingers run throw the nape of my damp hair. “Yes, we are a team and our team is about to get bigger,” Reese says coyly.
My brows draw down in confusion. When her meaning hits me I feel the smile that consumes my face. I press my sweaty forehead to hers. “Are you telling me what I think you’re telling me?” There are people all around us so I switch to Italian. “Stiamo per avere un bambino? Ho intenzione di essere un Papa?”
“Si, avete intenzione di essere un padre,” Reese squeals.
My heart swells as the words flow from her lips in the most beautiful Italian I have ever heard. It is her first time actually speaking the language to me and not replying to me in English instead.
“I love you so much,” I croon as I spin her around. I bury my face in her neck. “God, I love you. Let’s go home. There is nothing left for me here.”
Reese pulls away to look me in the face. “What? What do you mean,” Reese gasps.
“I did what I came to do. Now, I want to go home and enjoy being a Papa,” Nico beam at her.
“Nico, you’re crazy,” Reese shakes her head at me.
“For you, Bella. I am crazy for you,” I reply and plant a kiss on her full lips.
~B~
Reese
Nico didn’t even bother with his shower at the stadium. Once I told him about the baby, all he wanted to do was come home. I am so excited and confused at the same time. I can’t believe he just wants to walk away now after all his hard work.
Nico is an amazing player. I watched him with my own eyes tonight. I have never seen anything as amazing as him on the field. I would hate for him to resent me and the baby later if he makes this choice.
This is what I am thinking as I sit wrapped in Nico’s arms in the bath tub. We are both quiet as music fills the space through the overhead speakers. Nico moves his hand to my belly and his fingers start to stroke my skin absently.
“I know you are trying to make sense of my decision,” Nico says out of the blue.
“You love soccer. Why are you retiring? You can play, you looked great out there. You’ve recovered so much better than anyone expected,” I reply.
“Everyone but you. You believed in me, Reese. I only played tonight for you. My heart for the game has changed. Other things are more important to me. I have a niece and two nephews now. I don’t want to be on the road all the time missing out on everything,” Nico explains. “And now, I will have a bambino of my own. I want to be with you and our little one more than I want anything else. I thank you for what you have done, but I no longer desire to play.”
I turn in the tub and lift to my knees. Nico’s eyes turn dark as he watches the water cascade down my breasts. I wrap my arms around his neck and lean into his chest. Nico reaches for my face and pulls me to him for a long slow kiss.
His free hand slides down my slippery wet skin to my backside. His fingers dip between my cheeks and enters me from behind. I moan into his mouth as I rock back onto his fingers.
Nico breaks our kiss and starts a trail of kisses down my neck. When his lips meet my collarbone, his tongue flicks out and sends a shiver through me. Nico moves lower to capture one of my tight buds in his mouth.
I moan loudly as his lips lock around my nipple and suck. His tongue circles my nipple before he begins to flick it. Meanwhile, his skilled fingers bring me to the edge. I gush all over his hand and sag into him.
“I want you. I want to make love to you all night to celebrate our creation. Our perfect baby,” Nico rasps.
I am too weak to respond, so I am happy when Nico doesn’t wait for a response. Instead, he wraps me in his arms and stands from the tub with me. I wrap my legs around his waist, before he steps out of the tug and reaches for a towel.
Nico dries my back, then tosses the towel and walks us into the bedroom. He lays me on the bed gently, moving down my body. Nico’s face disappears between my thighs and my fingers lock into his hair. His hair is damp and silky soft to the touch. I relish in its feel as I open my legs to him further.
His stubble is rubbing my thighs in the most delicious way as he goes to town on my kitty. My stomach quivers as I cry his name. Nico’s large hand lands gently on my belly and he caresses my stomach as he continues to devour me.
I reach for my own breasts and pinch my nipples as my back bows off the bed. I come singing Nico’s name. He just hums his approval and laps up his reward. I am seeing stars as I blink up at the ceiling, trying to float back to earth. I hover in bliss for a little longer with a smile on my face.
Nico climbs over me and we lock eyes. I see so much love in his eyes and my heart fills with a deeper love in return. I fall deeper in love with this man every day.
I can’t believe how much my life has changed but I regret nothing. Everything I have been through has lead me to Nico and to a love greater than any I have ever known. Now I am having a baby with this amazing man and I couldn’t ask for more.
Nico slides into me easily. We groan together and I pull my legs back to give him greater access. Nico laces our fingers together and brings our joined hands above my head.
“Tonight has been one of the greatest of my life. I love you, Reese,” Nico moans as his lips hover over my mouth. He nips my lower lip. “You’re so beautiful.”
“I love you too,” I whimper.
I can’t help it. The dam burst and the tears start to flow. I lift my head and kiss him with all the love and passion that I feel for him.
Nico moans deeply and picks up the pace. I squeeze my sex around him and he throws his head back, hissing out a breath. I can feel him swell inside me as he moves through my slick folds. My nails bit into the backs of his hands.
Nico brings his face back to mine and he nuzzles his nose to mine. I smile. It is such a tender gesture in this intense moment. Something to remind me how much Nico cherishes me, he is always reminding me of that fact.
“Reese,” Nico groans fiercely.
“Nico,” I gasp as my climax hits me hard.
I smile as our chests heave together. I know that tonight is just beginning, but that was the most amazing connection we have ever had. Nico is right, this has been a great night. I’ll remember this night for the rest of my life.