Page 59 of Hearts to Mend

“And I ate broccoli at dinner because Tio Javi said I could stay up late to wait for you to come home but only if I ate broccoli so…” He finally takes a breath before asking, “When are you coming home?”

I grin from ear to ear. “I will be home by eight. You think you can stay up that late?”

“Uh huh! I will!”

“Then I will see you soon.”

“Okay. I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you, too, Matty.”

When Matty hangs up, I stare at the phone for a moment before handing it to mamá. She smiles though she looks a little teary. I glance over at Dee, who looks like she has something in her eye too.

With Addam’s Family Values muted on the television, it’s silent for a moment before Dee says, “You’re a good dad, Rico.”

What do I say to such an incredible compliment? Mostly, I think I need to argue. I feel like a mediocre father, passable at best, but definitely not good. “Matty makes it easy.”

“And the fact that you won’t take credit for your job as a father is just one more thing to love about you.”

My jaw drops, and I blink at her, struck dumb. Did she…? Wait. Hang on. Did she just admit she loves me?

CHAPTER 23

DEE

* * *

Shit!

I think I just admitted my feelings to Rico.

His jaw drops, confirming my fears. Yep. He heard it.

I just casually said the big L word. It’s out there now, filling the air between us. And with Inez here as a witness, I can’t gracefully walk it back. But in all honesty, would I want to?

From the chair in the corner of the room, Inez quietly stands and slips her purse onto her shoulder. Thankful for a reason to look away from Rico’s intense gaze, I watch her collecting the items she brought with her this morning.

“Don’t mind me,” she says in a bright, chipper voice as she packs up her books and blanket. “In fact, why don’t I head on over to the house? I can help the boys tidy up and get everything ready for you. Dee, I trust you’ll bring him home once they clear him to leave?”

“I… Uh… Okay.”

Within a matter of seconds, Inez kisses her son on the cheek and scurries out the door, leaving me alone with Rico.

“What just happened?” I ask him.

Rico gives me a devilish grin. “Mamá heard what she wanted to hear.”

“Which is what, exactly?” I sound defensive because I am feeling defensive and stubborn and cornered.

“That you love me, exactly.”

“I didn’t say that. I said there are things about you that I love. There’s a difference.”

“Well, I love all the things about you, Deidre Marie Fletcher.” He winks when he adds, “wholeheartedly.”

“Smooth, Rico Suave.”

The nurse comes into the room—just in time to interrupt some of the intensity of our conversation—and checks Rico’s bandage. She applies pressure to his wound, confirming his incision site is still intact. Rico yelps in pain. I think he’s about to complain, but the door opens again and in walks the cardiologist.

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