Chapter 34
Elowen
The next time I open my eyes, I’m in his bed, curled around Bruno.As if he senses I’m awake, he sits up and turns to face me.
I kiss his furry face. “My sweetest baby boy.”
He licks my jaw. I scratch behind his ears, giggling as he wriggles with joy. He rolls onto his back, paws paddling the air. I rub his chest, his belly, and kiss his nose.
We play and snuggle for a while, then I sit up. The second my bottom press against the mattress, a sharp winceescapes me.
I’m wearing nothing but his shirt. I glance around. My clothes are folded neatly on the couch. The sheets are fresh, too.He did all this while I was dead to the world.
A sweet fragrance fills the room. The door is open. From the kitchen comes the soft clink of utensils.
Rosie’s nowhere to be seen, either.
I get out of bed, wincing at the smallest friction. Bruno follows.
I take slow, careful steps toward the kitchen. Bruno veers off into another room. Salvario is arranging plates of sandwiches on the counter.
He’s changed into a long-sleeve tee and sweatpants, looking relaxed and fresh.
I smile and walk toward him.
“You’re total husband material.”
The moment I’m close, he pulls me into him and kisses me.
“Then marry me.”
I raise my brows. “Are you proposing?”
He nods.
“This is the laziest proposal in history.” I laugh.
He watches me with an unguarded smile. I kiss his smiling mouth.
“But I’ll still say yes.”
A loud ringtone from the living room couch interrupts us. Salvario loosens his hold slowly, his smile fading intosadness. I move to the couch, dig my phone from my coat, and answer.
“Dad?” I keep my voice steady, casual.
“It’s past nine, Princess.”
“Okay. I’ll leave soon.”
I end the call and, in a grave mood, toss the phone onto the couch.
I turn to Salvario. He’s watching me, his face hard.
I walk to him and hug him. He wraps his arms tightly around me.
“Don’t go.” The plea is a whisper.
“I have to.” My voice is thick.
