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I try to lighten the mood, adding a dash of humor to dodge the awkwardness. "Surprised, huh? Can’t say I blame you. Even I didn't see this one coming."
"But...who's the father?"
I smirk, leaning back a little. "Let's just say it was one hell of a one-night stand." I shrug. "No knight in shining armor. Just an armor-less knight with some charm."
His eyes search mine for something more, some deeper truth maybe, but I hold the line. "Really, Gabs? Just like that?"
"Look, I always wanted kids. I'm twenty-eight, ripe for motherhood. So I thought, why not make it happen on my terms?" I shrug again. "And here we are."
Jacob shakes his head, but the furrow never leaves his brows. "I…fuck. I'll tell you this. You never cease to amaze me, Gabs."
"Well, what can I say? I like to keep things interesting."
"Well, you definitely succeeded in that."
I glance at my watch, trying to ignore the awkwardness that has settled between us. "So, Jacob," I say, a little too brightly, "what was that about dinner you mentioned earlier?"
Jacob’s eyebrows shoot up. "You're still up for that? After...all this?"
"Absolutely. I could eat an entire cow these days. Pregnant, remember? And from what I hear, tomorrow's Blades dinner is at that new Italian place downtown. Rumor has it that the lasagna is to die for."
He hesitates, eyes still flickering to my stomach like it’s a ticking time bomb. But then, his shoulders relax just a tad. "Okay, dinner it is."
He helps me back into my seat, fumbling a bit, and I chuckle.
"Chivalry isn't dead after all," I joke, settling in. "Thanks for the help, knight in shining armor."
He rolls his eyes but smiles. "You're welcome, Lady Gabriella.” He opens his mouth again. "Gabs, you know if there's anything you need, I…"
"Jacob," I interrupt. "It’s going to be fine. Everything’s going to be fine. I promise." I turn back to the papers on my desk, giving them my full attention. "Now, get out of here. I've got tons of onboarding paperwork to fill out and an outfit to plan for tomorrow. I can't show up to my first day at Blades looking like a hot mess."
Jacob laughs, but it’s strained this time.
"Right, sure," he says, rising to his full six-feet-and-change height. Before he leaves, he turns to me again. "Gabs?"
"Yes?" I look up at him.
"Congratulations." He smiles gently before shutting the door behind him.
As soon as Jacob is gone, I let out a deep breath and slump back in my seat. My mind races with thoughts and emotions that I can't quite seem to sort out yet.
Minutes pass before I let my heart slow back to its normal pace before I do what I always do: put my head down and get to work.
I grab a pen and start filling out the first form on the pile.
Chapter 4
Jacob
Walking into the Italian restaurant with Gabriella by my side feels like someone’s taken a cheese grater to my heart. A day after walking into Gabi's office, I’m still reeling from chewing out Gio earlier today. I can’t believe he never told me about her pregnancy.
Yeah, sure, I never had a snowball's chance in hell with Gabi. Believe me, I know that because of my friendship with Gio. But the realization that she’s having another man’s baby slices deeper than I expected.
As we step inside, the warm aroma of fresh pasta and garlic bread welcomes us, reminding me of Nonna's home; the only real home I've ever known.
Gabriella looks breathtaking under the soft lights of the restaurant. Her posture is straight and confident. Her wavy hair cascades down her back, and her outfit—a stylish green dress that complements her eyes—makes her look like she just walked off a magazine cover.
A sense of loss gnaws at me even now. It’s an emotion that deepens with every glance in her direction.
