Ciao Bellezza,

Here's the Thirty-first installation of Italian Coffee House.

Featuring Jan Anderson pronounced "Yan". It's Dutch and a name suggested to me by the lovely heyheyshay.

Please

ENJOY XD. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope you're still with me.

XO,

Ang

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Niccolò's Chocolate House

Chapter 31

*Dari*

He claimed my lips before I could utter another word, or even exhale. His musky scent encompassed me, filling my lungs, making me a lump of mush and positively lightheaded. His fingertips lightly traced my jawline, tilting my head upward to allow for better access. All for something I had no control over. My own heart pulsed like a feral animal, near beating out of my chest. It was so unearthing how much he could affect me with just a simple caress. My body betrayed me becoming his instrument if he so much as hollered. He finally pulled away and I instantly missed his warmth. It was a lot like being caught between Niccolo and a hard place. Gosh, I couldn't even think straight anymore. Pathetic.

He studied me under hooded eyes whilst recovering his breathe. Only then did I come to my senses, feeling overly appalled at our behavior. It was most inconsiderate especially since we were not alone in the room. Regardless how much I wanted us to be at the moment. I suppose there was no preparing for his kisses. They always left me breathless and, more often than not, disoriented.

"I knew it!" Niccolò chimed.

"What?" I began, completely puzzled as his random response. Great, just great. I couldn't even think straight. How could I? That darn kiss had seared a path to my soul. God have mercy on me.

"From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew that you would be the death of me Bella." His words sobered me up, or maybe not. I could've sworn that I saw tears in his eyes, but that would be absurd. Wouldn't it? This was Niccolò we're talking about. He was always calm and collected. The reach of his intimidation knew no bounds. Definitely! I probably wasn't seeing straight after our little escapade. "It seems that I was on to something."

"Nicky," Absently I reached for him, allowing my fingertips to trace his strong chiseled jawline. That is, until he kissed my palm, taking my hand in his. "Are you crying?"

"You've already made me the happiest man in the world twice over." Undeterred by my question, he whispered into my ear. It wasn't long before I understood his meaning, before his tears were contagious. "I love you."

"And I love you," I managed, stifling a sob as I held his gaze.

"Eh hem, it seems you lovebirds forgot that I was in the room." Dr. Henrique's interjected startling us both out of our trance-like state. She winked at us putting my mind at easy about our earlier display. "I must say you are a beautiful couple."

"Thank you," Niccolò and I replied in unison.

"I can't help but think you will make lovely parents." She added and I neared buckled. That has to be one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me.

"How can you tell?" Niccolò asked. I elbowed him in the rid at his almost rude enquiry.

"At moments like these, my beliefs are reaffirmed. I believe that God brought you both together. You can't imagine how many couples are disconcerted at the thought of having multiples. It's for that reason I'm certain you two are a match made in heaven."

Instantly, I was reminded of that night we'd returned from the banquet. The torrid dalliance that ensued, not too long after. The courage I'd summoned to share the news, of my pregnancy, with him. His initial response. The deafening silence that spanned about a full two minutes. The expression on his face which I some how mistook for regret. In all honesty, I'd believed that Niccolò would be disappointed and evidently, it had wounded my spirit. However, despite our miscommunication, he held me in place beneath him, kissing away the tear that had sprung. Finally, his confession, that we would have a squad by the time he was finished with me. It had caught me off guard at first. After a few seconds, it seemed harmless even comical. How was I to know that his words would manifest? I certainly didn't think they would come to be so early in our union.

Dr. Henrique's findings enabled a rush of fear, anguish and love which all blended together in a mind-blowing cocktail that was nearly my undoing. I only desired to be the best version of a mother for my babies but who knew if I was even capable? I'd grown up without my mother and was yet to find any type of closure for that. I envied Krysta for this, her mother had resurfaced even if with an ulterior motive. One that Niccolò saw right through. Of course he would even I could tell there was something amiss with their conversation a few days prior. My love expounded, despite my reservations. We had already begun to build our family and only that mattered right then. Though the thought of bringing three babies into this world overwhelmed me a bit, tears of joy threatened to fall. Why on earth have I been crying so often these days?

Whether I spent time with Tey or Niccolò my emotions seemed to go haywire. Maybe Tey cracked a joke that wasn't all that hilarious, but somehow, I'd end up laughing till I cried. Or Niccolò and I visited the market, and I found the cutest pair of elephant baby booties. Don't get me started about the fact that Papa was walking again. Maybe, in some way, I appreciated how blessed I am. After all, not many people were so fortunate to have their lives surpass their wildest dreams. It got me wondering what was it that made us so special? Why did we qualify for this? Not that I didn't want it either way. Many times my life seemed stark. My only constellation was that I knew there is a God and HE hadn't given up on me. By HIS grace, that was enough to carry me through. How did HE reward me for having faith? Those three beautiful mellifluent heartbeats.

When Tionnè and I had confirmed my pregnancy, within that first week, I remembered thinking that my life couldn't be more unpredictable. Not to mention, it had became unbelievably intrusive. Tokens of what was yet to come. For instance, we might've been in a modern age, but I'm fairly certain there had to be far less embarrassing means to confirm a pregnancy than peeing on some darn stick. Another, was that I couldn't visit the ladies room in a public facility, without Nicky worry after me. To the point where I thought he might follow me. As I said, ridiculous! I was perfectly capable of peeing on my own thank you very much. In that way, Niccolò could boil my blood. I've had it up to my neck with being treating like some invalid. I would not tell him that though, it might offend him. Even so, I knew this was me still adjusting to our life and pregnancy. That was not to say I didn't appreciate his concern. I just sucked it up, allowing him to dote on me like a good mother.

In few minutes, the procedure was over. Dr. Henrique gave us some tips and guides on where and what to do from this point onward before bidding us good day and sending us on our way. The expression on his handsome face when we left the theatre, made my day. His demeanor was so sentimental. The very essence of the man I knew him to be. Even so, it was almost impossible to imagine men the likes of him becoming undone at the mere thought of being a father. Furthermore, it was a task in itself to find a suitable partner, willing to become involved in the affairs of their progeny. It was my understanding that my husband was a very honorable man. He always rose to the challenge, defied expectations and never went back on his word. Attributes I appreciated about him more and more each day. There was just something so sexy about a man who keeled at the thought of being a father due to loved and devotion to his children.

Tears welled up in his piercing blue eyes before he closed them. Just the same, I swore I couldn't love this man any more than I was. Was it odd that I felt closer to him at this precise moment? That we were so close, our very emotions were on the same plain? He met my gaze again with a striking calmness. A softness that I could only attribute to admiration. There was a certainty in his stunning eyes. As though, he'd already committed himself to being the best father he could be. As though, unwavering in his belief, he had just reaffirmed that he'd done one right thing in his life by taking me for his bride. As if a sign from above, my husband's picked me up bridal style whisking me into the busy hallway.

"Niccolò put me down this instant," I whisper-yelled causing him to chuckle.

"As you wish Bella," No sooner had my feet met the tiles than dipped his head to seal it with a kiss.

His mere touch held meaning I'd come to realize for some time. My eyes drifted shot as his kiss bewitched me. In autopilot, my hand found its way to his thick dark hair in my attempt to get him closer. It was amazing how much I'd grown to understand that the simple actions, though casual to another, meant the most profound things. For the life of me, I didn't care that we were in the hallway. Or that our intimacy was on display. I just wanted him. At this rate, our home would be crowded in a heartbeat. To my dismay, he pulled away bringing our moment to an abrupt end. He seemed transfixed though, tucking one of my locs behind my ear. Just gazing into my eyes, before placing a comforting kiss on my forehead and enveloping me in a warm bear hug. Heartened by his warmth, I accepted his hugged reveling in his familiarity, which left me intoxicated.

On our way home, Niccolò suggested several names for our babies, some too ridiculous to even repeat, far less consider. He was only teasing though. A good-natured quality, I gravitated to. That, and his excitement was contagious as he rubbed circles gently into my belly. We shared a good laugh at some of them, our melody filling the car, coaxing me to fall in love with him for the second time today. I'd long since lost count of all the strange baby names. However, the wild grin on his face urged me to revel in to moment, in his humor, in his happiness. I wondered about our babies. Would they be more like their father or more like me?

The closer to home we got the more anxious I became. There was still a lot to do to ensure it would be a tribute Papa remembered. One to celebrate his birthday as well as his steady progress into rehabilitation. Niccolò opened the front door, standing aside so that I may pass. The place seemed quiet enough, somehow reminding me of what was yet to come.

"We could forget the party and fast-forward to the glorious things I could do to-"

"-Hey lovebirds." Tionnè emerged from the living area extinguishing to his fantasy causing me to chuckle.

"Tey when did you get here?" I enveloped her in warm hug, overly excited to spill the unexpected details of my pregnancy. However, as much as I wanted to, I didn't. We would tell everyone together.

"Just after you both left," At that, I stepped back to meet her gaze. Did she? I turned narrowing my gaze at the man I love. Somehow, I knew he had a hand in this. He did his best not to meet my gaze, failing miserably, only to sport a bedazzling grin. I would deal with him later, for now, we still had a lot to do. Tey did an amazing job, decorating the entire living area with a suitable banner, ribbons and balloons. She even had streamers, of several shades and colors, for good measure. To the point, where the room looked like something out of a home decor magazine. I noticed the board games, she had even set aside for fun and games near the coffee table. The infamous Twister and charades among others. She'd also set the dining table, putting her own touch and had done so beautifully. I wondered if there was anything she couldn't do. Gosh she was so thoughtful sometimes. It got to me. I felt the waterworks coming on and though I fought it, I too failed miserably, breaking into tears. She was really the best friend anyone could ask for. She hugged me, without words, understanding what I meant to say.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang and I panicked at the thought that Papa and Josie could be at the door, so soon and everything wasn't in place yet. Then, I remembered that they both had a key now, which begged the question who could it be? Niccolò left to open the door and I followed in curiosity. He opened it to be met with Mr. Anderson. The very man who had almost landed Tey in jail.

"What the-?" Niccolò's anger flared. Evident, as he grabbed the man by his collar. "How did you get in here?"

"I hope you both don't mind that I invited Mr. Anderson. I wasn't about to go anywhere alone with that creep." Tionnè made no attempt to help the man out of Niccolò's grasp. In fact, I think she reveled in it.

"Nicky," I stepped in to calm him before he did something we'd both regret.

"I mean no trouble," Mr. Anderson added, helping my case. "And it's Jan, Tionnè."

"Baby," My hands found his hands still clasped around Jan's collar. He met my gaze, his softening at the sight me. He released the man suddenly causing him to stumble back before finding his balance and making a spectacle of fixing his shirt.

"If you so much as breathe the wrong way-" Niccolò warned, pinning our guest with a cold menacing gaze.

"-Nicky baby," I hooked his jaw angling his face towards me so that he met my gaze before giving him a chaste kiss on his lips. "There's still a lot for us to do."

"Well, Jan, you're not here ... to sip Pina Coladas all day. We could use an extra pair of hands." Niccolò urged. "Make yourself useful or would that be a task in itself?"

"Probably," Tey scoffed, winning our collective attention. "What? I'm just saying he might break a nail or something!"

"Not to worry Love, I'm very capable." Jan replied, winking at Tey and I sensed that his words held a more crude ambiguous meaning.

"Tey since you so kindly invited him ... you get to babysit." Glad to hear my husband taking this so well, I turned to see him roll his eyes in obvious distaste. It was so unexpected I almost laughed at the sight. I'd take that over a more violent more aggressive approach any given day. Tey however, was stunned to speechlessness. Her warm brown eyes wide and mouth agape. Almost as if some fool had taken God out of their thoughts, to slap her in the face.

"Fine," Tey wined, reminding me of a reluctant teen who'd been given the most detested chore at home.

"Think of it as bonding time." I winked at her chuckling as she too rolled her eyes in distaste. "Hey you made your bed."

"Don't remind me," She scoffed, leading the way into the living area.

"Tey?" Tionnè paused mid-stride to meet my gaze.

"Yes?" Her impatience flared though I didn't take it personally.

"We love you," To anyone else it would mean just that but amongst best friends, it was the equivalent of saying thank you.

"Yeah just name her after me." She winked back at me causing Niccolò to chuckle despite himself.

It was another thirty minutes before Krysta arrived from school. She rushed upstairs after first kissing us both on our cheek. Everything was slowly but surely coming together nicely. Excitement filled me at the thought of Papa's reaction to the surprise. By the time Krysta had returned dressed in her semi-formal black knee length dress and silver heels, Niccolò's best friend Lorenzo had arrived. He looked quite proud of himself to, carrying himself with a tad bit to much arrogance for my taste. As though, he was God's gift to women. Sensing my confusion, Niccolò circled his hand around my waist before kissing my temple. He explained his friend's fascination with mine and my heart went out to the guy. Poor thing.

Josie called to give us the heads up that they were on their way back so we turn the lights out near the entrance. Krysta made a note to leave the light in the foyer on citing that it was always on. It made sense to leave it that way or Papa might be unto us sooner than we wanted. We assumed positions out of sight and in pairs. In all the excitement, I was drawn to kiss my husband for accommodating us. He had been so patient and willing that it made my heart swell with gratitude. He returned the action by gently pinning me to the wall in the dim-lit hallway. No sooner had he done so, when his lips met mine. I responded to him with little to no prompting. However, the sound of the door shutting brought our moment to a halt. We both chuckled at our folly. The idea of being caught in our position by Papa was just too good.

It was another moment before we hear footsteps beside us, and Niccolò flipped on the lights. By then everyone, even Jan, emerged from their preferred hiding place to yell, "Surprise."