“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.”
“If I turn down Mateo and Blue doesn’t want anything to do with being tied down with a wife and baby, then what?”
“Maybe a rushed wedding is what you should do then.”
“I can’t even imagine being with anyone but Blue.”
“Then maybe that’s your answer.”
“It’s not just me. I have to think about the baby’s future now. If I make the wrong choice, it’ll affect the baby, too.”
“Mateo would give you a good life, and a safe life.”
“Yes,” I agree sadly.
“But Blue would make you happy. I guess only you can decide if that’s enough.”
“You’re no help.”
“I’m a lot of help; you just don’t want to hear it.” She puts her arm around me. “Come on. Let’s get you some ice cream. You don’t have to decide anything today.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Luisa—
At this sunset hour, the lights have been dimmed, and the few lit candles on the altar of the Basilica cast a flickering red glow across the first few pews. I cast my gaze at Jesus on his cross.
Carmen came with me. Confession was at 5:30pm.
Now I sit out in the sanctuary.
The kneeling bench digs into my knees, and I tighten my folded hands. It’s quiet with just a few parishioners scattered throughout the pews. I pray, asking God what to do.Give me a sign. Please. Tell me the way.
Carmen sits beside me. I know she’s only here because I asked her. She’s been a good friend. The best. None better.
“I have to pick up my little sister from her ballet class and get her home for dinner.” She leans close and whispers, “Are you staying longer?”
Carmen knows Blue texted me twenty minutes ago. He’s back from Sturgis and wants to see me. I told him I was at the church and would walk over and meet him at the house.
“I’ll leave in a minute.”
“Okay, sweetie. I love you. I’m sure everything will be fine.”
She knows I plan to tell him.
Carmen squeezes my hand. “Everything will work out. Put it in God’s hands.”
I nod.
Once her footsteps fade down the aisle, I bow my head, my forehead touching my folded hands.
Please give me the strength to get through this.
I’m sitting quietly, lost in prayer, but still hear the thick wooden doors opening into the sanctuary. A moment later, I feel a presence at my side and think Carmen has come back for something. I’m stunned when I see Blue sliding into the pew next to me. My mouth drops open, and my eyes widen.
Not in a million years would I expect to see him inside the Basilica.
His gaze travels around the sanctuary, taking in the vaulted ceilings, the carved arches, the stained-glass windows, the altar and the stations of the cross.
