“It’s a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere, and I get the spiritual richness of the experience. I can see how a place like this means so much to you. The altar, the stained-glass windows, the holy statuary, the candles… I understand how you feel a strong connection to tradition and faith.”
“I do.”
He grins. “But don’t go thinkin’ you’re gonna save my soul. I’m probably a goner by now.”
I clutch his arm and rest my head against his shoulder. “Don’t say that. I hate to think of anyone as a lost cause.”
We head down the street.
It’s comfortable with him, holding hands and walking together. Just his presence settles everything inside me. It makes me feel like everything will be all right somehow.
“Who did you light the candle for?” I ask.
“My little sister.”
“Is she sick or something?”
“She drowned at the age of seven.”
“I’m so sorry.”
He shakes his head. “I grew up in a little town called Romulus. It’s in New York State in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, between Seneca and Cayuga lakes. It’s pretty there. My grandparents had a place on Seneca Lake. We went there a lot.My two younger sisters and I were out on the ice one spring day. We weren’t supposed to be out there. The days were getting warmer, and the ice was melting. I told them to get back to shore, but they wouldn’t listen. A big cracking sound boomed across the lake, and the ice split open. LeAnn and Zara both went underwater. I managed to pull LeAnn out, but I couldn’t save them both. Zara drowned.”
“Oh, Blue. How tragic.” I don’t even know the words to say.
“My father never forgave me. Not long after that, my parents divorced. As soon as I was old enough, I left home. Ended up in Boston. That’s where I joined the Saints. When Rio decided to start a chapter out here, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it. I guess I’ve been running from that day for most of my life.”
I pull him to a stop and hug him. At first, he’s tense, like he doesn’t know how to take my sympathy, then his arms go around me, and I hold him for a long moment.
Without a word, he steps back, takes my hand, and we keep walking. Sensing he doesn’t want to talk about it further, I let it drop.
We arrive at the house, and Blue unlocks the door.
It’s weird being back here with him. The last time I was here, Carmen and I were watching two lines on a pregnancy test appear.
I can’t put it off any longer, so I take a deep breath and turn to face him. “Do you love me, Blue? You’ve never said the words.”
I nervously tuck a lock of hair behind my ear.
His eyes widen, and he grabs my hand, yanking it closer, his gaze locked on the engagement ring.
My eyes slide closed.
“What the hell is this?”
“You know what it is,” I whisper.
“It’s from him, isn’t it? Mateo. The man you’re promised to, whatever the fuck that means. I thought it was a joke. No one has arranged marriages anymore. That’s archaic. I never for a minute thought you were seriously going to marry some guy because your parents fucking arranged it.”
He’s so angry, and my eyes fill. “I’m sorry. I never meant for it to happen; he asked me in front of everyone. My whole family. His family. Everyone was there.”
“So, what are you saying? You got railroaded into this?”
“Are you serious about us, Blue? About me?” I slap my hand against my chest.
“Didn’t I warn you not to let them talk you into anything while I was gone? You promised me, Luisa.” He paces away and drags a hand through his hair. “I knew something like this would happen. I should have confronted that asshole before I left.”
“You don’t understand.”
