I sucked up most of the nutrients which impaired my twin’s development. This resulted in a weak immune system for Elizabeth.” His voice was choked. “I basically killed her.”
“Dimitri, no,” Angela said, horrified. She touched his cheek, forcing him to look at her. “You can’t believe her. God, you were just a child yourself. Did you grow up believing you killed your own twin?”
“Yeah. Kind of.” He took her hand and led her to a corner of the room. “This was why I decided to break free from my family and build my own empire. I wanted to become rich enough to help kids like Elizabeth. Here’s my bucket list.” He grinned. “I made it when I was fourteen, I think.”
Angela smiled softly as she looked at the long sheet of paper taped to the wall. There, in a child’s scribbled handwriting, was a list that was carefully numerated by Dimitri:
1. Become rich
2. Build my company like daddy
3. Open orphanages
4. Fund-a-kid
5. Animal rescue
6. Cancer research funding
“How many of these have you accomplished?” Angela turned to look at him.
“All of them. Here, look.” He fished his phone out of his pocket and scrolled through some pictures until it stopped on the image of a black, curly-haired boy. “That’s Marcos. One of the kids that I’m sponsoring in Africa. There are several others but I’m particularly close to him. He comes to visit me once a year, with a guardian. I usually take him to Disneyworld. You know. Do a lot of kid stuff and all.” He looked almost embarrassed. “You should join us this year.”
Angela’s heart hammered as she looked at him. “You love kids, don’t you?”
“Yeah.” He flashed her a one-sided grin. “Kids and animals. I’ve got a couple of wildlife reserves to save lions from canned hunting. I’ve also opened a few orphanages for baby elephants whose mothers were killed by poachers.”
“Are you blushing?” Angela teased. “Your face’s all red.”
“Sorry.” He looked embarrassed. “I just find it quite hard to open up about myself.”
“Well, I think you’re a wonderful human being.” She placed her palm over his heart. “I love you. So much.”
Dimitri gently nuzzled his nose against hers. “I love you, baby.”
Angela took a deep breath. Here goes nothing.
“I didn’t know how to tell you this,” she beamed up at him. “I know I should have said something sooner but right here, surrounded by your friends and family… I can’t think of a better setting.”
“What?” He curved a large hand around the back of her neck as he pulled his face to hers. “Tell me.”
Angela giggled, trepidation and excitement coursing through her as she pushed him away. “I’ve got news.”
“What news?” He asked cautiously.
She slipped her fingers through his. “I’m pregnant.”
Dimitri’s smile froze. “What?”
“I’m pregnant.” She beamed. “I don’t know how I could have missed the signs. My crankiness. Being tired all the time… I hadn’t even realized that I’d missed my period.” She shrugged. “It wasn’t planned, I know. But it’s here. And it’s ours.” She threw her arms around him, resting her head on his chest. “It’s our baby,” she repeated in a whisper.
It took a full second for Angela to realize that
Raymond E. Feist, S. M. Stirling