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The vein in his neck pulses an angry beat, but he doesn’t argue. At least for now.
“We’re going to be late.” He heads to the door, leaving me to follow him. “Let’s go.”
20
Mercedes
I’m a wreck of nerves when I squeeze Santi in the first hug I’ve given him in so long. A weird sound strangles my throat, betraying my emotions, and he pats me awkwardly in an attempt to comfort me.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I croak.
“I know,” he answers. “I’ve missed you too.”
I hold him at arm’s length, examining him. He’s still the same scarred man who crawled from the ashes of the wreckage that imploded our lives. But something about the way he carries himself is lighter. Though his eyes are no less intense.
“You look different,” I observe.
He shifts. “A lot has changed.”
I force a stiff nod, understanding tension still lingers between us as my eyes roam to Ivy. She’s sitting across the room with Elena, and I force a smile, hoping she can see it’s genuine.
“When can I meet my niece?”
“I’m not sure if that’s such a good idea,” Santi answers.
I can feel my chest caving in, pain lancing through me, and Judge seems to sense it too as his hand settles on my back. At least, that’s until my brother notices it, and the warmth of Judge’s comfort falls away.
“Mercedes will behave,” he assures Santiago in an authoritative tone. “And she would very much like to meet her niece if you’ll let her.”
Santi’s gaze moves to Ivy, and mine does too. It’s in her hands, and I understand that. I’d also understand if she said no, but she’s a better person than I am. She rises from her chair, rocking Elena in her arms as she approaches, but Santi intercepts her halfway. His hand settles on her hip as he leans down to whisper in her ear.
I wait quietly while she answers him, her eyes on mine. I feel like I’m frozen in place as she finally approaches me, and it’s hard to know what to do. I want to thank her, but I don’t know how.
“Ivy,” I choke out a clumsy greeting. “I’m happy to see you are recovering well.”
“Is that so?” Ivy returns, her voice not completely absent of the ice I deserve.
“Yes.” I dip my head, trying not to let myself get crazy emotional. “I know I can be a spoiled, jealous bitch sometimes, okay? I can admit, I’ve done some things I’m not proud of, and for that I am sorry. But you obviously make my brother very happy, and I see that you’re here to stay, so I would like to try to get to know you. If you’ll let me.”
Ivy seems surprised by my admission, but her face softens, and I want to believe this bridge hasn’t burned entirely.
“I think that would be beneficial for all of us,” she says, shifting Elena so I can see her. "This is your niece, Elena Frances De La Rosa."
"She's beautiful." I bring a trembling hand to my lips, tears filling my eyes. "Can I hold her for a minute?"
Ivy looks at Santi, and he nods back at her. “That’s up to you.”
She considers it for a moment and then helps me take the small bundle into my arms. I stare down at her in awe, marveling at her innocence. That sweet baby smell. My heart floods with warmth, and I know everyone can see it. The tension radiating from Judge beside me is palpable, but I only have eyes for my beautiful niece. She’s truly amazing, and more than anything, I know I want and need to be a part of her life.
“One day, you will have your own,” Santi murmurs approvingly.
He couldn’t have any idea how much his words terrify me. I know he’s thinking way into the future, but at some point, he will learn it really isn’t that far off at all. Hoping they can’t see the flush crawling down my neck, I crack a joke.
“Maybe I’ll have a whole brood of them. Ten little monsters just like me.”
Santi snorts at the notion. “What do you think of that idea, Judge?”
Against all rational sense, my eyes snap up to his. “Yes, Judge. What do you think of that?”
