I pop up on my elbow. “What were you feeling then?”
The same scowl lines erupt across his forehead. “I couldn’t believe someone like you had just walked into our bar.”
“Someone like me?”
“The atmosphere shifted when you walked in, and it felt good. I didn’t want you to leave, and when you did …” He shakes his head. “I followed, like a moth to a flame.”
“But then you found me popping pills.”
“When I saw you stuffing them in your mouth like a chipmuck squirreling nuts away for the winter, I knew I had to step in. There was no way I was going to let a light like yours get extinguished before it’s time.”
My eyes bounce over his face. Never in a million years would I have guessed those were the thoughts running through his head that day.
“I love you,” I tell him, laying my head back on his chest so he can’t see I’m crying.
“Te amo, mi serenidad.”
I’ve heard him speak warm sentiments to Mila in Spanish, and now he’s doing it to me. A warm feeling settles in my chest.
I think I’ve finally found my peace.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Serenity
Iwake lazy and relaxed, an instant smile lighting my face when I remember where I am.
My hand roams over the bed, and to my great disappointment it doesn’t find what it’s looking for. The letdown doesn’t last long however, because the sweet sound of a little girl’s laughter wafts into the room.
I sit up and see my bags sitting on the floor. As quickly as I can, I throw on some clothes and run my fingers through my hair. I’m excited to see Mila.
When I get to the end of the hall, I pause, curious about the relationship Rage and his sister have been building while I was away.
“It’s a surprise,” Rage says quietly.
“I like surprises,” Mila tells him, giggling.
“Hopefully Mommy does too.”
I shouldn’t be eavesdropping. Especially since they seem to be planning something special for me.
Peanut is the first to notice me when I round the corner. He comes running, tail wagging happily.
“Mommy!” Mila yells, quickly climbing down from the stool she’s been sitting on.
I meet her in the middle of the kitchen, scooping her up in my arms.
She takes my cheeks in her little hands, and her expression turns serious. “It’s party day.”
“It is?”
Her head bobs up and down.
“Mila,” Rage warns, coming over to wrap the two of us in his arms. “Remember it’s a surprise?”
She places her tiny finger over her lips. “Shh.”
“That’s right,” he says.