"Thank you for keeping me informed, Marco. It's difficult to sit here and wait him out, knowing he's still out there."
"We'll get him," he assures me. "This is the safest place for your family to be. Your wife needs you right now."
"Yes," I agree. "I think she does."
9
Santiago
"Santiago?"
Ivy's soft murmur as she stirs from her slumber fills the cavity where my heart should be with something I can't identify. All I know is that I never want her to stop calling out for me like that.
"I'm here."
My fingers brush over her face, and she opens her heavy eyes, blinking up at me. She relaxes when she sees me perched on the edge of the bed, watching her. Even in her sleep, she manages to sense me somehow.
"I'm sorry," she croaks. "I've been so tired."
"It would be expected in your condition even under normal circumstances," I tell her. "But given what has happened, I think you can accept your body's requirement for rest."
She rubs her eyes and leans up on her elbow, studying me. "How do you know what's normal in pregnancy?"
I feel heat rise to the surface of my neck as I offer a half-hearted shrug. "I've done some reading."
A small smile curves her lips. "You've been reading about pregnancy?"
"When I have time," I answer dismissively.
Her face falls slightly at my short tone, and I regret it immediately. But when I lean down and press my lips against hers, she seems to forget about it entirely. Her fists curl into my shirt, trying to drag me closer.
I groan into her mouth and force myself to pull away, half breathless. "You need to eat something first."
She frowns. "I can eat after."
"No." I soften the blow by bringing her hand to my lips and kissing the back of it, which seems to surprise her. "I want to have dinner with my wife. That is, if you're feeling up to it."
"I think I am." She yawns and pushes the covers off her. "It would be nice to get something in my belly. And then we can come back here and take care of other needs."
"I would be flattered," I answer dryly. "If I didn't know that too was a side effect of the pregnancy."
A pretty flush spreads over her cheeks. "It is?"
"Yes." I help her up and keep my hand on her elbow until she finds her balance. "Are you okay to walk?"
She nods. "Yes, but I'm a little chilled. Can we stop by my room to get a sweater?"
My hand slips around her lower back, guiding her to my closet. "I had Antonia transfer your clothes to this room. All of your sweaters are in here."
Ivy sucks in a sharp breath, and I can't tell what she's thinking when her brows pinch together. "Your room?"
"Our room," I answer stiffly.
"Is this to make sure I don't run away again?" She frowns.
"You won't run from me again," I tell her with certainty. "You wouldn't even make it past the front gate. But that's not the point. I wanted you here so I can... keep you safe."
Her face softens, and she wraps her arms around me, hugging me. It's a strange gesture of affection. One I've never understood before. But it doesn't feel unpleasant when it's from her. In fact, I think I wouldn't mind standing here all night while she does this.
"Where is Eva?" she asks.
"She's on the first floor. Antonia made up a room for her there. She mentioned something about purchasing new bedding for her. Pink, I believe."
Ivy pauses, glancing up at me. "You're buying her new bedding?"
I shrug. "I assumed you would prefer she feel comfortable here."
"Yes, but... she won't be staying that long." Sadness fills her voice.
"I suppose not," I agree. "Unless you would rather change that."
"What do you mean?"
"She'll be here until her safety is guaranteed regardless," I answer. "But I am not opposed to having her stay longer if you'd like."
She smiles again, and I think I must have said something right. "You mean like take over her guardianship? Can we do that?"
"You are a De La Rosa now." I lean down to brush my lips against her cheek. "We can do whatever we like."
She squeezes me tighter, tears clinging to the edges of her eyes. "I would like that very much, Santiago."
"Pick out a sweater,” I tell her. "There is something I'd like to show you."
"What is it?" She grabs a cardigan from a hanger and wraps it around herself before rejoining me. I secure my arm around her waist and lead her into the hallway, pausing at the room right next to mine.
"This room is connected to mine," I explain as I open the door. "You can enter through the passage behind the dresser, which I'll show you later. But I thought this would be a starting point for a nursery."