The Man of My Prayers (Fitzmael 3) - COMPLETED

18: One Man, Zero Love

ADORN ZHARICK VALE

A MONTH HAD passed since we came home from Fitz Hospital. My belly was growing, and Franco and I were overjoyed to find out that we were expecting a boy.

"Hi," Franco said as he stepped down from our room.

I immediately walked over to him and gave him a hug.

He held me tightly and kissed my forehead. "Let's go?"

I nodded, then broke the embrace. I held onto his arm as we walked toward the car. We were headed to Bloom Village as Catmint's family had invited us. Franco mentioned that the Fitzmaels often have family gatherings, and that I should get used to it.

Our journey took more than thirty minutes before we finally arrived at his Uncle's house.

"Your family is huge," I exclaimed as we entered.

"Our family," he corrected me. "You're part of the Fitzmaels now."

My cheeks warmed at his words. I was about to say something when I spotted Serene, busy as the children were tugging at her, trying to get her to play with them.

"Why are you all fighting over me?" Serene asked the kids with a playful pout. "You really like me that much, huh?"

"Serene!" I called out to her.

"Hi, Attorney! Have you been here long?" That was Catmint's voice, and she quickly approached me. "Long time no see! The last time I saw you, you and Franco weren't even together, and now you're pregnant!" She squealed in excitement.

"Franco!"

"Hello, Attorney. How are you?"

"Adorn!"

"Hi, Adorn!"

"Hello, Ate!"

I became a bit confused about who to talk to, as everyone was greeting me all at once.

"My wife's getting overwhelmed with all of us. Just chill!" Franco joked as he gently guided me inside.

They all laughed at his joke.

"Go ahead and greet them first," I told Franco. "I'll talk to Serene for a bit."

"Okay, my love. I'll be back."

Just as Franco walked away, Serene arrived. "I'm so happy for you both," she said, giving me a hug.

"I'm grateful to have you, Serene," I started. "As I know you were one of the people who prayed for us." I held her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Do you like wearing gloves? The last time we talked, you were wearing gloves too."

She forced a smile. "I've gotten used to wearing gloves, Ate."

"It looks good on you," I complimented her. "You have great taste in fashion. The gloves really suit your outfit!"

"Thank you, Ate!" she replied, smiling.

"Adorn..."

I turned toward the voice.

"I'M FRANKLIN," INTRODUCED the older man, who looked a lot like Franco.

"I'm Celine," said the woman who looked like Serene, extending her hand. "I'm Marcus' mother."

I scoffed. "You mean Franco's mother?"

She immediately nodded, almost as if she had just remembered that she wasn't only a mother to Marcus. "I'm giving you both our blessing. I'm really happy for you. When's the wedding? Honestly, I'm surprised Franco managed to find a woman at all. I thought he still had some kind of thing for Jarzaiah, even though she's already married to Marcus." She shook her head in disbelief. "Can you believe it? He knew Jarza—"