Chapter 25

Daisy laid curled up on the couch with the TV remote in her hands and the pillows surrounding her like a fortress. Every part of her body felt as if they weighed a ton. She did not want to move or do anything that required energy simply because she didn't have any. She had taken two naps in the time span that Richard and Luca had been out hunting. Yet, her body was still not awake enough for her to open the door for them when they arrived back home. Luca found her on the couch and lowered himself beside her to check her temperature.

"I don't have a fever," Daisy muttered. "I'm just tired."

"Is this normal?" Luca asked.

"How am I supposed to know," Daisy snapped. "It's not like I had a baby before."

"You don't look good."

"Jeez, thanks a lot."

"You know what I mean," Luca clicked his tongue. "Should we go to the doctor?"

"I'm fine!" Daisy pushed herself and sat up. "I just need another nap or something to eat. Maybe some water too."

Before Luca could rise to fetch a glass of water, Daisy threw her hand over her mouth and nose as her eyes went wide.

"Shit," Luca grabbed her arm as she hurried off the couch.

"What's that horrible smell?" Daisy demanded. "Oh my god! It's like wet dogs and chicken shit."

"Is it me?" Luca pulled his jacket to his nose and sniffed.

"No, it's that!" Daisy pointed to Richard at the door with the ducks in his hand. "Oh my god, I'm going to throw up."

Gagging, Daisy pushed past Luca and ran towards the bathroom. She hung over the toilet and began to regurgitate as Luca walked in and pulled her hair back.

"I can still smell it," Daisy complained. "Dickie! Get rid of that!"

"I'll put it in the mud room," Richard called from the front of the house.

"That's not going to help," Daisy pinched her nose and moved over to the sink. Turning on the faucet, she began to splash cold water on her face. "The smell is everywhere. Even on you."

"I'll go shower," Luca laughed. "Afterwards, you want to go to town with me? You'll be able to get away from the smell and Richard can air out the house."

"Anything to get away from this stench," Daisy gagged and her eyes rolled.

"Again?" Luca stepped forward, ready to grab her hair.

"No," Daisy held up her hand and shook her head. "I'm good. Just....just clean up before the smell is imprinted in my head forever."

"Fine," Luca chuckled. "Step out."

"Why?"

"Because I'm about to get naked and shower?" Luca arched his brow.

"Right," Daisy blamed her pregnancy for the way her stomach clenched and heat crept up to her cheeks.

She turned on her heels and headed out the bathroom and towards her bedroom upstairs. With her hand covering her nose, she dressed as quickly as she could and hurried out of the house. Luca was just about done with his shower when Daisy grabbed his car keys and ran out to go sit in his car. Richard watched her from the living room, staring at her as if she had lost her mind.

"What's taking so long?" Daisy rolled down the window and hollered. "Luca!"

"Ay!" Richard walked to the front door and yelled back. "You'll scare the animals, you baboon."

"Tell Luca to hurry up, please."

Richard looked over his shoulder, "Lucas!"

As Luca hurried down the stairs, fussing with his watch, Daisy began to beep the car horn. He looked up and shook his head before muttering under his breath, "She's insane."

"You still wanna marry her?" Richard asked.

"I'll take one for all of mankind," Luca said as he stepped around Richard and rushed down the steps.

"There you are," Daisy huffed as Luca yanked the passenger door open and climbed in.

"Do you know how to drive?" He asked.

"No," Daisy gasped. "I just sat here because I want to drive us off a cliff."

Luca flinched as soon as Daisy spoke the words. Horrifying memories of his nightmares swam into his mind at an alarming rate. His pulse began to race as he pictured Daisy behind the wheel and the car headed straight for the edge of the cliff.

Daisy, who instantly noticed the way Luca's face changed, clamped her mouth shut and bit down on her tongue. She stared at him, not knowing what to say as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry," she began as Luca took off his seatbelt.

"I'm driving," he said, his voice too quiet.

"No, I can," Daisy shook her head, but Luca was already out of the car. When he came around to the driver's side and opened the door, she looked up at him and frowned. "I know how to drive. I'm a better driver than Gia."

"Get out of the car, Daisy," Luca waited.

"I'm sorry," Daisy said as she climbed out of the car. "I shouldn't have made that comment. It slipped my mind."

Luca ignored her as he slipped into the driver's seat and started the engine. Daisy watched him for a few seconds before walking around and getting into the passenger's seat. She quietly buckled her seatbelt as Luca turned into the driveway. The small interior of the car filled with silence and awkwardness, leaving no room for small talk or a breath of air. Daisy shifted around in her seat uncomfortably wishing she could tell Luca to turn back and ditch their lunch plans. But as he parked in the center of the small town, she knew she was damned to suffer the awkwardness for the rest of the afternoon.

"Do you know what you want for lunch?" Luca asked as he opened the car door for Daisy.

"Not really," Daisy stepped out and looked around. She could already feel the people of the town eyeing them. Richard had warned her about small town folks, but she didn't think it would be so accurate. "We're not in New York anymore, are we?"

Luca followed Daisy's gaze to the group of mothers sitting at the outdoor cafe with their strollers and toddlers.

"Oh look," he said. "It's your future."

"Don't you dare!" Daisy gasped.

To her surprise, Luca laughed. He threw his head back and laughed carelessly, letting the sunlight catch his dark hair. His green eyes crinkled at the corners, making Daisy want to kiss them. She stood staring at him as the mothers turned their heads to look as well.

"You mean you're not going to join a mommy and me class?" Luca asked. "Have play dates with other parents?"

"I'm not like the other moms," Daisy flipped her hair over her shoulder and held her chin up. "I'm a cool mom."

"Ah," Luca laughed again. "We'll see when you are sleep deprived."

"But I'll have a rich husband," Daisy said.

"So?"

"So you think I'm not going to be hiring a twenty four hour nanny?" Daisy arched her brow. "Buddy, I am going to make your wallet hurt."

"Good luck," Luca rolled his eyes. "We're not getting a nanny."

"Why not?"

"Because no one in my family ever had a nanny," Luca said. "We don't do nannies. Children are better with their mothers."

"This is my baby," Daisy argued.

"My heir," Luca reminded her.

"That doesn't mean anything," Daisy waved her arms around. "It's all for show."

"Not for my family," Luca said. "Or for the official paperworks."

"You're starting to sound very cynical," Daisy said. "You're not going to take my baby from me, are you?"

"No," Luca shook his head and grinned. "No, I'm not going to do that."

"I don't trust you."

"If I do, then take me to court."

"Oh I will," Daisy laughed. "And I'll go in with the DNA tests."

"Which reminds me," Luca suddenly grew serious. "My dad will probably do a DNA test. Knowing him, he will have his suspicions."

"What are you going to do?"

"Don't you mean what are we going to do?"

"No," Daisy said. "This is your problem. I just make the baby."

"Right," Luca rolled his eyes.

"Any plans?"

"I'll think of something."

"Good."

"Have you decided yet what you want to eat?" Luca stepped onto the sidewalk and gave Daisy his hand. She took it and stepped up to stand beside him as she looked around at the small shops and restaurants.

"How about that diner?" Daisy pointed to a long wooden cabin with a bright neon sign up top.

Lulu's Diner Dreams

"Fine," Luca said.

Daisy began to turn towards the diner and look for oncoming traffic when she suddenly felt Luca pull on her elbow. Looking over her shoulder, she spotted him staring at the tiny bookstore by the cafe and the gang of mothers.

"Do you mind if we stop by that bookstore before we go?" He asked.

"Sure," Daisy stepped back onto the sidewalk. "Any particular reason?"

"Just want to look," Luca shrugged.

"Strange," Daisy said. "I didn't know you could read."

"Was that supposed to offend me?" Luca asked.

"Yes."

"Try harder."

Daisy didn't. She couldn't think of anything. Deciding to save her energy for later, she followed Luca into the bookstore. The small bell on the door rang behind them as they stepped in and looked around.

"Hello," an old man with a red bow peeked up from behind an old book. "How can I help you?"

"There's the children's section?" Luca asked.

"Ah, so you don't know how to read," Daisy said.

"All the way in the back," the man pointed.

"Thank you," Luca said to the man.

"Children's book?" Daisy asked as she followed Luca down the narrow halls of the bookstore. "Why children's books?"

"Are we not having a baby?" Luca looked over his shoulder.

Daisy stilled. Her heart contracted inside of her chest as she stared at Luca. Her eyes began to water as she realized what she was about to do.

"What's wrong?" Luca asked, turning to look at her.

"I'm having a baby," Daisy said quietly.

"Yes," Luca looked around as if that was obvious.

"I'm....I haven't bought anything for the baby," Daisy said. "This is the first time I'm buying something for my baby."

"We haven't really had the time to be normal nesting parents," Luca said. He slowly reached out and took Daisy's hand. "Come on. Let's go see if we can find any good books."

"For the baby," Daisy smiled.

"I thought they were for me," Luca teased. "I do need to learn my alphabet."

"A, B, C, D, E, F, U," Daisy laughed.

"And how do you do that?" Luca titled his head, pinning Daisy with his mischievous gaze and grin.

Suddenly, the old man up front cleared his throat as if he had been listening the whole time. Daisy and Luca looked back at him as he peered at them over the edge of his book.

"Let's go," Luca said, tugging on Daisy's hand.

"What's his problem?" Daisy snorted.

"I don't want to know," Luca guided her down the narrow passage until they arrived at the small back section filled with picture books, stuffed animals, and a wooden reading bench.

"This is it?" Daisy wondered, looking at the small collection.

"It's a start," Luca let go of her hand and walked over to one of the shelves. He began to read the titles as Daisy walked to the opposite shelf and did the same.

"Curious George is always good," Daisy said, pulling the small story book out.

"What about Percy Jackson?" Luca asked. "Look, it's the whole set."

"For a baby?" Daisy turned and looked to where he pointed.

"For when they are older," Luca explained.

"What if they don't like Percy Jackson?"

"They're not getting any of their inheritance," Luca said. "I'll leave it all for Gia's kids."

Rolling her eyes, Daisy turned back to search the picture book section. She scanned the title one by one until her eyes landed on a very familiar title. Gasping, she quickly pulled the book out of the shelf and turned to face Luca.

"This!"

With his arms full of the Percy Jackson series, Luca turned to see what had gotten Daisy so excited.

"The very hungry caterpillar," He read the words on the cover. "Never read it."

"What?" Daisy shrieked. "This is the best book ever! I want this one!"

"It has holes in it," Luca pointed to the page Daisy was flipping through.

"No, you idiot. That's where the caterpillar ate the food," Daisy clicked her tongue. She walked over to the reading bench and sat down. "See. Look, he ate through all this food because he was a very hungry caterpillar and then when he was done, he took a nap and became a beautiful butterfly."

"That's not how metamorphosis works," Luca sat down beside her and placed his books on the floor.

"It's just a story," Daisy laughed. "Look how cute! I remember reading this book in kindergarten. I loved it so much. My teacher let me keep the classroom copy. I read it every day."

Luca smiled seeing how Daisy flipped through the pages and ran her finger over the colorful pictures and holes.

"It wasn't until later on that I learned I was just re-reading this book because I had anxiety," Daisy said. "But that's a different story."

"Why were you anxious?" Luca asked.

"I don't know," Daisy sighed. "Maybe my mother and her divorce."

"Must have been hard for you," Luca frowned.

"I don't even remember it much," Daisy said. "I just remembered this book."

"Read to me," Luca said.

"The book?" Daisy looked over to him.

"Yeah."

"Oh," Daisy frowned. "You really don't know how to read, do you?"

"Shut up," Luca chuckled and pushed Daisy's knee with his. "Just read."

"Fine," Daisy said, leaning back. She flipped to the first page and began to read the words aloud.

Luca couldn't pay attention. He was too distracted by the way her hair fell around her shoulders. Her fingers were so slim and delicate as they flipped through the pages. Her lips formed the words dramatically as her expression changed with each page of the book. Her voice was melodious. Luca began to think how lucky the child would be to have Daisy read to them every night.

Daisy was unaware of how in trance Luca was by her. She had all her attention glued to the book in her lap when he suddenly placed a small black box on one of the pages.

"What's this?" She asked, looking up.

"Open it," Luca said casually.

Daisy eyed him suspiciously as she sat down the book and picked up the box. She held it up and opened it.

"Oh," her eyes widened as she spotted the ring.

"Richard gave me his blessing," Luca said, watching Daisy's reaction. He waited for her to take the ring out of the box and examine it. But when she didn't, his mind began to race.

"Do you like it?" He asked.

"It's...." Daisy's heart pounded in her chest as she stared at the diamond and its petals.

"It was my mother's," Luca said.

Shit, she doesn't like it, Luca began to panic. Should have gone with a new ring.

"We can get another ring if this isn't your sty-"

"It's beautiful," Daisy suddenly pulled the ring out of the box. "Luca, this is gorgeous."

Like a cool breeze on a hot summer day, Luca felt all the tension on his shoulders melt. He began to smile as Daisy held up the ring to the light.

"Wow," she whispered, seeing the way the gems shimmered.

"Put it on," Luca said. "I had it resized for you."

"You're not going to put it on me?" Daisy laughed.

"Sure," Luca shrugged.

Reaching out, Luca took the ring and then Daisy's hand. His heart slammed against his chest, pounding louder and louder with each passing second. Through her fingers, Luca could feel Daisy's heartbeat matching his. Holding his breath, Luca slipped the ring onto Daisy's finger and looked up at her.

"Wow," Daisy wiggled her finger. "This feels so strange. It's heavy."

"It looks beautiful on you," Luca said.

Daisy held up her hand and admired the rings some more. She swiftly pulled out her phone and clicked a picture before sending it to Gia.

"She knows what it looks like," Luca said. "She's seen it before."

"But never on me," Daisy said. "Oh wait!"

Luca wondered what Daisy suddenly thought of as her eyes widened and then an uneasiness took over.

"What?" He asked.

"Was this...." She looked down at her ring. "Did you...."

Luca waited for Daisy to speak clearly. He sat holding his breath, wondering what she was struggling to ask.

"Did you give this ring to Stella too?" Daisy finally asked in a small voice.

"No," Luca shook his head. He looked away from Daisy's eyes and picked up one of the books off the floor. "She had a different ring."

"Why?" Daisy asked. "This was your mother's ring."

"I didn't think she would like it," Luca said, flipping through the pages of the old book.

"Was she crazy?" Daisy laughed. "This ring is beautiful."

The corner of Luca's lips curved up to a half smile, "I'm glad you like it."

"So was that all?" Daisy asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Was that the whole proposal?"

"Yeah?"

"What?" Daisy laughed. "You didn't even ask me the question like in the movies."

"I did," Luca said. "Before."

"What about getting down on one knee?"

"I already did that once before," Luca sighed and leaned back.

"But I never experienced that!" Daisy sucked her teeth. "Aren't you supposed to be romantic right now and get down on one knee and tell me how I am the most perfect girl in the whole wide world and you can't imagine anyone else beside me?"

Luca arched his brow as if all that sounded ridiculous to him. His lack of emotions made Daisy roll her eyes as she went back to admiring her new ring.

"I suppose that doesn't apply to us," she said. "It would be for normal people."

"Right," Luca nodded.

"Yeah," Daisy sighed. "If we were normal, you would first date me and then we would get married."

"True," Luca flashed her his half smile once more.

"Where would we go?" Daisy wondered. "If you were to plan a date, where would you take me?"

"Like on a first date?"

"Yeah."

"I don't know," Luca shrugged. "Maybe for coffee."

"Coffee?"

"Well, assuming we didn't know each other, I would want to go someplace public and casual to make sure you were comfortable."

"Ah, okay," Daisy nodded. "Very thoughtful of you."

"Would I get a second date?" Luca asked.

"Depands," Daisy said. "Are you going to call me after our first date?"

"I'll send flowers."

"Oh," Daisy laughed. "Yeah, definitely. Yes, to the second date."

"Who's planning it?"

"You!"

"But I already planned the first date," Luca complained. "And I like a girl who takes charge."

"Did you tell me that on the first day?"

"I did."

"Okay, then I'll take you out to dinner at my favorite Korean restaurant."

"I like Korean food."

"Are you going to kiss me?"

"This is the second date right?"

"Yeah," Daisy nodded.

"I don't know," Luca thought for a moment. "I don't like to kiss on the first or second date. Maybe by the third date."

"So I'm getting a third date?" Daisy wiggled her brows. "Where are we going?"

"Something fun," Luca said. "Maybe a painting class?"

"Fun!" Daisy approved. "When do I meet your friends? Do you have any friends?"

"I have friends," Luca rolled his eyes. "I guess when the opportunity comes up. Maybe during the holidays or a dinner with friends."

"Will you take me to meet your family?"

"Are you not Gia's friend in this situation?" Luca asked. "So are we two total strangers dating?"

"Gia's friend," Daisy said.

"Then you already know my family," Luca said.

"Do we tell Gia?"

"That's a hard one," Luca sighed. "I don't know. I think she would be happy but she sometimes gets weirdly possessive of you."

"Would you?"

"Get possessive of you?" Luca asked. "Yeah, you're my wife."

"Fiance," Daisy held up her hand and showed Luca her ring.

"Right."

"Well....." Daisy sighed and leaned down to pick up her book. "I think you would have made an excellent boyfriend. You have my seal of approval."

"You would have made a pretty good girlfriend too," Luca laughed.

_____________

After a quick lunch, Daisy was too bloated to move. Luca helped her into the car and placed the books in the back before getting into the driver's seat and turning the car towards Richard's house.

Throughout the drive, Luca caught Daisy looking at her ring several times from the corner of his eyes. It made his heart beat a little faster each time. The sunlight felt a little brighter and the birds sang a little louder. There was something about a small town that always suited Luca.

"Thanks for the books," Daisy said as they parked outside of Richard's house and got out.

"Any time," Luca said.

"I hope that god awful stench is gone," Daisy groaned as soon as Richard opened the door and stepped out onto the patio. "Is it gone?"

"It's gone," Richard laughed. "At least I think so."

"You aren't cooking that disgusting duck for dinner, are you?" Daisy slowly walked towards the house, her hand ready to cover her nose.

"No, I put it away for winter," Richard said.

"Great," Daisy tucked her hair back. "Much appreciated."

As she climbed up to stand beside Richard, the man's eyes fell on the ring on Daisy's finger.

"Boy, he doesn't waste any time, does he?" He said.

"No," Daisy looked down at her ring once more. "Thank you for giving him your permission."

"He called you his headache," Richard chuckled. "That's when I knew you were somebody else's problem now."

"How wonderful," Daisy rolled her eyes. She looked over her shoulder to where Luca hung back beside the car.

"Well, come inside," Richard said. "It's getting cold out here."

"Luca?" Daisy called out.

"Have you seen the lake past the trees?" Luca asked, pointing towards the trees by the side of the house.

"No," Daisy said. "When did you see it?"

"Last night," Luca said. "Come, let's take a walk."

"Now?" Daisy asked.

"Yes," Luca nodded. "Let's go."

"I don't take orders from you," Daisy reminded him.

"Let's go, please," Luca said, already walking towards the trees.

Daisy wondered what he was up to as she walked down the stairs and began to follow. The uneven ground wasn't ideal for walking. Luca waited for her by the trees before going forward and letting the green surround him.

"Do you know what kind of treats these are?" Daisy asked.

"I don't know much about trees," Luca shook his head. "But I could tell you about fish."

"Fish?" Daisy scrunched up her nose.

"Del Mare has really good fishing spots," Luca laughed. "I grew up fishing with my friends."

"It's still hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that you have friends."

"Why?"

"I don't know," Daisy shrugged. "You seem so private and introverted."

"I don't call very many people my friends," Luca said. "Just a few."

"I see," Daisy said slowly.

"How are you doing?" Luca asked, looking down at her.

"This lake better be worth it," Daisy said. "I don't know why I feel so tired lately. It's like I don't want to do anything."

"We're not that far," Luca said. "Just another few minutes."

"What's so special about this lake?"

"Nothing really," Luca shrugged. "It's just a lake."

"Then why are we going there?"

"You'll see," Luca reached down and took Daisy's hand. "The path gets a bit rocky down there."

Daisy began to proceed with caution. Her feet moved slowly as she followed Luca's footsteps down a slop and out of the woods. When they emerged, they were standing at the edge of a large lake with a pebble shore and glistening clear water.

"Wow," Daisy paused to look at her surroundings.

"It's beautiful," Luca said. "Makes me want to go fishing."

"You're such a strange man," Daisy muttered as she let go of his hand and took a few steps towards the water. "Do you think it's too cold to go swimming?"

Luca moved to stand beside her as the small waves rushed forward to greet their shoes. Reaching down, he took Daisy's hand once more and slipped the ring off her finger.

"What are you d-" Daisy looked over as Luca got down on one knee before her. Her eyes widened and jaw dropped. "What the fuck!"

"Daisy Clements," Luca laughed.

"You didn't have to do this," Daisy said, despite how tightly she held Luca's hand.

"Shut up, I'm trying to ask you to marry me," Luca continued to laugh.

"Should I cry?" Daisy asked. "For dramatic effects?"

"Be serious."

"Stop laughing!"

"Okay, okay," Luca cleared his throat and straightened his face. "Daisy Clements."

"Luca Silvano."

"Will you marry me?" 

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