let's light up the sky ☆

Chapter 12

Here's another long chapter, and this was one of my personal favorites to write. And it's got even more feels than the last! Happy Valentine's Day to Giannis and Sofia for the love we get to see in this chapter.

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Glendale, California

February, 2007

"Need anything while I'm up?"

Sofia had all but fallen asleep in the recliner when Giannis caught her attention. She opened her eyes slowly and turned her head as far as her new migraine would let her. "More water?" she muttered.

Giannis leaned down for a soft kiss. "Ice or no ice?"

"None."

Giannis couldn't help himself. Instead of heading back on his journey for more chips, he wrapped his arms around her and gave her a gentle squeeze. "Tell me when you're ready for bed."

Sofia smiled. "You know it's more fun being here with you."

"If you say so."

In the few minutes Giannis was away for his kitchen run, Sofia had already fallen fast asleep. She didn't think her fatigue would outweigh the sudden pounding in her skull.

"Sosi?" Giannis whispered, brushing her hair out of her face. "You should really go get some rest. The TV's not gonna help much."

Sofia groaned. "I know, but it's only 7." Armen was at Anthony's for the weekend so Giannis could give Sofia his attention. She couldn't pass up the opportunity to enjoy being kidless for the evening. But her health needs came first, and she reluctantly allowed Giannis to help her to her feet.

She stumbled as she struggled to get them underneath her. Giannis needed another solution. "Shoulders?"

He helped Sofia wrap her arms around his shoulders while he held her closer to him. He toddled carefully up the stairs to carry his ill wife. Sofia took the perfect opportunity to peck a kiss to his cheek. "You're the best, you know that, right?"

"Only the best for you."

Giannis turned on her heating pad for her sore back and fluffed up one of her pillows. "I'm so sorry," he whispered while tucking her under the duvet.

"For what?"

"I feel so helpless because I can't do much more to help you feel better."

"Don't say that!" Sofia gently scolded. "You're doing everything right. I couldn't do this without you."

"I know," he laughed awkwardly. "But if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't be in this mess."

Sofia smiled. "I wouldn't have anyone else's baby but yours."

At the mention of their baby, Giannis hushed his solo pity party and held her closer. Every once in a while, he needed something to remind him of what they were fighting for. They could only hope that she would wait until her right time, because at this moment, they wouldn't bet on it.

Giannis gave his wife a gentle, passionate kiss, and then met their daughter eye-to-eye. "Anoush Eleni, listen to me. Your mother loves you very much. She will do anything for you, and so will I. But we need you to work with us, okay? You have to wait four more months, that's all. Relax. We'll meet you when the time is right." He pressed a soft kiss to his wife's bump and whispered a silent prayer for Sofia and Anoush's well-being.

Sofia watched him with teary, star-struck eyes. "She's going to be so loved, Gigi."

"Of course she is." Giannis checked one more time to be sure Sofia was as comfortable as she could be. "Get some sleep. I'll be downstairs if you need me."