Chapter 44
CASSANDRA
Cassandra cradles Emilio, his body heavy and warm on hers. Their hearts are racing, and she’s trying to catch her breath.
After a few minutes, he rolls to the side, pulling her along. She settles on his chest, his fingers gently twirling her hair.
“My uncle and Beth want us over for dinner,” Emilio says.
Cassandra nods. She already knew. “That’s sweet of them. When should we be there?” She sits up, pulling the sheet over her chest.
Emilio tugs it back down, cupping her breast. “Don’t hide from me.” His touch sends a thrill through her. “We should be there by eight.”
“That doesn’t give us much time,” Cassandra says. “Is Alex coming too?”
Emilio rises from the bed, standing naked before her.
“No, he’ll be asleep by the time we leave, and I don’t know when we’ll be back.”
He takes her hand, leading her into the bathroom. He nudges her into the shower, joining her a moment later. His arms wrap around her as the hot water cascades over them.
“Your breasts feel heavier,” Emilio says, and Cassandra tenses. “Actually, I’ve noticed a lot of changes in you.”
She avoids his eyes. Oh no. She’d hoped he wouldn’t notice, but nothing ever slips past him.
Cassandra forces a laugh. “You’re imagining things.”
“Are you sure?” Emilio asks, his eyes searching hers.
“Are you calling me fat, Mr. Rodriguez?”
He chuckles. “No, never. You’re perfect. Every part of you is perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing. But I wouldn’t mind if you gained a little weight.”
She playfully smacks his chest. “Will you still want me when I’m fat?”
“Even more.”
He kisses her forehead, and she feels a flutter in her chest. She loves this man with all her heart.
***
When the babysitter, Annie, arrives at half past seven, they head out. José is driving tonight, and Emilio is engrossed in his phone. He looks stunning in his suit, as if it was tailored just for him.
Cassandra fights the urge to reach out and touch him. What’s the point of love if you can’t express it? She wants to tell him the truth, but she can’t find the words.
A few minutes later, they pull up to their destination. Emilio steps out, opens her door, and offers his hand. Cassandra whispers a breathless “thank you.” His touch always makes her heart skip a beat, and she wonders if that will ever change.
Emilio rings the doorbell, and soon Beth appears in the doorway, smiling. She looks stunning in a blue dress that hugs her figure, her hair flowing freely.
“Good evening, you two,” Beth says. “Come in.” She steps aside, letting them in. “Cassandra, you look lovely,” she adds as they head to the living room.
“Thank you, you too. I love your hair down—you should wear it like this more often.”
“With little ones around, it’s not always practical, but thanks for the compliment.”
“Where’s uncle?” Emilio asks.
“He’s on a video call. He’ll join us soon. Have a seat. Can I get you anything?”
“A glass of wine for my beautiful wife, and I’ll have a scotch,” Emilio answers.
Beth shoots Cassandra a look but doesn’t say anything as she walks away.
The house is spacious, with an open floor plan that allows each room to flow into the next. Cassandra notices a bar and dining area next to the kitchen, and a curved staircase with a glass railing off the living room.
Beth returns a few minutes later with their drinks, and her husband follows shortly after.
“Emiliano, Cassandra,” he greets.
“Uncle.” Emilio hugs him. “Good to see you.”
“Likewise. Everything settled now?”
“Let’s talk after dinner,” Emilio replies, clearly not wanting Cassandra involved in the conversation.
Emilio takes the drinks from Beth and hands Cassandra her glass of wine. Now what? She can’t drink this—she’s pregnant. But Emilio is watching her.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
“Nothing.”
Cassandra forces a smile and takes a small sip. It’s cranberry juice. She meets Beth’s eyes and silently thanks her. Beth smiles back reassuringly.
“How’s the little guy?” Luis asks.
“Growing fast,” Emilio replies.
“So, are you planning on having more?” Beth asks. Cassandra nearly chokes on her drink.
“No, Alex is enough for now,” Emilio says. “We both agreed not to have kids right now. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”
Unable to trust her voice, Cassandra nods. Her hope that he would be happy about her pregnancy fades. If he’s not ready for another child, he’ll be shocked when he finds out she’s pregnant.
“Besides,” Emilio continues, “I want my wife all to myself for a while longer.” His arm wraps around her shoulder, pulling her close for a kiss on the cheek. She blushes.
“When they’re young, they need a lot of attention,” Luis agrees. “I remember when Rafael and Isabell were babies. They kept me on my toes all day, and I hardly saw Beth.”
“Well, you were worth the wait,” Beth says with a smile. The love between them is clear, and Cassandra hopes that one day, Emilio will look at her the same way. “Come, dinner’s ready.”
They all head to the dining room, and soon a housekeeper brings out the food. As they eat, Luis asks, “How’s my nephew treating you?”
“Like royalty,” Cassandra admits. “I couldn’t have wished for a better husband. He’s everything I need.”
Their gazes meet.
“I can tell marriage agrees with him—he’s different.”
“No, I’m not,” Emilio interjects, glancing at his uncle.
“You are. Even your mom has seen the change in you, and she thinks it’s all because of Cassandra.”
“Every man has a woman meant for him, Uncle. For me, that woman is Cassie, just like Beth is for you.”
“Sounds like a man in love,” Beth comments.
Emilio stays silent for the rest of the meal.
After dinner, Beth and Cassandra move to the living room, while the men head to the office. Once they’re settled, Cassandra asks, “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Are you Rafael and Isabell’s biological mom?”
“No, their mom died giving birth to Isabell.”
“I didn’t know. I’m sorry for prying.”
“It’s fine. Luis and I met when they were just babies, and we clicked instantly. We dated for two years before getting married, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
“It’s obvious how much you two love each other.”
“Yes.” Beth smiles. “We all need love in our lives.”
“Do you have any kids together?”
“No. I was pregnant once but had a miscarriage, and after that, I couldn’t get pregnant again.” Cassandra catches the flicker of pain in her eyes before it’s replaced with a warm smile. “But I’m not complaining. Rafael and Isabell accepted me as their mom, and it didn’t take long for them to feel like my own kids.”
It’s clear that even though she didn’t give birth to Rafael and Isabell, she loves them deeply. “Have you talked to Emiliano?”
“His words tonight reminded me why I haven’t told him yet. At this point, I don’t even know if I will tell him.”
“What will you do when you start showing? He will notice the changes in your body.”
“I don’t know. I really don’t know, Beth. I feel cornered. Emilio’s words tonight hurt; it’s clear he doesn’t want more kids.” But she won’t give up her baby, no matter what.
“Have you talked to Emilia?”
“No, but we’re visiting her this weekend.”
“Stay strong,” Beth advises. “Everything will work out in the end.”
“I hope so,” Cassandra murmurs to herself.
“What are you hoping for, sweetheart?” Emilio asks from behind her.
Startled by his voice, Cassandra nearly jumps. She stands, nervously twisting her fingers. “I was just telling Beth how I hope Alex doesn’t give me a hard time when he starts walking.”
Luis chuckles. “Better start preparing now.”
Emilio watches her hands, then meets her gaze. He reaches out to caress her cheek. “Ready to leave?”
Cassandra nods.
“Uncle, Beth, thanks for dinner. It was delicious.” He kisses Beth’s cheek and then turns to Luis. “Uncle, we’ll talk soon.”
“Absolutely. Keep me posted if anything changes.”
As they’re leaving, Beth says, “Cassandra, give Alex my love and don’t hesitate to bring him over. Babies are a blessing, and who knows how long I’ll have to wait for Rafael to settle down, get married, and have kids.”
“You’ll be waiting forever,” Emilio says at the door.
“And who do you think taught him?” Beth retorts.
“Definitely not me.”
“Yeah, right, Mr. Innocent. I bet you have nothing to do with him coming home at dawn.”
Emilio laughs. “Goodnight,” he says.
Cassandra also says her goodbyes, and then they drive home in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
