“Yes, you should. We’re a team, you and I. In every regard. But you don’t seem to realize it.” He put his arms around her and pulled her close. “I’m sorry I accused you like that. I just thought that could well be the reason for your frequent absences, and the...tension...between us since Lily and I got here. That being said, I couldn’t quite imagine you and Antonio together but—”

“Ugh. Please don’t. I need to talk to him, though. Obviously Emilia’s deterioration is worse than any of us thought, maybe including Antonio. He needs to know just in case...”

“Shhh, not now.” Gabriel nestled her into the crook of his neck. She couldn’t remember the last time they’d been together this way. It felt wonderful and Kim instinctively felt all of the tension leave her body. But then she exhaled.

It was now or never.

“I’m sorry that I haven’t been a good wife to you or a mother to Lily,” she began. Her heart was beating so hard it felt like a congo drum in her chest. She was so scared he wouldn’t understand. That she’d bare her soul to Gabe and he’d just tear it apart.

Still, she continued.

“I know it seems that work is more important than the two of you—especially lately—but it isn’t. It really isn’t,” she assured as she took his hand and began to play with his fingers. “You and Lily are my family, my only family, and I love you. I know you might not think that and sometimes I know I don’t act it, but I do. I love you so much.”

“I do know,” Gabriel replied, as a tender hand touched her cheeks. “And Lily does, too.”

Kim swallowed the boulder that had formed in her throat. “I need to tell you something else. Something I’ve been keeping to myself for a long time because I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me. I didn’t want you to hate me.”

“That could never happen. I love you. I’m always going to love you. No matter what. Even when I thought you and Antonio... It still didn’t stop me loving you.”

“You might not feel that once I say what I have to say. I hope you do, but I’d understand if you didn’t,” she replied as her eyes fell from his. This was the most difficult thing she’d ever had to do.

“OK, now I’m really worried,” Gabriel said, sitting back down again.