Chapter 88 Don Covers His Laughter With a Cough
Elena.
When I was younger, I dreamed of a love like my parents'. A love that transcends everything and everyone. A love that is pure, kind, and selfless. But that dream was shattered when my mother left, forever changing my view of love.
I love my daughter. I love my family. I love my friends. But when it comes to Roman, I'm not sure where he stands. I've never been in love. How can I recognize it if I don't know what it is?
And that’s exactly what I told him after Roman dropped the bomb on me a few days ago. He just kissed my forehead and told me with a patient smile that I knew. And when I did, he wanted to be the first to know.
Sometimes it really does feel like a dream. And I think that’s what holds me back. The fear that one day I’ll wake up and he’ll be gone.
Cassie giggles as I shake the rattle over her head, her eyes following it as I move it from one side to the other. She’s in her crib, and I’m standing over her.
I haven't been away from her for more than a few minutes since she was here. My heart can't take it. Every time I look away from her, my throat tightens with irrational fear.
She's safe. I know that. But I'm worried, too. I'm afraid that the next time something bad happens, I won't be able to get her back.
I feel a hand on my shoulder and look at Roman.
“Hey, how was your day?” I ask quietly.
“Boring. I spent most of my time doing paperwork.”
We look at Cassie for a few seconds.
“I wonder what her first word will be,” Roman says.
I look at him. “It better be ‘mama,’” I say.
He grins. “We’ll see.”
The conversation ends when there’s a knock on the door. Roman and I turn to the open door where Maria and Rose are standing. Rose smiles as she walks in and heads straight for the crib.
"Don't mind me, I just wanted to talk to my niece," she says.
Before I can utter a word of protest, she grabs Cassie from her crib.
"Bye, Mom and Dad," Rose says, imitating a baby voice.
She waves Cassie at us, and they leave. Roman and I exchange glances, and Maria sits down on our bed. Her eyes immediately meet mine.
"Elena, come here. Sit down," she says quietly, patting the bed.
Since that incident, Maria has become much kinder to me. But the DeLucas are notoriously stubborn.
I sit down next to her, and she takes one of my hands, placing it between hers. She looks at my face with a smile, then back at her son, who looks at us curiously.
"When are you two planning to get married?" Maria asks.
My mouth drops open. Of all the things I expected her to say…
Roman clears his throat and looks at her intently. “We’ll get married when we’re ready, Mom.”
I can’t even tell a man I love him, and she’s already expecting us to walk down the aisle. It’s just perfect. Roman’s eyes meet mine, and I can see that he’s a little surprised when he looks back at his mother.
“There’s no rush,” he adds.
“No rush?” his mom presses. “Cassie will be soon. Don’t you think it’s time for the two of you to try for another baby? And I’d really like you to do that when you get married.”
My jaw drops even further. This time, Roman covers his laughter with a cough. He enjoys the fear coursing through my veins. “Mom, take your time. As you said, Cassie will be here soon. We have plenty of time.”
“I just want more grandchildren,” Maria says sadly.
“You could marry Tony off,” Roman suggests. “Or Michael.”
“As if I could force those heathens to marry,” she mutters. “You two are my only hope.”
“Okay, Mom. We get it.”
Maria turns to me, squeezing my hands a little tighter. “You are much stronger than I have ever seen, Elena. And it will be an honor for me to have you as my daughter-in-law,” she whispers.
Her hands squeeze mine once more, and then she rises to her feet.
“Roman,” I whisper as she leaves. “Did I just get your mother’s approval?”
“A red badge and bright support,” he agrees, nodding.
Then he does something that surprises me. He drops to one knee and looks at me with concern.
“What my mom said… You know there’s no rush, right? We’ll do it at your pace. I really don’t care.”
I smile, placing my hands on his jaw. “I know. And thank you for being so wonderful.”
“Thank you for being mine,” he replies.
Oh, who am I kidding? Of course, I love him. I’ve loved him for longer than I ever thought possible. And I’ll love him for much longer. They say home is where the heart is, and there’s never been a place for my heart but here.
Thanksgiving at the DeLuca house, which I guess is now my home in every sense of the word, is chaotic at best. And it’s all thanks to my idiot brother.
“Tony!” Kiara snaps. “I swear, if you don’t give me that baby right now, I’m going to elbow you in the ribs.”
My brother rolls his eyes, but doesn’t loosen his grip on Cassie, who seems to enjoy being the cause of their fight.
“Nothing’s happening, Ki,” Tony says, ignoring the way Kiara’s eyes flash.
“You held her all night,” Kiara said.
“Because I’m her uncle,” he says.
“Well, I’m her godmother,” Kiara counters.
I sigh softly. Roman’s arm wraps around my waist as we watch them argue. We finished dinner an hour ago, and since then, Maria and my father have retreated to the living room to talk. Michael has disappeared, and like us, Rose is watching the scene unfold before us with pleasure.