Chapter TWENTY-SEVEN ANDRES

Four more chairs were brought inside the private room, and our wives made spaces for us.

I worried that maybe it was intrusive of us to just drop in on them, but looking around at how all the women seemed happy to have their husbands join them, I relaxed.

The first thing she’d asked about was Sammy, but after I assured her he was safe and sound and tucked up in bed with my mom as a babysitter, she settled down.

Her trust was humbling.

Hell.

It was everything.

I placed my hand on her thigh, loving that she didn’t flinch or shy away from the touch as I leaned down to brush my lips across her temple, kissing the scar that wore like a badge of honor.

She was so brave.

So strong.

I hated that she was ever hurt. Ever scared.

But I loved how she leaned on me, how she had faith in me despite all she’d been through.

I would never let her down. I’d make it my life’s work to give her and Sammy the life they deserved. One they could be proud of.