Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

“I’m pregnant,” she whispered when I didn’t say anything for a few seconds.
I wrapped her in a gentle embrace, kissing her sweet mouth. “That was
quick.” Pride rang in my voice.
Giulia rolled her eyes. “We practiced so hard over the years, your swimmers
are practically ready for Olympic gold.”
Even after all these years, Giulia’s quick wit still often caught me off guard.
“Sometimes I don’t know what to do with you.”
She pursed her lips. “Kiss me?”
I did, then I pulled back. “Should we tell Simona and Daniele tomorrow?”
Giulia hesitated.
“I’m sure they’ll be happy.” They had accepted Giulia as their mother.
Daniele hardly ever mentioned Gaia, and Simona didn’t remember anything of
her.
Worry flickered across Giulia’s face, and I realized she hadn’t been worried
about our kids not accepting a baby—until my inconsiderate words. “That wasn’t
why you hesitated.”
“No, I just thought we should wait a few more weeks. I don’t want
something to happen.” She searched my eyes. “They will be happy, right?”
“Of course. Then they have someone else to torture.” Those two were like
cats and dogs sometimes, especially now that they grew older and Daniele was
trying to appear cool.
We waited six more weeks before we announced the pregnancy to them at the
dining table one evening.
For a moment, both of them only watched with wide eyes. Then they began
to cheer. They didn’t know what a baby meant: babysitting and diaper changing
duties.
Giulia laughed in relief.
Simona jumped up from her chair and rushed over to Giulia, throwing her
arms around her.
“Careful,” I said. “Your mom has a baby in her belly.”
Simona nodded wide-eyed and stared at Giulia’s still flat stomach. “Can it
hear me?”
“Yes.”
She leaned down. “Please be a little sister. Boys are annoying.”
“Hey! You’re annoying.” Daniele had talked with his mouth full and a few
noodles fell out when he spoke.
Simona wrinkled her nose. “You stink.”
Daniele swallowed and let out a burp. “That stinks.”