Chapter 45 CASSANDRA Once theyre home, Emilio heads to his study while Cassandra checks on Alex. Their little boy is sound asleep. Emilio hasnt said much to her since they left Luis and Beths place, but Cassandra is fine with that for now. She takes a quick shower and slips into bed. A bit later, Emilio comes in and starts unbuttoning his shirt. Cassandra sits up to face him, and seeing her expression, he asks, Whats wrong? Nothing, I was just waiting for you. He flashes her that sexy grin. You want me? I want my husband to come to bed. Im tired and I want to fall asleep in his arms. You do realize its impossible for me to hold you in my arms and not make love to you? Emilio sits down next to her and strokes her cheek. And youre not making it any easier by responding to my touch. I cant help it, Cassandra confesses. When it comes to you, my body has a mind of its own. He moves closer and brushes his lips against hers. Ive never met a woman who so openly expresses her feelings. You have no idea what that does to me. Im only telling the truth, Emilio. Ive tried so hard to keep my emotions under control when were together, but you break down all my barriers. Im completely vulnerable when it comes to you, and that scares me…to death. How can she admit the hold he has over her without telling him that she loves him unconditionally? She looks away, tired of hiding it. If I didnt know better, I would say you love me. EMILIANO Emiliano turns Cassies face, and when their eyes meet, what he sees shocks him. Her feelings are genuine. She loves him! She actually loves him. His heart starts to race, and all the air in his lungs disappears. Hes speechless. He loves her, but he never thought she would love him back. Joy floods his entire body. He doesnt know if he should hug her, kiss her, or make love to her, so he just pulls her into his arms and lays down with her. Do you think youll ever fall in love? Cassie asks. I already havewith you, Emiliano silently tells her. But all he says is, Sleep, mi amor. It isnt long before he hears her steady breathing and feels her calm heartbeat. Cassie loves him! How could he be so blind that he didnt see it? Now that he thinks about it, not once has she hidden her feelings when they made love. It was evident in the glances she throws his way whenever he rocks their son to sleep, whenever they cuddle, whenever she thinks he isnt watching. The signs were always there. Emiliano holds her tightly, unable to believe the truth. He knows Cassie wont admit her true feelings because of their agreement, so its up to him to make the first move if he wants to hear her say those magical three words. He sleeps peacefully that night and the nights that follow. *** On Friday afternoon, while lying in each others arms after making love, Cassie asks, What time are we leaving? Whenever youre ready, Emiliano says, nuzzling her hair. She sighs softly. What? he prompts. I love it when you do that, Cassie smiles. In fact, I love everything you do to my body and more. Thank you, Emiliano says, rolling her over. Shall I show you what else I can do to your body? Yes, please. His head slowly descends toward hers, and their lips are only inches apart when Alexs cries sound through the monitor. Emiliano groans. Your son has impeccable timing. Cassie laughs. Where does he get that from? I wonder myself, he says, getting up and slipping on his pants. Ill take care of him. Get ready in the meantime. Emiliano kisses her long and hard before leaving. When he returns with Alex, he sees her hunched over the toilet. What is wrong with her? He should ask why shes sick, but knowing his stubborn wife, she wouldnt answer anyway. Emiliano goes downstairs to prepare Alexs bottle. If he didnt know better, he wouldve said Cassie is pregnant, but that isnt possible. Shes still on the pill. Is she? A small voice asks. His steps falter as his mind reviews the past few weeks. Theyve been making love every day, and not once has she mentioned her period. Could it be true? Is she pregnant? If she is, then why is she hiding it from him? Asking her wont help. If he wants the truth, hell have to find out on his own. Emiliano is feeding Alex when Cassie makes her appearance, wearing a floor-length summer dress with spaghetti straps and her hair tied on top of her head. His eyes fall to her breasts. From far away, one would say she is wearing a bra, but as she gets closer, he can tell she isnt. The dress lovingly hugs those round, firm breasts, and he notices that they are bigger than beforehow could he have missed that? Cassie smiles broadly and gives Alex a kiss. Time for his first test. Are you hungry? Ive ordered lunch; you must be starving after that workout. No, she says. Im not hungry. When are you getting your period? Cassie averts her gaze and goes to the kitchen. In a few days. He can hear her voice wavering. Are you late? Huh? She asked confused. I was just remembering that its been a while since your last period. Thats why Im asking if youre late. Yeah, yeah, Cassie responds. I dont exactly have a regular cycle like most women. Shes not the best at lying; her stunning green eyes give away every emotion shes feeling. Ive been thinking, Emiliano starts. About what? Come here, he instructs, and she complies. He has her sit down next to him. Something Beth mentioned the other night has been nagging at me. Cassie shifts in her seat. Im all ears. I realized I never asked if you wanted to have kids in the future or anytime soon; I only shared my thoughts. His hand wraps around her neck. Do you want to have more kids? Someday, yes, I do. But if Alex is my only child, I wont be upset… I havent forgotten the agreement we made before we got married: no attachments, promises, or expectations. Even if I do want children in the future, you dont, so where does that leave us? Lets consider a scenario. Say you accidentally get pregnant nowwould you terminate it without telling me just because I said I dont want any kids? No! Cassie exclaims vehemently, causing Alex to jump. Bingo, Emiliano thinks. Her passionate response says it all. No, Id never do that. I would tell you the truth, it wouldnt be intentional; like you said, it would be a mistake. The real question here is, what would you say if it happened? Nothing. If you were pregnant, theres nothing I could do except love and accept that baby like I did with Alex. I wouldnt treat them any differently; after all, babies are blessings, and they bring love, joy, and happiness into a home. This is her opportunity to tell the truth. Just then, his cell rings. Emiliano sighs. I have to take this, he says, passing Alex over to her. 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