46. Tell Me Everything

A sharp, sinking feeling pierced Antonio’s chest when he watched the slow trail of tears falling down Valerie’s face. No, he didn’t like it when Valerie cried. He didn’t like that at all. He told the driver, John, to pull over so he could focus on her. “Give us some privacy,” he ordered. John nodded before stepping away. Antonio quickly pulled Valerie onto his lap. “What’s wrong, my love?” he asked urgently, wiping the tears from her face. “I… I just…” she choked out. “Shh… breathe, mia cara. Whatever it is, you can tell me,” he crooned, kissing her forehead. Valerie took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to steady herself. “I… I just feel overwhelmed,” she finally admitted. Disappointment washed over Antonio. “You don’t want to marry me,” he said gravely. “I told you I won’t force you to do this, my love.” Valerie looked up at Antonio, her eyes wide with surprise. “No, Antonio, it’s not that,” she said. “I want to marry you.” A grin escaped Antonio before he could stop it. “You do?” S