Page 81 of The Taste of Deceit

A lump forms in my throat.

“I know that sounds crazy.”

“It doesn’t.”

“He told me he wants forever.”

Her voice is so certain it almost hurts to hear.

“I’ve never wanted anything the way I want that man.”

I stare at the ceiling, blinking back the sting in my eyes. Katie has no idea that the ring already exists. No idea that Michael has been carrying it around for months. No idea that I’m keeping one more secret from her.

She lets out a happy sigh.

“And if Michael marries me...”

She nudges my shoulder.

“...and Luca marries you...”

I turn my head toward her.

“We’ll both be Amatos.”

A laugh escapes her.

“Our kids will grow up together. They’ll be cousins.”

I smile into the darkness, even as guilt settles heavier in my chest.

“I’d like that.”

“So would I.”

She reaches over and squeezes my hand.

“We’re going to be family,” Katie says quietly. “I can’t wait.”

“Me either.”

Katie lets out a sleepy sigh.

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

I turn my head toward her.

“I’m glad I’m here too.”

She smiles without opening her eyes.

“We should do this every week.”

I laugh softly, and she yawns.

“I love you.”

The words catch me off guard, not because she says them, but because tonight they land a little differently. I swallow the lump in my throat.