CASSANDRA
After breakfast, they leave Alex with Annah and head to the doctor’s office. Once they’re in the examination room, Emilio introduces her to the doctor. “This is my wife,”
They exchange greetings, and then Emilio starts to explain Cassandra’s symptoms. He’s such a control freak, she thinks. She’s the one who’s pregnant, but he’s doing all the talking.
“Mrs. Rodriguez,” the doctor says, “is there anything else you’d like to add?
“No, my husband has covered everything.”
“Alright, why don’t you sit down so we can check your breathing and blood pressure? Cassandra does as he instructs, and a few minutes later, he says. “I need you to give me a urine sample. The bathroom is right there.” He points. “Let me know when you’re done.”
Cassandra knows all these procedures are normal, but having Emilio here makes everything feel more personal. She had gone to her appointments alone when she was pregnant with Alex, and now she’s struck by how intimate it all is
When Cassandra finishes, she calls the doctor, who takes the sample to test it. When he returns to the room, his frown makes her nervous, and she starts to fidget with her fingers.
“Is something wrong, doctor?” she asks, but he doesn’t answer.
“Could you lie down for me so we can check on the baby?”
Emilio is by her side in an instant, his hand gently stroking her hair. A moment later, the sound of the baby’s heartbeat fills the room, and Cassandra closes her eyes. The sound fills her with an overwhelming emotion. She can’t believe she’s going to be a mother again.
Cassandra opens her eyes and meets her husband’s gaze.
EMILIANO
Emiliano sees the love in his wife’s eyes as she listens to their baby’s heartbeat. He feels a powerful connection to this woman.
Her words earlier hurt him. How could she think he would tire of her when he can’t imagine his life without her? And hearing their baby’s heartbeat only deepens his love for her. He needs to share his feelings with her.. and soon.
Emiliano hears another sound in the room. “What is that, doctor?“”
“Another heartbeal.”
“Another heartbeat? Cassie repeats, lifting her head. “What does that mean?””
Emiliano’s mother grins. “It means you’re having twins!” she exclaims.
Cassie looks as shocked as Emiliano feels. Twins… really?
The doctor says, “Your mother is right, you are having twins. Look here.” He shows them the other baby on the screen. “Your HCG levels are high, and your hormones are all over the place. That’s why your morning sickness is getting worse and why you can hardly
Cassie sits up. “My doctor didn’t mention anything about twins at my last appointment.”
“One twin was probably hiding. It’s common for us to miss one in the early stages of development because they hide or because one is bigger than the other. But we can detect it now because you’re almost eight weeks along.”
“This calls for a celebration,” Mama says cheerfully. “The first set of twins in our family what incredible news!”
“Mrs. Rodriguez,” the doctor continues, “I would advise you to take it easy. Your blood pressure is a little high, but not enough for us to be alarmed about it. Just stay off your feet as much as possible, get plenty of rest for the babies–they’ll take up most of your strength and energy and eat. I recommend trying a new menu; since you weren’t able to keep your normal foods down, eat something different. In the meantime, here is a prescription for your nausea.”
Emiliano takes the prescription from the doctor. “Thank you, doctor,” he says, shaking the man’s hand.
CASSANDRA
“Twins,” Cassandra s
says in disbelief in the car.
Emilio covers her hand with his own. “I’m here with you. It’s gonna be okay.” He kisses her hand, and Cassandra hopes he’s right.
Double the work…double everything.
“I must say, son, you’ve outdone yourself this time around.” Emilia says.
Cassandra blushes, thinking of how often they’ve made love, how they couldn’t keep their hands off each other… This was bound to happen.
“We should call the family and let them know the good news,” Emilia continues. “I’ll organize a small dinner celebration.”
“Mother, I don’t think that would be wise. The doctor said Cassie needs rest; she needs to stay off her feet.”
“Emiliano, it will be dinner with family and some close friends, Cassandra doesn’t need to do anything–I’ll take care of everything. All she has to do is be there. An hour or two won’t hurt.”
“You need to take it easy too, Mother, Remember what the doctor told you?””
“Nonsense. I’m absolutely fine, and nothing will happen to me. Cassandra…?”
“I’m okay,” she reassures her. “A few hours will be okay.”
Cassandra meets her husband’s eyes. He doesn’t look happy at all, but Emilia is so excited that Cassandra doesn’t want to hurt her feelings. After all, she will be a grandmother again.
Once they get home, Emilia starts preparing for dinner, and Cassandra goes to Alex’s room. Emilio follows her.
After gently lifting her son out of his crib, Cassandra closes her eyes, inhaling his scent. “You’re growing so fast,” she whispers in his hair.
Emilio steps in, wrapping his arms around both of them. He plants a kiss on Alex’s head and asks, “How’re you doing?”
“Better than this morning.”
“Hungry?”
“Not really, but I could eat.
“You need to look after yourself, Cassie. Remember what the doctor said.”
“I know, and I will,” she assures him. “Can I ask you something?
“I’m all cars.”
“Are you…happy about the babies? I mean, I’m sure this wasn’t part of your plan, your perfectly orchestrated bachelor life. Do you think you’ll be happy with me, raising our kids?” Her throat tightens as she utters the last words.
Emilio looks taken aback. “I wouldn’t want my life any other way. There’s no place I’d rather be right now than here with you and Alex…
“I had a bunch you might be pregnant, but I knew if I confronted you, you’d clam up. I was upset because you didn’t want to tell me, but I’m thrilled that you’re the mother of my children. I’ll never turn my back on any of them, and I’m more than ready to raise our kids together.””
By the time he finishes, Cassandra is on the brink of tears. She belongs here, with this man. He is her home.
Tears trickle down her cheeks, and Emilio tenderly wipes them away. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. I’m right here.” He continues to cradle her and Alex until their son starts to squirm.
“He needs to be fed,” Cassandra says.
“I’ve got it,” Emilio says, taking Alex from her. “You can just watch.”
“I can still-
“You need to rest, especially with my mom planning a party for tonight.” She starts to object. “I’m not taking “no” for an answer,
12:54 PM
CASSANDRA
The day flies by, but now Cassandra can’t seem to locate her ever–watchful husband. Two hours before the party, she steps out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel and freezes when she spots him. Her heart does a little flip, and her pulse races. She wonders if he’ll always have this effect on her.
“I know what you’re thinking.” Emilio interrupts her thoughts,
Cassandra’s cheeks heat up. “It’s not polite to read people’s minds.”
“You’re a
open book, sweetheart.” He moves toward her, and she instinctively steps back. He halts. “What’s the matter!“”
“N–nothing. Why do you ask? Cassandra forces a smile to mask her nerves.
“You’re backing away from me.” Emilio reaches out, his hands on her shoulders, and the contact sends warmth coursing through her.
“I’m not.” She meets his eyes, and his thumb brushes her cheek. His other hand cradles the back of her neck, drawing her closer. A moment later, he’s kissing her gently, and she closes her eyes
Cassandra kisses him back, opening her mouth to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. Her fingers tangle in the hair at the nape of his neck, holding him in place as she loses herself in him. He tastes so good.
Emilio’s tongue explores her mouth, seeking hers, and when they meet, it’s like a spark, hot and explosive. Cassandra lets her hands roam down his cloth–covered chest, craving his bare skin. She needs to touch him everywhere.
As she presses closer, Cassandra can feel his arousal straining against the confines of his pants and boxers. Without a hint of embarrassment, she lets her towel drop, leaving her completely bare.
Emilio’s hands rest on her hips, his touch gentle. Cassandra feels her nipples harden as they brush against his shirt. She whimpers with need, clumsily working at his buttons. Their lips never part.
Once Emilio’s shirt joins her towel on the floor and she can finally touch him. Cassandra tugs at his belt. He breaks their kiss and pulls back slightly, looking at her. They’re both panting.
“You need to rest, sweetheart.” Emilio says, his voice rough, clearly struggling to keep his control. “If I don’t stop touching you now, you’ll only get more worked up, and we won’t make it to the party. You beard the doctor.” He’s still hard, but he just kisses her on the
forehead.
“What are you thinking?” Cassandra asks, disappointed,
“Nothing. I’m going to take a shower.”
“Why won’t you let me in?” She sighs. “I never know what’s going on in your head while you always know what’s in mine.”
Emilio chuckles. “What do you want to know?”
“Nothing. I’m about to beg you to make love to me, so go and get ready.”
He runs his fingers through her hair. “You’re so beautiful when you’re angry and frustrated.” He kisses her one last time and heads into the bathroom to clean up.
Cassandra heads to the closet, searching for something to wear for the evening. So many choices, yet she can’t decide.
In the end, she picks a rose gold, embellished evening dress with a deep V–neck, and a pair of gold open–toed heels. She keeps her makeup simple with a touch of blush, eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. Finally, she pulls her hair up into a bun.
Soon, Cassandra will be round with pregnancy, and all these beautiful dresses won’t fit her anymore. Will Emilio still want her? Make love to her? The thought of him with another woman sends a shiver down her spine, and she bites her lower lip anxiously.
“What’s with the face?” she hears him ask.
“I was just wondering if you’ll still find me attractive when I’m big. Will you lose interest? Will you look for satisfaction in another woman’s arms?
After a moment of silence, Cassandra looks up and finds Emilio staring at her. Oh my God! Did she just say her thoughts out loud?
“I guess you heard that.” Emilio nods. “Forget I said anything. Sometimes I just think out loud. Just ignore me. I’ll go find Alex.” Cassandra tries to move past him, but he grabs her wrist.
Chapter 50 of 57 Chapter 50
“It’s okay to speak your mind and admit your fears. Not many people do that… Don’t be scared. I’m happy with you and committed to you, regardless of our original agreement. I’ll never cheat on you or disrespect you or our marriage by stepping out.
“I’ve never felt with another woman what I feel with you. So you can bet your pretty ass I’ll still find you attractive when you’re “huge,” as you put it, with my child in you. I can’t wait for that time. You’ll never be anything less than perfect in my eyes, Cassie.”
“For a man who isn’t a romantic, you sure know how to make a woman melt. Keep it up, and I might just fall in love.”
“Would it be so bad if you did?” he asks.
In that moment, Cassandra is speechless. Did she hear him right? Does he actually
ly want her to fall in love with him? No, no…she must’ve misunderstood, or he didn’t mean it.
“Don’t joke like that, Emiliano.”
“Am I laughing?” he retorts.
Before Cassandra can respond, there’s a knock on the bedroom door. “I’ll get that,” she says.
Emilio gives her a quick kiss, disappearing back into the bathroom. When Cassandra opens the bedroom door, she finds Emilia standing there.
“Oh good, you’re ready. I brought you this.” She hands Cassandra a gift box…
She opens it to find a stunning emerald–diamond necklace. “Mother…I…I can’t acc
“I’d be really happy if you did. Emiliano’s dad got it for me, and I just couldn’t bear to wear it or toss it out. It’s the last thing I have that he got for me when we were still together. Please, take it.”
“Victor…” Cassandra questions softly, hoping Emilio doesn’t catch wind of their conversation. Emilia gives a nod, and Cassandra wraps her in a hug. “It’s beautiful, thank you. Emiliano ”
“He believes Carlos got it,” Emilia confirms. “I’ll meet you downstairs.”
Once her mother–in–law shuts the door, Cassandra moves to the mirror and tries on the necklace. She can sense that Emilia still holds Victor close to her heart, that she still harbors a pure, selfless, unconditional love for him.
r to fall for him?
Cassandra ponders over Emilio’s words. Would it really be so terrible if I did? Does he truly want her to
She’s unsure of what to make of his words, but she also yearns for what Emilia had–the kind of love that you hold onto until your last breath. The kind of love where you give yourself completely to the one man who makes you feel whole, who completes you, who gives you a reason to rise each morning, who becomes the very air you breathe.
Emilio is that man for her. He’s the other half of her heart.
Cassandra looks down at the necklace again, her fingers tracing over it. When she lifts her gaze, Emilio is standing before her, dressed in a casual suit and crisp white shirt. His hair is neatly styled, making him look delicious.
“You look beautiful,” her husband compliments.
“Thank you,” she murmurs. “And you look good enough to eat.”
He graces her with one of his captivating smiles. “You’re wearing my mother’s necklace.”
“Yes, she gave it to me.”
“It looks beautiful on you. Did she tell you my dad bought it for her?” Cassandra nods. “My dad had good taste, much like me. I’d pick something like this for you.”
Cassandra looks away. Her heart aches for him whenever he mentions his father. Keeping the truth from him is tough.
“Shall we?” she suggests.
Emilio releases her hair. “You truly are breathtaking.”
“And you truly are a smooth talker.”
His arm wraps around her waist, and they head downstairs together.
