Page 138 of Unbreakable Thread

“Maybe I’ve told you this. I can’t remember. When I bought the wing earrings at the store in Tahoe, what came to mind when buying them was that I knew I had to let you go. You seemed to be happy with your life. I thought maybe these earrings would be good luck, and she’ll fly back to me someday. Now I want these wings to represent something to you. Like the loved ones you’ve lost…your mom, dad, and your grandma. I’m sure they were your guidance all these years. It also serves as a reminder that you’re not alone.”

The heat of his fingertips brushes my neck as he fastens the clasp. My mouth goes into a straight line as I try to hold my tears. Something tightens in my chest at the words he’s just spoken, and I blink against the sudden sting behind my eyelids. “Thank you, Max. This means so much to me. Really, you are truly the best person. I’m grateful to spend it with you for a lifetime.” I put the earrings on and stare at them in the mirror. “Tomorrow, let’s go to the graveside.”

He flexes his wrist, looking at the time. “We’d better go.”

Hector decided to stay behind. His sponsor felt it was best if he stayed away from all the alcohol around.

Max explained that there would be cameras from sports outlets. I also agreed to take photos announcing our engagement and the pregnancy. I want the world to know he’s mine. We arrive twenty minutes later. Leo has been bouncing in his seat. It’s the first time he’s been to any kind of event like this. We drive up to the gala at the casino. Max is the first to step out to open the door for me. A man in a suit walks up and takes the keys from Max. Leo walks beside us. Everyone wants to shake Max’s hand. I’m in awe of it all. When he introduces me, he addresses me as his fiancée. We took a couple of photos for the sports outlets.

Henry and Bob stand talking among a group of men. When they see him, they step away to walk toward us. “Max, good to see you decided to join us.” Henry raises his glass of amber liquor. Then looks to me. “Rainey, sweetheart, good to see you again.” He scrutinizes me. “Congratulations on your pregnancy.”

I’m unsure whether he’s being condescending or genuinely happy about Max and me. I don’t know much about Henry.

“Her name is Sol,” Max clips. “And thank you. We are very excited about our twins.”

“Twins?” says his promoter.

Dammit, I can’t remember his name. Pregnancy brain.

“Yes, my fiancée and I are expecting twins.”

Henry’s eyes widen. “Fiancée? You’re keeping us in the dark, Max.”

“Frankly, I don’t need to share everything that happens in our personal lives with you.”

Henry nods. “I understand, Max. You’re unsure of us because of Carlos. Like I told you, we have no part in anything he does. We thought he was your mentor, so we listened to him. We didn’t know what he could be capable of. We have cut all connections with him.” Henry gazes at me. “I’m so sorry about the news articles a while back and the social media post. It was Carlos’s idea. We didn’t mean to cause problems. Carlos said it would be great publicity.”

I only give them a nod. If Max seems unsure of them, then I shouldn’t trust them.

We continue walking down a long hall, our footsteps muffled by the plush crimson carpet beneath us. Violins and cellos swell behind the mahogany-paneled walls, their notes seeping through like perfume. Men in crisp black tuxedos with tails that flutter like raven wings glide between clusters of guests, silver trays of champagne flutes balanced on their fingertips. Every woman seems to float rather than walk, wrapped in gowns in silks and satins that catch the light from the crystal chandeliers—emerald-green, midnight blue, ruby red gowns that whisper with each step.

Max secures me tightly, protectively, around my waist. Xander walks in, and for a split second, I thought he showed up with a date, but no, he’s alone.

It’s happening again. Anxiety roots in my belly, clawing deep within. It causes the babies to start rioting in the womb. I rub my belly, trying to calm myself and them.

“Are you okay, amor? Do you need water?” His brows dip, and his eyes soften.

“I’m fine. Once we find our seat, I’m sure my nerves will settle.”

“Is it the amount of people?”

“It could be,” I say honestly. We don’t know who could be here. Carlos? My father? Andrew? I haven’t heard from Andrew since that last call. I haven’t heard from my father since the call with Daniel.

Within the sea of people conversing and holding champagne glasses, I spot Lana and Toby. She looks absolutely stunning in a royal blue dress, which makes the color of her eyes stand out.

“Our seat is right here,” Max points out. He beckons a waiter balancing a tray. “Can you get us two glasses of water?”

The waiter nods, fading toward the bar.

A faint breath exhales out of me. Relieved to sit and observe my surroundings. “Are you not drinking?” I ask Max.

“No, I need to stay alert… Daniel will be here, I’m sure of it, and besides, I have to drive us home.”

Leo comes to sit beside us. “I can drive,” he offers with a glass of champagne in hand. Max is about to open his mouth when Lana and Toby walk toward us.

“Oh, girl, look at you. Aren’t you the most beautiful woman in the room?” Lana’s warm, familiar embrace envelops me with her presence. I’m grateful to have another woman to talk to.

“Me? Oh, no, friend, you are a stunning woman,” I lean in and whisper. “Who else are you trying to impress?”