Chapter Thirty-six

After washing her face and brushing her teeth in the bathroom, she paused again at his closed door as she returned down the hall. Raising her hand to knock, she hesitated. Then with a deep breath, she rapped softly.

There was no answer.

She exhaled. He must be asleep already. She sighed, filled with a jumble of nerves and disappointment.

Tomorrow, Sylvia vowed to herself. She would tell him that she loved him before they reached Las Vegas. Tomorrow, before he traded her for Laila and her chance was lost forever.

She’d already experienced so many miracles in her life. The miracle of a good family. Of a home. Of a grandmother who was steadily getting better.

Having Xavier love her back would be too much to ask. But tomorrow, Sylvia would take her courage in her hands and do it.

Xavier heard a soft knock on his door.

Sylvia. She’d come to him, in spite of her mother’s warning. With an intake of breath, he hurried from the bed and reached for the door.

Then he stopped. He knew what would