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It's impossible to think such a thing with those two.

What they had was special...while what I had with Shayla was nothing but a sham.

I'm about to walk away, to avoid the reminder of everything I've lost, when Hope looks up and spots me. Her eyes widen in recognition, and manners dictate that I meet them halfway. I wait for traffic to clear, then cross the street.



















Chapter Twelve

HOPE

"IS THAT ADRIANO KONTIDES?" I give my husband a nudge, and Colin follows my gaze. "That's him, isn't he?"

Colin turns to me, saying dryly, "Just give it to me straight."

Ilovehow my husband knows me so well.

"We should talk to him, don't you think?"

"Is that what God's telling you?"

I nod.

"Then you won't hear any arguments from me," he says simply.

Oh my goodness.He's always been the most beautiful man in my eyes, but his gorgeousness takes a whole new level every time he says things like that. I really wish I could stand on my toes and give him a kiss, but...

Pregnancy has made me ungainly, and so all I can do is throw my arms around his waist. "I love you, Colin."

A flush stains my husband's high-boned cheeks when I pull away. It's terribly cute, but I can't let myself be distracted, especially with Adriano already crossing the street.

Please guide me, God.

Adriano reaches us in the next moment. His smile is courteous, but his eyes are haunted by pain.

"Hope. Colin." He nods stiffly to each of us. His face is a careful mask, but his eyes give him away. He's hurting.

"What a lovely surprise," I say. "We were just talking about you the other day, weren't we, Colin?"