Page 163 of No Knight
I glance around myself, my heart warm as I see our friends and family assembling on either side of an aisle bordered with flowers. Matt’s brothers and sisters move to take their seats; Catherine, my wonderful mother-in-law-to-be, already in hers. Maeve sits on her lap as Antonio, her lelo (Clo said she’s happy to share him), makesour darling giggle by hiding and peeking from behind his hands. It’s so wild how much Matt looks like him.
“Look at her.” His whisper is a soft puff of air against my neck, his arms tightening around my middle. “She’s so perfect. I know it sounds silly, maybe,” he says with an emotional swallow. “But thank you.”
Such sincerity. Such love.
But from her blue eyes to her easy temperament, Maeve is all Romero. It’s funny how, my whole pregnancy, I said I was carrying a daughter, and Matt maintained our bump was a boy.
Somehow, the universe manifested both of our plans. And so much more.
Five things I can see.
I’m not stressed or overwhelmed but rejoicing.
I see mountains and lakes. Our home from home. Our family and their love as I watch them down below.
Four things I can hear.
The chink of champagne glasses ready to toast. Matt’s brothers’ teasing jeers. Our daughter’s infectious giggle and the sound of Matt’s soft puff of laughter in my ear.
Three things I can touch.
The iron rail beneath my fingers, old and strong. How our love will be at the end of our journey. Matt’s strong arms around me and, always, his love.
Two things I can smell.
My man’s cologne and the hint of whiskey on his breath as I turn.
One thing to taste.
Now and for always, my lips on his.
“There’s no need for thanks,” I say, pulling away from our kiss. Touching him. Loving him. “You saved me.” When he opens his mouth to protest, I press my finger there. “Come on, it’s time.”
“Yeah?” One elegant eyebrow lifts.
“Yeah. I have a date with the best thing to ever come out of Manhattan.”
“Zeppole?” he asks with a quirk to his head.
“With my darling white knight.”
And he was worth every penny.
