Page 129 of Born for Starlight

“You left.”

“I had things to do.”

“Well get inside. You had things you had to do in here, too.”

She reached for my hand and I laughed. She was always making me laugh.

“What did you have to do?”

“Look for a job.”

“You had a job to do in here, too.”

“You’re just full of it this afternoon, aren’t you. Food and a nap serves you well.”

“Come into the kitchen. I cooked.”

As I followed her in, I could smell something good. “What is that?”

“Mom’s special spaghetti and meatballs. I got hungry. I was going to call you. If you didn’t answer, I was going to take it over to Jase’s house.”

I tugged at her hand and pulled her to a stop. She turned and looked at me. I didn’t like the look of resignation on her face. “Angelica, from now on I’m always going to answer.”

She was standing in the kitchen, wearing the same yoga pants and t-shirt as before, one foot crossed over the other. “You can’t know that,” she whispered.

“Yeah. Yeah, I can. From now on, you’re the most important priority in my life.”

She bit her lip. “But⁠—”

“No buts. You and our children will always take precedence.”

Her eyes widened. “Our children?”

“Our children.” I reached around her and turned off the stove. “I meant it earlier. I’m done. Everything in me is all about you and making a life with you.” I shut up. Willing her to believe me. Willing her to look in my eyes and see into my soul.

“I don’t know if I can do this without Luzia,” she finally whispered. “I want us to be enough, but I need her, too.”

“Then we’ll get her here. She’ll be with us.”

“I’ve tried everything, but it feels like forever.”

I pulled her into my arms. “It will be you, me, and our children. I promise. Luzia will be our first.”

She looked up, tears in her eyes.

“You think so?”

“I know so.”

I pressed my lips against hers and she wrapped her arms around my neck.

After so long apart, it was heaven.

Kiss after kiss, until I was almost dizzy.

“Matthew. I need more,” she whispered.

“So do I.”