“Van.” He bites his lip to keep from smiling. “Please take me back. I’ll get on two knees and grovel. I’ll show up at my parents’ and yours when I know you’re going to be there until you get tired and just say yes.”

“Adam.” I sigh heavily and glance away, determined to make him sweat it out. When I look at him again, I can tell he’s certain I’m going to say no. I inch closer to him, bringing my hands up and tucking them into the lapels of his suit, reveling in the twitch his peck muscles give at my touch. “I don’t think we stood a chance apart. You’ve been following me around since middle school and I know how determined you are when you want something. This is me saying yes, in case you’re wondering.” I smile up at him. “But if you ever leave me again or feel the need to walk away from me because you don’t think you can handle the shit life throws at us, we’re done. For good.”

He closes his eyes briefly and lets out a breath. When his gaze meets mine again, all I see is love and certainty. He doesn’t make promises, doesn’t try to convince me that I’m making the right mistake. He just leans down and captures my mouth with his, and we both know that’s enough.

Epilogue

1 year later

“Stop bouncing your knee. You’re making me nervous.” I glance over at Adam, who’s sitting beside me in a hospital chair.

There’s really no way he can make me more nervous than I already am, but I say this to him because I need to complain about something to take my mind off what’s about to happen. I’m scheduled for a C-section in fifteen minutes and the countdown has been excruciating.

“Your kids sent flowers,” he says. “They’re holding them in a separate room for now.”

I swallow, nodding. Last time we were in this hospital, people had sent congratulatory flowers, which quickly became funeral flowers, so hearing they’re out there doesn’t really help matters.

“We’re here.” The door swings open and my sister lets out a breath. “Dude, the streets are crazy and Mom had to go back and get her rosary. Dad’s in the waiting area and War’s getting the bag you asked me to bring. I left it in the car.” Camila rushes to my side and lifts my hand in both of hers. “How are you feeling, sissy?”

“Nervous.” For the first time since finding out I was pregnant, I feel myself begin to cry. “What if—”

“No.” She squeezes my hand. “Stop. You’re going to be fine. She’s going to be fine.”

“Dios está contigo,” my mother says as she steps into the room.