Page 147 of Unbreakable Thread

When I’m at the café, newly remodeled, I catch myself glancing at the doorway, praying he’ll walk in with his bright smile, ready to stock my books and inform me of what other bookstores are doing to improve sales. He was a good gossip friend.

My sister had been in town for Leo’s funeral. I knew, deep down, my sister had feelings for him. I had not known she had broken it off with her boyfriend when she arrived back in Paris. She felt guilty for falling for Leo. I’m not sure if anything happened between them. She understood Leo wasn’t ready for a relationship and might never be. We all formed a friendship—a family based on the hardships we had endured. In the last two months, we have all grown closer.

The day they lowered Leo’s casket into the ground, a weight like cement settled on my shoulders. I only wished I had known him as long as Max and Xander had. In the short months of getting to know him, I grew to love him as family, my best friend. Leo kept his circle tight and small. At his services, it was only us. Mrs. Debbie was there, her long, gray hair flowing, tears in her eyes, for the boy she loved dearly. I wish the rest of the world could have met Leo. The perfect, sweet smile that brightened the world. His laugh gave you no choice but to giggle. I will forever be grateful to him for protecting my babies’ lives. I want the world to know who Leo Rubio was.

Max and I are going to create a scholarship in his name when the gym opens. For parents who can’t pay for their kids’ sports. It’s something Leo would have believed in.

“How are the feet?” Max jogs toward me.

I’m close to thirty-three weeks now, and every part of my body is swollen. I’m so ready for the twins to be born; they kick my ribs countless times. I pee every couple of minutes, and I’m tired all day, every day.

“Your Vicks foot massages are a game-changer, thanks to your dad’s recommendation.” It amazes me how Hector still remembers what he did for his wife when she was pregnant.

“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” His gentle fingers work my ankles. “I was thinking…we should get married this coming weekend. We all could use some happiness in our lives right now.”

He’s right. It’s been hard for all of us. We canceled all our plans. I had no energy mentally to deal with anything. My therapy sessions increased to twice a week for a while. Just this month, we went back to once every two weeks.

“And I would like you to be my wife before the twins arrive.”

My smile grows. “I’d like that. We all could use a celebration.”

He nods, then frowns at my disappointed expression. “What’s wrong?”

“My dress doesn’t fit me anymore.”

“Ah, don’t sweat it. You can get another or dress in anything you want.”

Stretchy clothes would be perfect.

“Whatever’s comfortable for you,” he adds.

“I’ll shop for a simple dress, but once my body is back to normal and I don’t have a chipmunk face, I’d like to get wedding photos.”

His laugh rumbles. “I love your chipmunk face.” He pinches my cheeks. “So cute.”

I roll my eyes playfully. Of course, he would say that. The man will do anything not to make me feel like a giant air balloon. My back has been killing me. Who am I kidding? My entire body aches. “How’s training going?”

Max wipes his face with the towel hanging on his shoulder. “Fucking brutal,” he says, looking over his shoulder at Hector, shouting encouraging words at Xander, who is dragging a tire.

“Damn,” I say.

“He has us do this once a week. His training is way more effective. I’ll give him that—he’s good.”

Hector has found his place. Training. He does it like it was his calling. He works at Max’s company, and I’ll say their relationship has improved. They laugh together. Hector has had no sign of relapsing. He attends all his meetings and continues to see his therapist. We are proud of him.

“He loves it.”

“He does.” Max chuckles. “A little too much. I think he enjoys torturing us.”

This is the most I’ve seen him laugh since Leo’s passing. Max has always felt he has to carry the weight for both of us. Although I told him he’s allowed to cry, scream, even. He kissed my cheek and said, “I will, just not in front of you.” He was worried it would add stress to the pregnancy. I heard him sniffle in the restroom and in the pool house. I’d let him have his moment alone, then I’d silently sit on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck and hold him.

A couple of weeks ago, Nessa showed up at our house. She apologized for everything that happened. She knew about Carlos forcing me to leave Max. At the time, she said she felt he was right. Max didn’t let her inside. He doesn’t trust her, and neither did I. She also knew about the other woman. And about Daniel being related to Carlos. Max sent her away and told her never to come back. Hopefully, she keeps her distance. I didn’t feel sorry for her. I wanted to. I just couldn’t.

“So, I want to tell you something. Do you have time? Or I can wait.”

“I always have time for you, sunshine.” He pulls a chair out and sits, giving me his undivided attention.

“So…” I pull out an envelope from under my book. “I received this a week after Leo passed. I just didn’t want to open it.”