Page 48 of It's a Widow Thing

“I am happy.” Her voice cracked. “But really, it just really meant a lot to feel a part of this, if only for a weekend.”

If only for a weekend.That didn’t sound right. The idea of this being the only time he brought her here was abhorrent, completely intolerable. How could it only be one weekend? He was already looking ahead to the future. As he’d watched Sabrina during dinner, chatting and laughing with his family, fitting in seamlessly, his only thought was that he should bring her to Connecticut for his family’s Thanksgiving. Sabrina had taken on permanence in his life—she’d etched her initials on his heart, become written into his history, merely because he couldn’t fathom the alternative, not having her there. She was the missing piece, the part that made him see a future that was better, much more full than he’d ever seen for himself.

“Don’t say only for a weekend. There will be another time.” Even that didn’t sound like enough—he wanted more than that.Another? I want another and another and another.

She trailed her finger through his chest hair. “That would be nice.”

He sensed that she didn’t grasp the degree to which he meant it. “No, I really want you to spend time with my family again. Another time and another time after that.” The word that had been swimming around in his head for weeks made its presence known like a flashing neon sign. The word scared him so much that he’d really only used it on two women, ever—his mom and his grandmother. No one else had warranted “love”.

I love you.Was it too soon? He’d already pushed the concept of “too soon” by bringing her here.If she isn’t ready, she isn’t ready. Tell her.“I’m falling in love with you.” He immediately regretted softening his approach.Falling?

Sabrina propped herself up on her elbow. “Wow.”

“What wow?”

“I wasn’t expecting you to say that.”

He rolled over and flipped on the light, causing them both to blink at the sudden brightness. “You weren’t? Why not? I know you thought something was up when I invited you along for the weekend. Couldn’t you see it in the way I watched you during dinner?”

She shook her head, creases forming on her forehead. “That’s not what I mean. I think we both know there are feelings between us. I just figured you were the kind of guy who sat on the “L” word for as long as possible. If anyone was going to say it, I thought I would have to be the first.”

“I would hope that by now you’ve figured out that I don’t play into every stereotype of the perpetually single guy.”

“I’m sorry. You’re right.” She nodded, scanning his face, her blue-green beauties sweeping back and forth. “It’s such a big thing though.”

Even with the non-committal nature of his own declaration, he’d still hoped she would say something more meaningful in response than that she was surprised.Maybe she needs some time.I rushed it. Again.It didn’t matter, it was out there and he was happy for it, wherever it led. “I know it’s a big thing, but it’s true. I’m falling in love with you, Sabrina. Hard. Head-over-heels. All the ways people fall in love with each other.”

“I think I might be falling in love with you, too.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“That’s so great.” For an instant, he was filled with freaking glee. But then he thought about what she’dreallysaid. “Think” and “might be” were doing a lot of work in that sentence. Was she being polite? Was she saying those words in return because she felt pressured?

“It’s been such an amazing day, Michael. And I so appreciate that you shared it with me. That you brought me here to be part of it.” She clutched his hand. “But I’m super tired and I think it’s best if we get some sleep.”

He would’ve been lying if he’d said that he wasn’t disappointed.This is progress. Take it.“Okay, Sabrina. Goodnight.”

CHAPTERNINETEEN

Sabrina hatedherself for not saying more to Michael last night. Shethoughtshemight befalling in love? It was such a lackluster response. A clunker. Definitely not what he deserved. But was there a reason her brain had landed on that response? Of course there was. Once again, she wasn’t ready. No one could fix that for her. She was going to have to sort it out for herself.

“Can I talk to you before you head back to the city?” Alyshia asked as Sabrina was coming down the stairs into the foyer that morning.

“Yes. Of course.”

Alyshia led her into the formal living room, a spot Sabrina hadn’t spent any time in over the course of the weekend. “As the other outsider in this family, I really hope you’ll stick around. I mean, if you’re so inclined.”

“Stick around?”

She looked past Sabrina, into the other room. “Yeah. You know. Continue to give Michael a chance. He’s such a good guy and I’ve seriously never seen him happier. I think you two make an amazing match.”

Sabrina was touched. She liked Alyshia a lot. “I’m not going anywhere, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Even after the weirdness yesterday with his heart issues? And Lydia asking about your husband?”

“You can’t scare me away that easily.”