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“The kids are still napping. I can’t believe it.” Maria laughed. “They are tuckered out.”

“I think it was all the junk food. A long nap will do them some good.” I grinned and took a sip of my wine before checking my watch. There was no reason to be nervous, yet I was.

I’d learned to follow my instincts and the nagging was only getting worse.

“I do love this house,” Maria said. “It’s just beautiful.”

I sat back, glancing around the living room. “I have to admit that I love it too. Maybe it wasn’t what I expected when Alejandro brought me here informing me that he’d already purchased it, but I can’t lie. I love every room.”

“He purchased this without you seeing it first?” She seemed incredulous.

“It happens more often than you think in my… world.” She hadn’t asked anything about business or my family and I certainly hadn’t volunteered.

“Your world.” She sat down on the couch. “Can I ask you a question?”

“How can I continue tolerating being in a very oppressive environment, worrying about danger all the time?”

Maria laughed nervously. “Something like that.”

“Well, because that’s all I know. I adore my family. I have a sister and brother. Well, half-sister and brother. They are the sweetest kids. My father’s wife is pretty amazing and in truth, when I was growing up, I didn’t think I was any different than my friends. I only learned later what my father was really involved in.”

“Is that why you became a doctor and moved away?”

So she had been told some about my life. “Yes. I planned on keeping it that way. I heard you were a nurse.”

Her eyes lit up. “I love working with children. They are just so… Well, they do drag at your patience.”

We could both laugh about that. “I have a clinic in White Plains. It’s not huge, but who knows, maybe you could come work there at some point. I mean, if you’d like to do that.” If I still had a clinic left.

“I was looking for a change. I already told… Alejandro I was leaving the state. Maybe just a different city. In truth, I would absolutely love that. I don’t think I have a job since… Well, you know.”

Her hesitation on saying her brother’s name was another reminder he wasn’t who I’d believed him to be. The funny thing was that it no longer troubled me as before.

“I’m sorry, Maria. I know what happened was horrible, but all your brother could think about was getting to you. Nothing was going to stop him.”

“I know. He was always that way. I just… I don’t like what he does.”

“Just know this. He’s a good man underneath all that masculine bravado. A very good man.”

“So I was right. You love him too.”

“Too?”

She leaned over. “He adores you, Carmella. I’ve never seen him this happy. At least not after his wife died.”

“I heard about what happened to her. I am so sorry. What a terrible time that must have been for the entire family.”

“He was so broken. Carrie was an amazing woman, but I have a feeling you are as well. I can tell by the way you are with the children.”

“I hope he’ll be able to spend more time with his daughter.” Then I added, “I don’t know why I said that. It wasn’t fair.”

“No, it’s totally fair. He deserves to be with his little girl. I just want what’s best for her. I think the two of you will make her very happy. Keep in mind, Carmella. He chose you.”

Chose me.

Over whatever life he’d once led. I’d felt it, including the change I’d seen in him only hours before. I’d felt gleeful even though what he was giving up was likely…

Legal.

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