54. I Love You

Valerie was overcome by grief. Ellie was not just a sister-in-law to her. She was also her best friend. They had been friends since high school, she was River’s first love and now… She was gone. Will River be okay? Valerie sobbed at her brother’s loss. And the kids. Oh my god, they lost their mother! She had tucked Tiffany and Lucas into their beds. They were all cried out for the night, and exhaustion slowly took over them. And now, she was standing outside of their closed door, contemplating. “Mi amore.” Antonio’s voice brought her back. She looked at him with her eyes full of tears. “What will happen to River and the kids? How will they cope?” Antonio stroked her cheek. “It will get easier with time. And we will be there for them.” Valerie nodded. “I am sorry.” Antonio lifted his brow. “For what?” “I can’t help but feel responsible for Ellie’s death. She died because…because she tried to save me,” she choked out. Antonio suddenly bent down and lifted Valerie into his arms, cradling