Page 46 of Eternal Craving

The letter from Salvador and Alicia had originated in Italy and been routed via the attorney’s office, and, even then, was written in code. After studying the letter, I memorized the words and tone, then threw it into the fire.

A small price to pay for the peace of mind that Felipe wouldn’t find them. Ever wary, I ordered my workers to take turns in guarding our residence. I’d fired the three men I’d found napping during their watch since they hadn’t taken my paranoia seriously.

I heard a knock on the study door.

Annabelle entered the room and wrapped her arms around me. We both watched the fire ignite the paper in the hearth and flame up.

“How would you feel if I gave Eduardo his first riding lesson?” I asked.

She pulled away and scrunched up her face. “On those big horses of yours?”

“We’ll get him a pony.”

“Perhaps when he’s a year older?”

I nudged her. “They’ll grow up one day, you know.” I smiled. “Speaking of babies, Alicia’s pregnant.”

“How many months along?”

“Five.”

“And Salvador?”

“He’s well. Ricardo, too.”

“Perhaps we’ll be blessed with another child.”

I hugged her. “What would you say to us moving?”

She gave me a look of surprise. “But I love it here.”

“We can rebuild.”

“This is our home. I won’t let that man run us out of it.” She gazed up at me. “He’s forgotten all of that now.”

I knew that’s what she wanted to believe, and so did I, but Felipe had proven himself to be vicious.

“What could he do to you now?” Her eyes widened, as though she’d read my mind.

A part of me knew, despite the five years that had passed since I’d last seen him, that Felipe still held a grudge. His thirst for power paled in comparison to his desire for wealth. We lived on the very land he believed should be his. Yet Annabelle was right, we had been left alone. No dispatches from his lawyers and no more threats.

“I have something to show you.” Annabelle placed her small hand in mine and guided me out of the study.

“Where are we going?” I pulled her toward me and stole a kiss.

“You’ll see.”

I followed her out onto the lawn, looking up at the clear night sky.

A sudden thought made me cringe. “Oh, God, I haven’t forgotten our anniversary, have I?”

“Silly.” She pointed to a row of small shrubs. “This is the best place for them.”

I stared down at the twigs sprouting out of the ground.

She beamed with pride. “Rose bushes.”

“What color?”