Page 58 of Innocent Union
“I’ve been upset for a long time. But Killian has shown me he’d do anything to make sure I’m ok. That changes a person. I’m starting to learn I don’t have to compare myself to my sisters. I can stand beside Killian because he’ll ensure my safety.”
Mom’s eyes water. “Oh, honey. I like knowing you have a husband who’s there for you. Your father was there for me through so much. I only wanted that for you.”
“So, why are you fighting Killian so much?”
“Because I don’t think I was ready to lose you,” she admits. “I’m still not. But I have to accept it, sooner or later.”
“Hopefully sooner rather than later.”
She huffs as she pulls me into another hug. “I’ll try to get there. But give me time. I’ll talk to Antonio, too, make sure he’s looking out for you as well. I hate knowing those were Antonio’s men who did that to you. I just want you safe.”
“Killian will make sure of that,” I say, giving her a squeeze.
She tightens her hold on me.
Lucia comes walking into the room. “What’s going on? I heard you got into trouble Mia. Not surprising.”
I let go of my mom and turn to my sister. “You know, Lucia, there will come a day you’ll regret acting like such a brat. But I still love you. I need you to know that.”
Lucia’s jaw drops. “Um … whatever.”
I walk over and hug her. She tries fighting it but soon gives in. I may be annoyed with my baby sister, but I’m tired of all this family drama. I need to learn to forgive her for her attitude. If I can do that, it means I’ll be on my way to forgiving Cecilia.
At this moment, things are looking up. My mom, I can tell, isn’t fully sold on Killian yet, but I can only hope in time, she will be. Lucia isn’t happy with the hug, but I know sometimes you need something you weren’t always aware you needed. I have my family with me.
As for me, I’ll need all the help I can get through this undoubtably upcoming hard time.
After my talkwith my mom, I decide to visit Erin in the hospital. I haven’t seen her since the wedding. It’s funny—I haven’t even thought about my dream wedding. The original date is still a couple of weeks out, but Killian and I got married early so Erin could see it. I’ve been learning there’s more to life than showing off at some big party. It was never a party I needed. It was someone who was there for me when I couldn’t always be myself.
And that’s been Killian.
Even though things are still new between us, things feel natural with Killian. He makes me feel special. He makes me feel safe.
I never thought I’d have that, not after Cecilia ran off with Theo, leaving me to pick up the pieces. I thought no man would want me, but Killian has shown me otherwise. Our wedding at the hospital, while not what I dreamed about, was something special and beautiful.
I find Erin in her bed, looking weaker and frailer than last time.
“Mia,” she says, smiling wide, despite her condition. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“Hi, Erin. I wanted to check on you. See how you’re doing.”
“Not great, I’ll admit.” Her voice is strained, barely above a whisper. “My doctor tells me things have taken a hard turn since the wedding. I won’t be around much longer.”
“Don’t say that.” I grab her hand. It’s so tiny and brittle. “I’ve barely gotten to know you. You’ll have more time.”
“Oh, Mia. You’re sweet. I wish I could have gotten to know you better, too. But you have my son, and we’re a lot alike. Make sure he’s taken care of just like I know he’ll take care of you.”
The sting of tears in my eyes surprises me. “He’s taking care of me, don’t worry. I’ll make sure I do the same for him.”
“Good. I have one question. Do you love him?”
I almost jerk back. Do I love Killian? Things are still new between us. You can’t love someone you’ve only known for a couple of weeks.
But when I think about Killian, I think about how strong he is. How he’s never wavered when it comes to us. Sure, we disagreed for a moment about our wedding, but we quickly resolved the issue. Other than that, we’ve been fairly rock solid. I know it’s because Killian is so sure of himself. He’s so sure of me.
And it’s making me believe I don’t have to be so insecure anymore. I’m allowed to find my confidence again. I can love myself again.
So, do I love him? I think I do. But I’m scared of telling him in case he doesn’t say it back. He might care for me, but that doesn’t mean he loves me.
