The fight leaves Nancy’s body, and she blinks rapidly. “Are you pregnant?” she asks in an awed voice. It’s the voice of a grandmother-to-be, not the voice of a shocked mother.
Sophie nods, the glow of joyful expectation that always appears when she talks about the baby shining on her face. Her mother pulls her into an embrace. “Oh God, Sophie, I’m so happy. How far along?”
“Shh, Ma. Only fourteen weeks. We’re not telling everyone until we’re through the first trimester.”
“Wait, what is this?” Pauly appears behind the women. He’s dressed in a fancy suit, his shoes shined, and his hair slicked back. Sophie asked him to give her away at the wedding, and I’ve never seen Pauly look so proud.
Sophie beams. “It’s true, God willing. You’re going to be a great-uncle.”
“Hey, hey, that’s great!” Pauly sweeps her into a bear hug then pumps my hand with several congratulatory slaps on the back. “Great-uncle, eh?”
“How about Godfather?” Sophie’s gaze darts to me. “I mean, I haven’t discussed it with Joey, but…”
“It’s fine by me,” I say. Al might be offended, but this bond between Sophie and Pauly is important. She lacks a father figure, and Pauly needs a purpose in life. Their baby might give him just that.
“I’m going to spoil that kid rotten,” Pauly declares proudly.
Nancy throws her arms around Pauly, the love of the moment overcoming her previous stiffness. “I’m glad you’re going to be there for my grandbaby,” she sniffs. “Just like you were always there for us.”
“What about me?” I wink. “You going to accept me as your son-in-law?”
Nancy smiles in amused concession, the expression so similar to the looks I wrung from Sophie it’s uncanny. She offers her cheek for my kiss. “You’d better not hurt her.”
“Oh, I’ll make sure he doesn’t,” Pauly says.
I grin.
Sophie turns into me, pressing her cheek against my chest and wrapping her arms around my waist. “I love you, bossman. Do you know that?”
I kiss the top of her head, her hair silky against my lips. “Keep reminding me.”
She smiles up at me. “I will. Every day.”