Page 70 of Lips On My World

“My parents didn’t care if I was, nor did myabuela,” Maceo says with realization, his voice hitching.

I smile at him with happy tears sneaking out of my eyes. “No, they didn’t. They just loved you.”

He lets out a shaky breath, his dark eyes holding mine. “And you don’t care either.”

“Nope. I married a good, hardworking man who loves his family and his crew of brothers. That’s what matters to me, Maceo Cruz Tabares,” I state, emphasizinghisname. He’s a Tabares, regardless.

Maceo’s strong arms encircle me. “I love you, Missus Tabares.”

“Not as much as I love you,” I say. I press my lips against his for the first time since he got back home, sighing with contentment. I know Maceo is still hurting by this horrendous theory, but he will know that I love him and stand by his side no matter what.

“Not possible,” he mumbles against my lips. Relieved, Maceo rolls us so that my back is against his chest. He palms my belly with both hands. “I promise to love our babies as much asmi familialoved me. I’ll protect you and our children with my life—always.”

I place my hands over his, swaddling my belly. “You’re going to be the bestpapáever.”

Maceo turns my face to him. “And you’ll be the bestmamá—you already are.”

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