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I raise a brow in challenge. Unless Camila tells me to go, there’s no fucking way I’m leaving them alone.
“It’s okay, Dr. Harris. He can stay,” Camila says softly.
My inside warms at the thought of being part of their family. When Camila’s eyes lock with mine, something inside me stirs. They are carving a permanent spot in my heart.
Ava lies in a bed in a large room filled with rows of beds, only thin curtains separating them. Beside her bed, there’s a chair where Camila sits, and a tall table I assume is for the patients’ food.
I make a mental note to offer Camila to take Ava to a private hospital next time. I want only the best for this little angel.
Dr. Harris evaluates Ava, then calls a nurse in. She appears a second later, and he rattles off the name of some medications. The nurse nods and leaves in a hurry.I can only hope the bleeding can be stopped quickly.
Camila holds Ava’s right hand, and her head is leaned against the bed. She’s murmuring something—it looks like she’s praying.
Not wanting to disturb her, I place my hand on her shoulder and squeeze gently, letting her know she’s not alone.
The nurse returns and starts an IV on Ava’s left arm, then she administers a couple of medicines through the line.
“Ms. Flores, we would like to monitor Ava overnight, just to make sure she recovers well,” Dr. Harris says.
She tries to smile, but it comes out crooked. I wish I was the one in pain, not Ava. I hate this sense of helpless I feel—not to mention I hate seeing Camila so defeated.
“Thank you,” is all Camila manages to say before the doctor and the nurse leave, closing the curtains and cocooning us in a small, quiet space.
“Camila, what do you say? Do you want to head home, and I’ll stay with Ava?” I already know her answer, but I thought I would offer anyway.
“Thank you, Vicente. Your support means the world to me, but I need to stay with my baby,” she says, her eyes filling with emotion.
I crouch to meet her gaze, and a beautiful smile spreads across her lips.
“I know. I know. I just wish there’s something else I could do,” I admit, my hand sliding from her shoulder to the crook of her arm, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.
She places a hand on top of mine. “Trust me, you’ve done enough. And I can’t thank you enough.”
I inhale a deep breath, knowing there’s nothing else I can do for them at the moment. But I relish the fact that we’re getting closer. If something positive can come from today, let it be this.
I kiss her hand before rising to my full height. After a lingering look at Ava, I turn my gaze to Camila and give her a wink. She smiles softly, and I slowly make my way out of their makeshift room.
As much as I wanted to stay with them, I knew it wasn’t my place.
Not yet at least.
But deep down, I know they belong with me.
After spending the whole day with Camila and seeing Ava, my house feels like a mausoleum. I need to speed this marriage up. I need them to move in with me.
Whenever I’m with them, my life bursts with color. With excitement.
And after seeing how fragile Ava is, I need to keep them safe. Even though I know Camila will fight for Ava to get the best care possible at St. Mary’s, I know I can help. Iwantto help.
After taking a shower, I dry off and throw on a pair of sweats. Once I’m comfortable in bed, I grab my phone and text her.
Vicente: Is the duckling asleep?
Camila doesn’t reply immediately, so I decide to text Gabo while I wait.
Vicente: Any chance you and Isa are free next week? I need a favor.
My brother’s reply is instant.