17: Chapter 17

RYAN

“Four more weeks,” said Anna. “Are you getting excited?” Since she and Ryan weren’t seeing each other at work anymore, they’d decided to meet for lunch at a café near the hospital.

“Excited to meet this little guy, be able to see my feet again, or finally get rid of this heartburn?” Ryan countered.

Anna smiled. “Well, at least your shoes match today.”

“I can’t believe you let me walk out of the house like that; you could’ve told me.”

Rolling her eyes, Anna said, “You’re not the first pregnant woman in history to walk around in two different shoes, Ry, and you certainly won’t be the last.”

“Still, it was embarrassing.”

Anna laughed. “I’ve got to get back to work. I’ll see you in a few days for your appointment.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

They said their goodbyes and Ryan headed home; she needed to get ready for a dinner tonight to celebrate Luca’s birthday.

***

“I promise not to drink a lot tonight,” said Marco, fiddling sheepishly with his tie.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy yourself, Marco,” said Ryan, reaching over to fix it for him.

Marco smiled. “God, you’re perfect.”

When they arrived at the restaurant, Ryan was surprised to see that it was just the adults; Louis and Fiona were at home with a babysitter. After dinner Luca, Maria, Marco, and Ryan went out for a few drinks at a local bar.

“I love how sexy you look in this dress tonight, kitten,” said Marco, rubbing her hips as they swayed to the music on the bar’s small dance floor.

“Thank you,” she said, blushing. She didn’t feel very sexy right now—she felt like she’d swallowed a balloon. But Marco’s constant compliments were nice.

He kept his hand on her lower back as they walked back to the table and pulled her down on his lap, his hands securely around her waist. “We’re going to try it like this later,” he murmured, thrusting his hips up.

Maria and Luca tumbled into their seats a moment later. “We’re going to have to do this again when you’re able to drink, Ryan,” said Maria, rosy-cheeked. “I’m really enjoying going out and having ‘adult time.’”

Ryan agreed, sliding out of Marco’s lap to avoid grinding on him in front of his sister.

“I’d say Mom and Dad could watch the kids and all of us could go out on New Year’s Eve, but I’m sure you won’t want to leave the baby so soon. I know it took me months before I was ready to leave Louis, even if it was with Mom,” Maria mused.

Luca held his wife’s hand. “We’ll have plenty of time to spend together.”

They headed their separate ways a few hours later, Ryan and Maria sharing a fond, sisterly hug before splitting up to drive their boys home.

“I’m sorry, kitten,” said Marco as Ryan started the car.

“For what?” she asked distractedly, pulling out of the parking space.

He sighed. “I didn’t plan on staying out this late. I’m sure you’re tired.”

“I’m fine! It was fun. And besides, it’s important to celebrate with family, Marco.”

She loved seeing how close his family was and, though it made her miss hers, she also enjoyed being with them.

Back at home, Marco sat on the bed and watched Ryan as she took off her dress and slipped on one of his shirts. “You look good in my shirt, kitten,” he said.

“It saves me from buying maternity pajamas,” she joked.

He pulled her to stand between his legs. “How’s the heartburn tonight?”

“Not bad,” she said, touching her chest. She hadn’t even thought about it till he mentioned it. A good sign.

Marco rubbed her stomach. “Mom says heartburn means he’s going to have a lot of hair.”

“That’s what they say,” Ryan agreed, most of her attention on Marco’s hands as they caressed her.

He leaned forward and placed soft kisses on her stomach. His hands gradually moved from over the shirt to beneath it, rubbing her clit.

“So wet,” he murmured as his finger easily slipped inside of her. “You up for trying that position we were talking about?”

“We can,” she breathed.

Marco got in bed and took off his boxers, his cock springing up to stand at attention. “Come on, kitten.”

She straddled him backward, and they both moaned as she slid down on him. Using his knees as leverage, she started bouncing, liking the angle.

“Holy fuck, kitten,” she heard in her ear.

He pulled her back against his chest and lifted her hips, placing his feet flat on the bed. Then he started thrusting, fucking her from beneath. “You feel so good.”

“Harder,” she cried.

She ended up on her hands and knees with his hand wrapped in her hair. He pounded her hard, the ~smack~ of his balls slapping against her skin echoing through the room.

His hands moved from her hair to her hips, digging his fingers into her skin. It wasn’t until she came screaming for the third time that he let himself go. “Fuck,” he choked out, groaning as what seemed to be an endless stream of semen shot out of him.

Once they’d both caught their breath, Marco helped her beneath the covers and rubbed her stomach as their son kicked.

“Marco?” she murmured, rolling over to face him. Her heart swelled at the sight of his face, soft and fond and tired. Any doubts she’d ever had about this relationship felt far away and long ago.

“Yes, kitten?” he whispered.

“I love you.”