Page 72 of If Tomorrow Never Comes

Does this mean she is picking me? Was that what my mamá said right? My wife chose me?

“What does this mean for us, Madison?”

She stands and slowly approaches the door before opening it and then turning around to look at me. “It means that I’m willing to give our marriage a chance. Almost losing you made me question everything. I don’t know who I am anymore, Diego. But what I do know, is that whoever I am now is a stronger version of myself. It’s because of you. Not having you in my life will break me. I’m sure of it. That has to mean something a bit more than…infatuation with you.” She smiles knowingly. She won’t say the words out loud but I can feel them in the way she said them.

“Ahh…you love me,Mariposita.”

She shakes her head from side to side while smiling. “I’m going to get your sister to tell her you’re awake.”

“Mamá was there.She was holding a baby wrapped in a blanket.” Endless tears run down my sister's face and drip off her chin onto our entwined hands.

“She told me to tell you that she has someone with her who can’t wait to meet you.”

“Did you see what the baby looked like?” Sel sniffles.

“I didn’t but…I saw the gender.”

“Tell me,” she demands excitedly, gripping my forearm.

“It appeared to be a boy. He was wrapped in a blue blanket.”

“Oh my God!” my sister squeals. “This whole story is insane. I’m so thankful our angels were watching over you and brought you back to us.”

“Mamá helped with that. I was given a choice. Come back and love Madison the way she deserves or be content with leaving this world.”

“And you chose Madison,” she says softly, the corner of her mouth going up an inch. She doesn’t seem fully convinced our love won’t end in tragedy.

“I did. And she chose me,” I state proudly.

Her eyebrow raises in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“She wants to be with me. Give our marriage a real shot.”

“Oh, Diego. I know you love her. I see it. I wish I could say I think this is smart. You know Madison’s history with Liam. Their connection is still very much there. She’s been through so much these last few weeks. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I appreciate you trying to look out for me, Sel. I really do. You got your happily ever after. Is it so bad to want whatever version of mine Madison is willing to give?”

“No. It’s not. But hope is a dangerous thing, Diego. You taught me that.”

“I know.”

A knock vibrates the door and Madison pops her head through the crack. “Can I come in?”

Selena stands and blows me a kiss. “I love you, hermano.”

“Love you too, Sel.”

My sister pulls Madison into a hug before closing the door, leaving Madison and I alone once again.

“Hi.” I smile at her.

“Hi…” She leans back in her chair, sipping something that looks like an iced green tea.

I slide over as much as I can and pat the space next to me. “Join me?”

There’s a moment of hesitation before she rises and curls up next to me. She lays her head on my chest as I stroke her silky hair with my good hand.

“It feels weird,” I state.

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