“Are you sure about that?”
She certainly sounds sure of herself. And she’s been handling food for decades…
Mom pats my shoulder. “Plus, it’s vegetarian. It’s totally fine, I promise you, sweetie.”
She heads off to the counter to put the lasagna away, and I’m left at the table with Dad, dumbstruck.
I lean back against my chair. I’ll admit that I’m not the biggest expert on food safety. But Mom has been cooking her entire life. I grew up on her and Dad’s food, and not once did I get sick from eating something either of them made.
She’s probably right, then.
It’s going to be fine.
Chapter 33
Rachel
While Cayce and Corey horse around with their grandfather, I make the most of the opportunity and curl up on the couch in front of the fire stove, a book in hand. I bring up one of the blankets to cover myself up to my chest, then wrap my feet under my legs and allow myself to fall into the pages.
It doesn’t take long for Karan to join me. When he does, sliding up against me and wrapping one arm around my shoulder, I close my eyes to savour the moment.
How good it feels to be able to be close to my husband again like this. Reveling in the heat of his body against mine alone is a soothing balm over all of my worries, of which there are plenty. We didn’t wrap up everything with a neat little bow when we left the A-frame cabin, and part of me can’t help but linger on our unfinished business.
At least we both put everything on the table. There is no longer a heaping pile of worries bubbling up inside me, rotting into resentment. That doesn’t mean we’re in the clear yet, but at least, I can enjoy a moment of cuddling on the couch without feeling sick to my stomach.
He wants to try. I want to try.
We’re going to make it.
I look up from my book and turn my head to look at Karan, who, it turns out, was already looking at me.
“You creep,” I whisper with a smile.
“What? I can’t help it if you’re the most beautiful thing to look at.”
“You’re happy just sitting here doing nothing and looking at me?”“Just?” Karan chuckles and kisses my forehead. “Baby, sitting here doing nothing and looking at you is the best gift I could ever ask for.”
If nothing else, I know without a doubt that Karan’s love for me runs deep and true. How can I doubt it when he speaks words like these?
I only hope it’s going to be enough.
The hairs stand at the back of my neck. My pulse stutters. I don’t realize why at first—not consciously. But when I turn to look towards the kitchen and spot Martine with my sons, my blood goes cold.
She’s taking out the lasagna. Both of my sons are at her heels, almost frothing at the mouth.
What the fuck?
“Karan.” I elbow him, and he looks down at me with big eyes, then follows my glare to where I’m looking. “I thought you said you were going to talk to her. Go stop her. Now.”
If I don’t want to cause drama, it’s got to be him. Not me.
Karan’s brow lifts in understanding, and he smiles.
Smiles.
“Oh, yeah,” he starts, seeming absolutely way too chill for what’s going on. “I talked to her. She said it was fine.”
A gulf opens at my feet, and I tumble into a free fall with no warning.
