The Conspiracy of Baby-Switching novel Chapter 59

Gabriel carries the pizzas into the dining room. “We’ll eat in here; I’ve set the table.”

I look into the formal dining room, the sixteen-seat antique table is perfectly set with fancy silverware and linen napkins, there are fresh flowers in the middle of the table and it looks like something out of a movie set or something.

“Maybe we should eat in the kitchen around the kitchen counter,” I suggest.

“Why?”

“It’s less formal and more relaxed, it will lighten the mood.”

He thinks for a moment as he looks around the table. “Maybe you’re right.” He runs his hands through his hair as if in a complete panic.

“You’re nervous?”

“I’m not nervous,” he snaps. “I’m freaking out.”

“It’s going to be fine.”

“How do you know? Dominic hates me.”

I puff air into my cheeks. “Well, we just have to work on it. Rome wasn’t built in a day. He’ll come around, he’s a lot like you.”

“That doesn’t help me, I know how I think.”

I stare up at him, this is the first time since I’ve known Gabriel that he has openly discussed a weakness. “Let’s just get this over with.”

“What are you going to say again?” I whisper as I follow him into the kitchen.

“The truth.” He puts the ten pizza boxes on the counter.

The truth sucks. “Maybe I should tell them?”

“No. I want to do it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Sit down,” he snaps, he fills our glasses of wine, passes me one and tips his head back and drains it. He immediately refills his glass and gestures to mine. “Keep up.”

I roll my lips to hide my smile. “Kids,” I call. “Dinner is here.”

They come barreling in from the other room and climb up onto the stools. “Oh my god,” Lucia gasps. “Why are there so many?”

“Because we’re hungry, that’s why,” Dominic replies as he opens the first box. “Eww, onion.” He scrunches his nose up in disgust.

“This one over here, pepperoni, your favorite.” I pass them both a slice. I didn’t have the heart to tell Gabriel that they will only eat one of his ten pizzas.

“Thank you,” Dom says as he takes a big bite.

“Yum.” Lucia smiles, all excited. I glance over to Gabriel and he’s white as a ghost.

“So, guys, we have something to tell you,” I say.

They keep eating, totally engrossed in their pizza.

“Gabriel…” I widen my eyes at him. “Now,” I mouth.

“Well.” Gabriel pauses as if articulating his words. “Your mom and I have just recently found out some very exciting information.” They keep eating, totally uninterested.

“I’m your father.” He gives a lopsided smile. “I’m very excited about it and I hope you are too.”

Lucia’s eyes widen. “Father…like a dad?” she gasps. “Yes.” He smiles. “Like a dad.”

Dominic drops his pizza onto his plate.

“Yay.” I smile awkwardly as my eyes flick around to everyone at the table. “Isn’t this exciting?”

“Yes.” Lucia jumps up and bounces over to Gabriel and he gives her a hug.

“I thought you were my dad,” she lies.

Gabriel chuckles as he pushes the hair back from her face. “Did you, now?”

My heart melts at the sight of the two of them, and then I glance over to see Dominic glaring at me. “What have you got to say, baby?”

“I don’t want a father,” he says flatly. “Can we go home now? I’m tired.” Gabriel’s face falls.

Little shit.

“No, we’re staying here and having pizza like we planned. Gabriel has moved here all the way from New York to get to know you, and you will be polite.”

There’s no treading lightly with Dominic, I have to be blunt with him about this from the get-go.

He pushes his plate forward in protest. “I’m not hungry anymore and I want to go home.”

Gabriel’s unimpressed eyes flick over to him and I know I have to defuse the situation before it turns into a full-blown argument.