She pulled back to look into his eyes, still holding onto him as he gazed at her adoringly and nodded. He drew her close again, kissing her forehead and then softly on the lips.

"All right, love. I was just a bit delayed. It won't happen again," he said.

"I'm sorry, Santi. You'll see, this fear will pass. For now, I think staying by your side will help," Susan replied in her sweet, gentle voice.

"Don't be sorry, love. It's not your fault, okay?" Santiago tried to soothe her. "Everything will be fine. You'll heal here alongside Bella and all of us."

He spoke affectionately, his voice soft as if...