The lump in her throat made it impossible to breathe.
“Say something, please, even if you don’t love me.” His beautiful eyes begged for an answer.
She loved him, but what would it be like the next time she saw Bob? Could she stand between David and his family? “What about your family?”
“What about them?”
“You love them. What if they won’t accept me?”
He smiled. “I love that you’d consider them, that you’d worry for me.” He was silent for a moment. “The only person who might be an issue is Dad, and after what he did last night... well, I don’t care what he thinks any more.”
Her heart hurt for him.
“I love you,” he said again. “You’re the only person I need in my life.”
Her chest felt like it would burst. “I love you,” she whispered.
“Say that again?”
“I love you,” she said it loudly and he pulled her into his arms.
She held him tightly as tears rolled down her face.
“I’m so,sosorry, Zita for this whole mess.”
“I know.” She pulled back. “Everything is going to be OK.” She kissed him.
She truly believed it would be.
***
By the time they arrived in Houston, Zita was exhausted. Her lack of sleep the night before and the adrenaline from the escape was overwhelming her.
It took a while to get through customs, as Manuela and Johanna’s documents had to be checked, but finally they were able to head home. As they pulled up at Casa Flanagan, Teresa burst out of the house and raced over to the car. Johanna and Manuela scrambled to get out and they crushed together in a hug, tears flowing.
Zita’s own eyes welled up as Carmen hurried over and pulled her into a hug. “You’re safe.” Carmen burst out crying and Zita held her.
“It’s OK, Mama. We’re all safe.”
David pulled up next to them and got out as Bridget and Carly came running out of the house and joined the hug.
“What are you doing here?” Zita asked.
“We’ve been here all day waiting for news,” Bridget said.
“Don’t you ever scare us like that again,” Carly admonished.
“Yeah. It’s supposed to be me doing the heroic things.” Bridget grinned, and then hugged her tightly.
Zita’s eyes welled up as they let go of her.
Carmen pulled David into her arms next. “Thank you for keeping my baby safe.”
“She did all the work.”
“Come inside,” Carmen said. “You must tell us everything.”
They all crowded into the living room while Zita, Johanna and Manuela explained what had happened. They spoke in Spanish, but Zita translated for David, Jack and Evan, who were also there.
