“You’ve been here almost a year—and we don’t want drugs in the house.”

Miguel lifted one shoulder. “Who says there are drugs in the house?”

“I’m not stupid, Miguel. I can see the signs. You’re using.”

“No, I’m not. Not anymore.”

“Then you’re dealing. Show me what’s in the package inside your coat.”

His brother-in-law’s eyebrows drew together, and a muscle ticced in his jaw. “You’ve been spying on me?”

“I watch what happens on my property. If you’re not involved with drugs, you shouldn’t mind showing me the package.”

“It’s private.”

“You have to leave, Miguel.”

His nostrils flared, and his features hardened. “Tonight? You would throw a family member out in this cold to wander the streets in search of shelter? I could freeze to death.”

“Eduardo.” Margarita angled toward him. “We can give him a few days to find a new place to live, can’t we?”

That wasn’t his preference. The sooner the man was gone, the better.

But ejecting someone without warning in the dead of winter wasn’t right, either.

Perhaps he could offer a small concession.

“I’ll give you three days. Until Thursday night.”

“That’s generous of you.” Sarcasm sullied his words.

“I think so. More than.”

Miguel muttered an oath that made Margarita cringe as he swung toward her. “I can’t believe my own sister is turning her back on me. I won’t forget this.” He shoved past them, toward the hall. Stomped to the room he’d claimed as his own. Slammed the door.

A quiver rippled through Margarita, and Eduardo pulled her close. “I’m sorry to upset you, mi amor. But we had to do this for the sake of our little one.”

“I know. You’re right. It’s dangerous to have drugs in the house. Do you think he’ll be able to find somewhere to stay in three days?”

“If not, he can mooch off an acquaintance until he does. That guy who gave him the drugs tonight shouldn’t care if he brings an illegal substance into his place. Come. Let’s go to bed.”

He led her down the hall, past the door to the room destined to be a nursery, the knot that had been in his stomach for months at last loosening.

They’d delivered their ultimatum, and in three days Miguel would be gone. Their life would calm down, and they could begin thinking about their future without a dark cloud hanging over it.