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He shrugs. “It’s just who I am. I like being around kids, teaching them, seeing them grow. It’s rewarding.”

“I wanted kids too. But Declan kept postponing it. He said we weren’t ready.”

Raul frowns. “That’s not fair. You should’ve had a say in it.”

“I know that now,” I say. “But I let him make the decisions. I trusted him. And look where that got me.”

He stops, turning to face me. “You made a mistake, but that doesn’t define you. You’re not the same person you were with him. You’re stronger now, wiser. And you’re going to be a great mom. The best.”

I laugh. “You don’t even know me. How can you say that?”

“Because I can see it,” he says, his eyes soft. “I can see the love you already have for this child. You’re already putting them first, even before they’re born. That’s what a good mother does.”

A tear rolls down my cheek. I quickly wipe it away, embarrassed. “You’re making me cry.”

He smiles, reaching out to brush another tear away. “Thank you, Alycia. For coming here tonight. I don’t take it for granted.”

I nod, unable to speak. After five years of Declan, I’d forgotten kindness could be this simple.

“Come on,” he says, reaching for my hand. “Let’s go get some ice cream. I know a great place just a few blocks away.”

I let him lead me, my hand in his. I don’t know what the future holds, what challenges we’ll face. But for now, I have hope.

CHAPTER 4 – Raul

Friday, June 27

Ifinish mopping the floor in the kitchen and let out a deep sigh. Another day at Amanecer is done.

I’ve been working a lot since the opening, trying to make sure everything runs smoothly. It’s exhausting, but rewarding. I love this place, my own little sanctuary.

I turn off the lights and lock the door, making my way out to my car. It’s late, but I’m not tired. I’m used to these long hours.

The knee is a different story. It’s been on a tiled floor for fourteen hours and it’s letting me know it. Besides, I promised my cousin Sofia I’d call her tonight.

I get in the car and start the engine, pulling out of the parking lot. The streets are quiet, the traffic light. It’s a nice change from the usual chaos.

I’m still staying in Valentina’s apartment. I didn’t bother looking for my own because she moved in with Lexa, so I have the place to myself anyway. I’ve been thinking about buying a house, a place to raise a family, but I can’t make that decision without Alycia.

I smile to myself. It’s been a week since she told me about the baby, and things have been… good. We talk almost every day, go for walks, have the occasional dinner together. We’re getting to know each other slowly but surely.

And I couldn’t be happier. I know it’s complicated, with her divorce and all, but I don’t care. I want this. I want this baby. And if I’m honest, I want her too, even if it’s far too soon to say it out loud. I’m ready.

I park the car in the garage and head up to the apartment. I flip on the lights and kick off my shoes, making my way to the kitchen.

The three plants I drove across the country are on the windowsill, and I water them before I do anything else. I open the fridge and grab a bottle of water, chugging it down.

On the fridge door, under a magnet shaped like a lemon that I took from Sol y Luna, there’s a gray picture of something about the size of a lime. Alycia printed me my own copy.

I’ve looked at it more times this week than I’ve looked at anything in my entire life.

Then, I pull out my phone and dial Sofia’s number. She answers after a few rings.

“Hey, cousin,” she says cheerfully. “What’s up?”

“Hey,” I reply. “I’m just checking in. How are things at Sol y Luna?”

“Busy. The restaurant is doing great. We’re packed every night. Santiago really stepped up in the kitchen.”