Page 96 of Matteo

It's a battle not to allow the fear of losing her to overwhelm me. Even putting the words into the universe is terrifying. “Regret is not something I will ever have for the time I have Amy in my life. There are no guarantees in life. We’re going to change and grow. Who we are now is not the same person either of us will be in five or ten years. My hope is we grow together in a way that makes us stronger because I can’t imagine my life without her.”

“If you’re sure she’s what you want. I will support you both.” He promises.

“She isn’t what I want. Amy and Layla are the only things in this world that I need. If you cannot accept this—us—I have no problem removing you from our lives to protect her from the pain your denial causes.”

His chuckle surprises me. “As you should.”

“I’m glad that’s settled. Now, how about you tell me if anyone else knows you’re dying?”

An eyebrow goes up at the same time his eyes shutter. “I’m ninety-two years old, mijo. We all have to go some time.”

I shake my head. “Bullshit. It’s your heart, isn’t it?”

Clenching his jaw, he nods. “A few years ago, I spent time in Mexico having a bypass done. It bought me time. That time is coming to an end.”

“Your doctor?—”

The shake of his head is firm. “No more doctors. No more needles and blood draws, and hospital rooms. I’m done. I’ve had a long life. I’m content my time is coming close to an end.”

I sigh. “Have you told anyone?”

“No, and neither will you. Your mother was upset I didn’t tell her about the bypass before I had it. She might have figured out by my insistence she divorce your father and marry me. It was my hope I would die with her as my wife. However, she has refused. I’m not going to use it as a means to change her mind.”

“That’s what you two have been fighting about.” I exhale the words.

He nods.

“Why won’t she divorce Dad?” I’m angry with her all over again.

“Because he doesn’t want her to. With the divorce, it will free him to marry his long-time girlfriend. He doesn’t want to marry her, but he’s also not willing to end the relationship.” His chuckle is bitter. “Despite not truly caring, your mother and I are in a relationship. He’s guilting her not to divorce him.”

I can’t fucking believe him. “What if?—”

“No, don’t. No, what if. Your mother has made her choice. And your father…” he shakes his head. “It would probably make him dig in his heels more. You don’t tell anyone. I won’t have the long faces and morose feeling.” It’s an order.

“You would ask that of me?”

“Yes.” It’s hard, firm.

I want to argue with him, fight for my family to be aware, and be here for him the way he needs. But I can’t. So all I do is nod, “As you wish.”

“Thank you, mijo. Now, tell me about this home I heard you purchased.”

CHAPTER 29

Matteo

“Are you freaking serious? The hobby box was your mother’s attempt to get us together outside of the condo so I would fall for you?” We’re on our way to the cooking class we got in the hobby box.

“Yep. I didn’t know about the hobby box before it showed up. When I asked about hobbies, it was to figure out what presents to get you. She decided we needed a reason to get out of the whole boss, employee thing. If we were in a class or dancing, it would remove the barrier. You could see us as something outside of that, and hopefully, you would fall in love with me.”

She’s quiet for so long it worries me. Suddenly, her laughter fills the car. “Your entire family is Machiavellian. Too bad for you, I scheduled the first dance class for Frida so we can get some lessons in before our wedding. I’ve never danced anywhere but alone at home with music blaring when I cleaned or something.”

It's my turn to laugh. “Bad? Not in the least. I’m looking forward to it. My only concern is keeping my cock down in public with you in my arms.”

“Matteo,” she giggles. “You’re so dirty.”

I shake my head. “We need to go inside now. Before I embarrass us in public.”

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