47

Faust

I SPENT the next few days packing things for Francesca.

She presented me with a list of things she needed immediately, like an obstetrician. The doctor, who was said to be the best in Calabria, would see her from next week. Meanwhile, they recommended prenatal vitamins, which I asked Marco to pick up at the pharmacy.

Francesca's list also included healthy foods, pasteurized cheese and decaffeinated espresso. Comfortable clothes and belly lotion. Pregnancy and morning sickness relief books.

I bought everything and rushed delivery. Whatever my piccolina needed, she would have it.

She seemed to accept having the baby. I knew she was working on her list of conditions for our legal agreement, which I would have drawn up and signed. There was nothing I would refuse her as long as it kept her happy.

I really looked forward to the cravings and back rubs. Feeling my son move inside her womb. Watching her breasts grow as they prepared to produce milk.

I was the luckiest man in Italy.

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