Hey Rom-Cubs,

I've missed you. It feels so good to update again.

Here's the twenty-sixth installation of Italian Coffee House.

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Enjoy this chap. I know it's been too long.

Thank you so much for reading Italian Coffee House and for all your support and for putting up with my Bipolar updates.

Hope I didn't send you lovelies packing.

- Ang

As soon as Tionnè had found a day to herself she opted to take me out to celebrate the good news. If ever I forgot, it wouldn't be long before she reminded me why I love her. We'd been through a lot together and she's always been that shoulder to lean on ever since we met. Her support meant the world to me and to know that she had my back enabled me to take life-changing risks. Like marrying Niccolò, even if I wasn't really given a choice in the matter, and now I'm glad I did. Who knew I'd fall in love with him?

She wouldn't allow me to do something stupid that might hinder me in the long run. All these things and more, the reason why our paths aligned two give us an enchanting friendship. The sweetest best-friendship I'd ever known. I couldn't be more grateful that we'd met because she was the start of a brighter life for me, the reason I believed that things would get better and she always told me so.

I didn't know where she was taking me so I decided to wear something casual-formal. A simple black knee-length dress, from my old wardrobe, paired with a nice mint-green pair of hoop earrings and matching sandals. For lack of better choice, I decided to put my hair in a simple bun considering it was my most time conservative option.

Just then I realized that I'd taught myself to do a lot of things that I should've learnt from my mother. After all, my mother wasn't there to coach me about the more feminine things in life. Whatever happened I still hadn't forgiven her for what she'd done to Papa. For me to even consider leaving my family behind, there would have to be something dire. Something I couldn't control. If she was anything like Niccolò's mother, that left much to be desired. Even now it would break my heart, if not, kill me to leave Niccolò which made me wonder if she'd ever loved my Papa to begin with.

You are not your mother, you couldn't even if you tried. Your heart is too big. You will be a better mother, a better wife. You have to be for this beautiful infant growing inside you and for Nicky.

Papa tried to do his best by me but after the accident, the tables had been reversed. It was time for a twelve-year-old to take care of her papa. Half the time, he didn't even know that I existed and though it hurts me, I've had to come to grips with it. It must hurt him more than he lets on. What's worst, when we were on our own, I'd caught him several times staring at a photo of my mother. One he'd kept in his wallet after all these years.

I knew that he still missed her and very much so. I couldn't understand why after everything that has happened but now I understood. I would miss my husband. If two people shared their lives long enough, they are bound to each other like a vital organ.

Niccolò and I were just starting our lives together and furthermore, our family, so that much was clear to me.

Wherever she was, did she miss Papa as much as he missed her?

Did she even miss me?

If my mother was anything like Niccolò's, from what I gathered of our brief meeting, I couldn't be sure what to make of that knowledge. About a decade after his mother left, she reappeared in his life. Even if he wouldn't admit it to me, I could see how much it still affected him. Even Krysta.

Amazingly, however, he had filled his sister's life with as much love as he was worth and because of this, I'd rarely seen her without a smile since we'd met and became friends. If it wasn't for her, I think he'd be expressionless and cold as ice, and I wouldn't have met my husband.

With that thought, I finally studied myself in the full-length mirror, feeling especially happy. A smile found me as I admired the woman that stared back at me. I located my beige clutch, lip gloss, the cellular phone Niccolò bought me before heading out of our room.

The time on my wristwatch read nine forty-five a.m. giving me about fifteen minutes to relax since Tey said she would be here by ten.

I was suddenly ambushed with memories of the heated night Nicky and I had previously shared. If it weren't for the rich melanin in my skin, I'd surely be crowned a cherry red tomato by now. He's so so excited that we are going to have this baby and evidently, his passion skyrocketed having the same effect on mine. As a result, we'd made love until we fell asleep in each other's arms. God knows ... and I'm certain Tionnè would like to, by the time she rings the doorbell.

Wouldn't it be cruel to tell her? I mean she hasn't found a guy that suits her stands yet and I don't want to come across as obnoxious. Though I am certain she could change her fate at any second from the number of guys who'd approach her on a daily basis when I worked shifts together. Guys of all denominations and walks of life, some of whom I'd initially thought she was crazy to let slip through her fingers.

A smile found me again in memoriam of the very colourful responses she'd given them at every turn. She would be a lovely Godmother, no doubt. I'd been thinking about it ever since she told me that I was pregnant and I'd decided she was a good candidate ever since. I just had to discuss it with Niccolò to hear his thoughts on the subject.

I made my way across the hall to visit with my Papa. Niccolò and Krysta had already left earlier so it was just me with Papa and Josie. As I neared his room I heard the distinct sound of chanting causing me to put a pep in my step. The door was opened giving me an ample view even before I entered. Josie cheered while Papa was on his feet, making his way slowly across the length of his room with the use of a cane.

Immediately, tears well up in my eyes at the precious sight as I continued to look on at the scene, neither of them noticing me amidst the doorway yet allowing me enough time to observe Papa's progress. Unfortunately, an involuntary sob escaped me drawing their attention. He smiled, finally spotting me before making his steps towards me, all the while Josie continued to chant words of motivation and support.

It was like a dream, made for me that overwhelmed my emotions. At a steady pace, he was only a few steps away before finally wrapping me in his arms and the dam just broke as emotion flowed out of me. I was in tears of joy by the time the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Josie left the room silently allowing us the privacy of this moment and I was entirely grateful.

"Shhhh it's alright, baby girl," Papa cooed kissing my forehead soothing stroking my back with his available hand whilst I placed my head against his shoulder. "Let it all out, baby girl."

With all that had happened, I didn't realize how overwhelmed I'd been until he held me in his arms. Sobs shook me uncontrollably as my tears spilt into his worn shirt and he held me tighter. "It's alright, baby girl."

"I-I'm so proud of you, Pa-pa." I was finally able to gather my wits, to do something other than cry. After all, this should be his moment and I had no intention of stealing it from him. I was going to tell him about the baby but I decided that he would learn about it soon enough if Niccolò had anything to do with it. Also, he should hear it from both of us, as a couple.

"Thank you, baby girl," I could hear the smile on his face even as I listened to his heartbeat which prompted another fit of sobs. "Are you heading out?"

"Yes Papa," I held unto him with such urgency I think he was struggling with whether he should tell me to let go or not. "Tey, she's taking me out ... probably the one at the door."

"Good you deserve to be pampered after taking care of me for most of your life," He replied pulling away to kiss my forehead again.

"I'd do it again in a heartbeat Papa." I smiled. Despite everything, I'd do it all over if only to develop this bond we have that I love. Silence filled the room briefly before he spoke again.

"You weren't supposed to see that for another three days. I wanted to get it right." He said softly.

"Even if you didn't get it right, I'd still want to be here. I'd still be as proud of you as I am this very moment. You try, and though it may not be easy, that is what's important."

There was a knock on the door winning our attention. Josie smiled in the doorway before she said, "Look who I found."

She entered the room, Tionnè following closely behind. Indeed, my life had been blessed for the look of admiration in their eyes told me that something was right. The moment was so precious, so fleeting that I fully immersed myself into it, allowing me to experience the warmth of his embrace.

Tionnè wouldn't be Tionnè if she didn't close the gap between us, wrapping her arms around my Papa and me in our obvious emotional state despite wearing such an exquisite outfit. Her actions brought a smile to my face and even through my tears, I chuckled at her antics. She always knew what to do to cheer me up even if she had to draw on her inner crazy in pursuit of it.

"Alright ... alright," He struggled, causing us women to laugh. When he realized it was futile, he extended his embrace to my best friend, rubbing our backs simultaneously causing us both to giggle. "Enough of this mush or you're going I'm going to cry."

"Come on Josie, there's room for one more," I suggested extended my arm for her, urging her to join us ignoring Papa's antics. She chuckled hesitantly before accepting my invitation into this circle of love, prompting more laughter from us. As the saying goes, laughter really is contagious because soon we all erupted in giggles for no apparent reason.

"Alright girls, I think I need to sit now." Papa sited before we obliged him, allowing him some freedom to move.

"Alright, Pops. I got you." Tionnè said while winking at me. "Are you ready, chick?"

"That I am," I replied using one of the sanitary wipes I had on standby in my clutch before turning to Papa to kiss him on his forehead. "Papa, I'll see you when I get home."

"I'll be right here baby girl. Have fun." He chuckled while taking a seat.

"Bye Josie," Tey and I said in unison before she grabbed my hand leading to the front door.

"You didn't tell them yet did you?" She asked, fixing me with the most incredulous expression she could summon.

"Where are you taking us?" My curiosity getting the best of me, as we paused at the bottom of the stairway. My bodyguard, Luciano, who we met there opened the door for us. I entered before Tey followed suit.

"Don't try to change the subject, there are many reasons you call me your best friend and one of them is that I know your tricks." She arched one of her perfect eyebrows for emphasis causing me to chuckle.

"How could I forget? You're the one who taught me. Anyway, I was going to tell them earlier but all it took was the sight of him walking again ... and I couldn't bring myself to steal that moment away from him."

"That makes a lot of sense. I can't imagine how you're feeling right now." She pulled me into a bear hug suddenly just as we were underway. "I'm so happy for you. For Papa."

"Thank you," I held unto her before we sat back in the seat. "It's a good thing I didn't tell them because I realized that I want Nicky to be there. I want us to tell him together."

"Awwwe, that's so sweet. Married life and pregnancy looks really good on you." She smiled linking her arms with mine.

"Thank you," I couldn't help the smile that hijacked my face by then. "Speaking of looking good, you look gorgeous by the way."

Tionnè wore a fitted red sleeveless dress which stopped just above her knees showing off her gorgeous curves and beautiful smooth skin. She had matched it with a pair of beige pumps and simple white pearl earrings. With little to no makeup, the result was that she looked amazing.

"Thank you, and you're glowing. I see Niccolò has a good effect on you. For a second there I thought I might have to go gangster on his ace." Tionnè confessed causing me to chuckle at the thought. How she didn't fear him was still beyond me and that was a battle I would've loved to see however, I would also rather my best friend and husband got along.

We had brunch at a popular bistro in town where we discussed the future. What our lives could be like and the notion filled me with more anticipation than I'd imagined it would.

After brunch, we visited a few baby stores musing and cooing over how cute the clothing and booties were. I admit I'd never imagined that we'd be in a baby store for me. I guess I just thought that Tionnè would be the first to marry and start a family, and I confessed it to her. I just hadn't thought so far ahead or seen it as a probability in the future. I was nothing but a bundle of excitement to be building this new life with my Niccolò.

Just when I thought our day couldn't get more interesting, Tionnè took me to the store that she'd mentioned to me on several occasions. Apparently, sold there was a collection of the most beautiful negligée she'd ever seen. She even put it out there that it could even help to spice things up between Niccolò and I in the bedroom. If only she knew how much we really didn't need it. We couldn't keep our hands off of each other as it was. If I were to add that to the equation, we would never leave our bedroom.

It was while she busied herself searching for the perfect one for me that I noticed the man who'd approached me at the banquet. Once he saw he'd caught my attention he approached with an ease that told me he was used to getting what he wanted. He was dressed in a grey long sleeve sweater with a pair of knee-length khaki pants and a pair of slippers.

"Good afternoon ladies, may I help you?" I looked around to find that Tionnè had disappeared behind the rack. She's really getting into this.

"We're looking for something for my friend here," She finally stepped out from behind the rack and I could've sworn I saw hearts in his eyes. A red two-piece negligée as well as a black in tow, neither of which I liked.

"I don't need anything, Tey, let's just go," I said to no avail. She kept looking and so did he.

"Fine, maybe I'll find one for myself since we're out this far anyway." Was her distant reply.

"I personally think you'd look better without it. Without anything at all." My jaw could possibly be dragging on the floor at the moment but I didn't care. Did he really just say that?

Tionnè kept searching, only moments after she found a purple set did she finally look up to meet his gaze which had been ogling her for the past few minutes. "I don't believe I heard you correctly. Can you repeat that for me please?"

"I personally think you'd look better without it. Without anything at all." This idiot either didn't have the wits not to respond or he was too darn arrogant. Whichever he couldn't possibly be prepared for what happened next. Tionnè punched him in the jaw stunning him where he stood. I didn't even believe it. I know she was crazy but clearly, I didn't know how far gone she really was.

"I would like to speak to your manager." She said, deciding the purple suited her most before putting the other two back on the rack.

"Mr. Anderson are you ok?" A woman wearing a jacket with the name of the store and a nametag on her uniform came to his aid. I had a bad feeling about this. He was holding his jaw with a fierce look in his cold eyes as he stared dead at Tionnè. His name was on the opposite side jacket of her jacket. Oh heavens ... Tey what did you get us into?

*END of Chapter Twenty-six*