CHAPTER NINETY SEVEN –COULD IT BE MORE REAL?

"Miguel," she said softly, her voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what to say." He reached out, taking her hand in his. "You don't have to say anything right now. I know I've given you a lot to think about. I just... I needed you to know the truth. All of it." Karina felt tears sliding down her cheeks. Without a word, she stood up and moved around the table. Miguel rose to meet her, and she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. Miguel's arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly. They stood like that for a long moment, the garden quiet around them save for the soft sound of Karina's muffled sobs. Finally, Karina pulled back slightly, looking up at Miguel. "I'm scared too," she admitted. "This wasn't supposed to be real. But somewhere along the way..." Miguel reached up, gently wiping a tear from her cheek. "I know," he said softly. "We don't have to figure everything out tonight. We can take it slow, see where this leads us. If... if that's what you wan