Expecting Eternity (Vamp Life #2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

party was a hit with all of Fate’s friends.  Unfortunately, Fate was nowhere to be found.
    “Who is late for their own birthday party? Hmm?  I worked hard on this for that little heathen!”  Ashley was fuming while Roger tried to calm her down.  Marc and I exchanged glances.
    I checked my watch.  “You know she’s only half an hour late.  I sent her a text.  She said she would be here soon.”
    There was no calming her fury.  “I’ll teach this new boyfriend of hers a lesson if he’s going to have her behaving like a delinquent again.”
    It’s safe to say that the next ten minutes were uncomfortable.  Finally, the birthday girl arrived with her boyfriend in tow.  Hand in hand they walked into the room.  Fate broke free and ran up to her mother, hugging her tightly.
    “I love it, Mom.  It’s so perfect.  Thank you!”  She said sincerely. 
      Marc and I were both staring in shock at the boyfriend.  I barely heard as Ashley accepted her daughter’s apology about being late.  Fate was so upbeat it was impossible to stay mad at her for long.
    My attention turned from the date to my best friend when she politely extended her hand and introduced herself to Fate’s handsome new love interest.  He wasn’t what any of us had envisioned. 
    “A pleasure to meet you.   I’m Ashley and this is Roger.”  She gestured to her side. 
    “It is obvious where Fate gets her beauty.”  The man took Ash’s hand and kissed it.  I had to roll my eyes as he put on the thick Italian accent and charm.  “I am Antonio d’Artusio and the pleasure is certainly mine.”  When he released her hand, he gave a small incline of his head to greet Roger.  Roger did not look pleased.
    My first thought was that Antonio was dating Fate to get back at me for marrying Marc , but it just didn’t make sense.  I hadn’t even seen Antonio in months and he never delivered the donor blood personally after the first visit.  Then, an idea crossed my mind.  Maybe he was actually interested in Fate. 
    “These are my friends….” Ashley started, but was quickly interrupted by her daughter.
    “Mom, they know each other.  That’s how Antonio and I happened to meet.”  Fate had an oblivious grin plastered across her face.  “Tonio suggested we keep our relationship on the D.L.”  She explained the abbreviation to the older members of the gathering, assuming none of us understood.  “The down low… until we were sure it was more than a casual fling.”
    Ashley shot me a curious look.  I’d had no idea about the couple so I shrugged.
    Antonio reached out and gave Marcus a handshake before pulling me into a short hug.  “Evelyn is with child and no one saw fit to inform me?”
    Ever since her first misstep, Fate had been careful to keep her mouth shut.  “Nah, she’s just put on a few pounds since getting married.  All that home cooking.  You should see how fast she scarfs down a burger.”
    I wonder if I looked as annoyed as I felt.  “It is fine, Fate.”  I’d gone up a cup size and I was flaunting it in the dress I had chosen to wear.  It was pretty obvious I was pregnant.  “Marc and I had been trying to have a baby since the engagement.”  I lied.
    Marcus nodded quickly.  “Yeah.  You know me.  I tend to get an idea and just run with it.”  He ran a hand through his dark locks anxiously.  He was a terrible liar.
    “Enough about me.   Let’s get this girl some birthday cake and presents!”  I said and there were agreements all around.
    Antonio didn’t look satisfied with the lie, but Fate was tugging him toward a mountain of gifts. 
    “Tonio already gave me my present.”  She held out her arm to reveal a diamond studded bracelet.  It was exquisite.  Marcus grumbled under his breath.  He often became frustrated with the lack of funds to buy me expensive gifts.  I didn’t need them or care, but it hardly seemed to matter.
    All the excitement, standing, and walking around