by Jewel Allen
“No, no, no,” Rosa chastised him while leaning in for a kiss. “That’s not the way it works. You’ll have to share like a good boy.”
Adam mock-sighed. “If I must.”
To me, she said, “Can you get away the next couple of days? I wanted to do some girly stuff to get ready for the wedding.”
I thought of Diego, worried he’d feel left out. I flicked a glance at him, but he looked relaxed and comfortable.
As though reading my thoughts, Adam told Diego, “Rosa’s father offered for us to take a trail ride while the girls are doing whatever girls do to get ready for weddings.”
“That would be fun,” Diego said. Then he turned to me. “Didn’t you also say something about helping cook for the reception, love?”
Out in the open, as he used the endearment, I was sure I blushed. Rose gave me a teasing glance.
“Tia Benny is making her empanadas,” I pointed out to her.
“Not surprised.” Rosa smiled.
“But you’re exempt from that,” I reminded her. “You’ll need to be as calm and relaxed for your big day as possible.”
“Are you kidding?” Rosa exclaimed. “I wouldn’t miss Tia Benny’s empanada-making sessions for the world.”
As it turned out, all four of us ended up helping with empanadas and other pastries for the reception the following week.
Rosa was right. This was the highlight of the week, spending time with our many aunts, uncles, and cousins as we prepared for the wedding they’d be having in the backyard. Papi had done a lot of work to spruce up the property. Things were shaping up well, including decorating the barn for the traditional Cuban meal for the wedding luncheon.
Diego jumped in just as natural as can be, like he belonged. There were so many things still up in the air, namely, my turn with his family the weekend after the wedding. And the opening of soccer camp. But first things first.
We had a wedding to celebrate.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Diego
I loved every minute of spending time with Gemma and her large, loud, and rambunctious family. After being introduced to yet another set of cousins, I gave up trying to remember everyone’s names. One thing I was sure of—they were wonderful people with big hearts.
Gemma sweetly made an effort to include me in everything, including all the cooking sessions. I certainly didn’t mind helping, especially since snitching was allowed here and there. Brigid got in on the act too, even though she admitted she didn’t have a decent cooking bone in her body.
Cuban food was a revelation to me. The combination of sweet and salty…the rich stews that filled the air with an amazing aroma…the healthy simplicity of fresh fruits and vegetables. I had never visited there, but I told Gemma that Cuba was now on my bucket list.
“Good,” she said as she crimped shut another mouthwatering empanada. “We’re definitely going this Christmas.” She turned pink. “I mean, if you want.”
She was so cute. I kissed her cheek. “Christmas would be perfect.”
As she had been throughout this time we’d known each other, she looked uncertain talking about our future. I just knew I was happy with how things were going, and if it was any indication of our future, it was bound to be bright.
Watching the two older sisters together was fun too. They were so alike, two headstrong women, both beautiful and wonderful with children. They slipped into girl talk during our cooking sessions and would look at me, whispering among themselves.
The wedding was scheduled for Saturday evening.
As planned, the girls disappeared for a bulk of Friday and then again Saturday. The menfolk went horseback riding over the property, checking on cows and fences.
Sunnyridge was so different from Mondragón, and yet there were some similarities in that both our communities still had a lot of open space.
I showered after the ride and started getting ready for the wedding. I’d packed a suit in my luggage, thinking the chances of me needing one were slim. I was glad to have it now. A tux would’ve been overkill for this simple celebration, but I definitely wanted to dress up because Gemma would.
I couldn’t wait to see her. The ladies had gone shopping for a dress for Gemma, and I was curious to see what she’d picked out.
In the back of my mind, I was eager to get her to myself. There had not been a lot of opportunities to get Gemma alone, with the constant influx of people into the house.
I left my room, which was Gemma’s mom’s sewing room at one time, and turned down the hallway.
Just as Gemma was walking toward me.
She stopped and glanced up, rendering me speechless. I’d seen her more feminine side that one night at the country swing dancing, but never like this. Never as beautiful and enticing.
Her hair was down in loose waves around her face and shoulders. Her knee-length teal dress draped her curves nicely. Her arms and knees were nicely tanned from being out at soccer camp for days.
“Hi,” she said, smiling at me shyly.
“Hello, beautiful lady,” I murmured.
Her eyes traveled slowly over my suit. “And don’t you look handsome.”
I went up to her and tugged at her hand, guiding her down the hall. I opened the door to my room and pulled her in.
She gave off a shaky laugh. “What—”
I whipped around and shut the door, turning and pressing her against the wall. “I’ve missed you,” I whispered as I leaned close.
Her expression gentled as heat flared in her eyes. “I missed you too.”
I lifted my hand and cradled the side of her face. Her perfectly made-up pink lips tempted me. “I’m going to ruin your makeup,” I said by way of apology.
“I don’t care.” Her eyes drifted shut as she pulled my head down.
Her soft lips tasted sweet, like berries. I tried to restrain myself as much as I could, but I could barely keep myself in check. Our kiss deepened, and soon I was lost in Gemma, unable to get enough of her.
I groaned when she pulled back from the kiss. I didn’t want this moment to end, but I knew we needed to go downstairs to join the others.
Her lips were bare of lipstick, and she giggled. With her thumb, she swiped at mine. “You’ve got lipstick all over you.”
I chuckled. “Well, that’s awkward.”
She walked over to a shelf and grabbed a tissue, wiping me down. I watched her all the while, still aching to hold her. Her gentle touch on my mouth only served to tantalize me more.
“There,” she said, smiling.
I kissed her a few more times. After all, the lipstick was a non-issue now.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Gemma
I couldn’t be happier that day. My oldest sister was getting married to the love of her life, and I was beside a man who made me happy.
My mind kept drifting to our stolen kisses in Mom’s old sewing room, my face heating at the memory. I snuck a glance at Diego, who gazed back at me with a lopsided smile that had my heart racing. His thumb made lazy, electrifying circles on the back of my hand.
Was he thinking of the same delicious secret?
“Gemma?” Rosa’s voice broke into my daydreaming. She was holding out her bouquet for me to take. “It’s time to exchange rings.”
“Oh.” I let go of Diego’s hand at our seats in the front row and stepped forward to do my job.
Papi’s property was no manicured grounds, but it was perfect for an outdoor wedding. The audience, on chairs borrowed from the church, faced the fenced pasture where grazing horses completed the lovely backdrop. Summer flowers were blooming, and everything was still green and lush from the spring rains.
A bower of roses framed my sister and Adam, who towered over her protectively by a good foot. They made a beautiful couple. No doubt they would have the cutest kids. As I held the bouquet, I glanced back into the crowd at Adam’s fifteen-year-old son from his marriage to his late wife. My new nephew.
I used to think that if one
of my siblings got married, we would lose part of our family, but no. Our family’s circle of love just kept spreading wider.
As Adam and Rosa exchanged their vows, I gazed at Papi on the front row. He looked so handsome in his dark suit, his eyes shining with tears. Was he thinking of Mom up in heaven, and was he thanking her for gifting him with their children?
I turned a bit more to catch a glimpse of Diego, who was staring at me. Our eyes collided and held before I turned forward, a pleasurable feeling spreading in my chest.
I love him.
The knowledge hit me clear as a bell. I knew that without a doubt. We hadn’t known each other long at all, but he was like a gift from the gods. My thoughts drifted to his eventual departure, but maybe we could still keep in touch? And then, someday, who knew…?
“You may now kiss the bride,” the officiator said.
Adam gazed deeply into Rosa’s eyes and bent forward to give her a kiss that had all of us in the audience swooning…and clapping when it finally concluded. Rosa turned to the audience with a beaming smile.
I loved her so much, and I was happy for her. I hugged her with all my strength and imagined our mother watching from up above and enfolding us in her loving arms. Diego joined me in our circle of love, and it felt so right.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Diego
Gemma had warned me that there would be “much salsa dancing” at the reception, and she wasn’t kidding. As soon as the amazing Cuban lunch of stews, sandwiches, and fresh fruit concluded, everyone cleared the barn of the tables and chairs. The salsa band set up toward the back wall, their “dance floor” attracting couples immediately.
I didn’t know how to dance the Cuban salsa, but the beat and rhythm were similar to Spain’s and Mondragón’s fiery dances. I felt at home. No one cared if you were doing it right, but I went ahead and let Gemma teach me a few steps. Every time she turned with a laugh, I still couldn’t believe this beautiful woman loved me.
We were in the middle of a twirl when I recognized an unsettling face in the crowd. Mike was heading our way. He wasn’t as dour-looking as he was at Jason’s camp, but he still didn’t exude friendliness either. I hoped he wouldn’t butt in and try to steal a dance from Gemma, but he just stood on the fringes of the dance floor, waiting.
Waiting to cause trouble, most likely.
“Look who’s here,” Gemma said into my shoulder as I held her close.
“I saw him.”
“I hoped he would just stay away,” she said in a low voice, “but I guess it was too much to expect.”
“If he harasses you—”
“Hush, love, don’t get in trouble now.”
A warm feeling spread through me at her use of the endearment. “But what if that means I get to keep doing a service project with you indefinitely?”
Her hand tightened over mine. “Good point.”
The thought of having to leave her so I could resume the rest of La Liga’s season hung heavy over me. I held her close, trying to be optimistic that everything would work out. It had to.
When the dance was done and we were making our way back to our table, Gemma tugged at my hand. “Let’s go talk to Mike.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. He looks like he wants to tell us something. Might as well get it done and over with.”
“If you say so.”
We walked over, and I tried to keep my expression neutral.
“How are you doing?” Gemma asked Mike, her smile brittle.
“Fine.” He flicked his gaze at me then her. “Looks like you two are officially together.”
“Yes,” I said in a firm voice.
Mike ignored me. “I told Jason I was coming to your sister’s wedding, and he sends his regards.”
Gemma arched her brow. “Did he now?”
“He also wanted me to invite you guys, if you dare, to play a match. Your students against ours.”
Gemma and I exchanged glances. “We haven’t even started getting our students together,” she said with a tinge of alarm in her voice.
“From what I heard, you’re siphoning off our students, so you should have some ready for a match. Or are you scared?”
“Of course not.” Gemma clutched at my hand tight. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“How about this coming weekend?”
I could see Gemma’s mind racing, calculating how long before we could be up and running.
“Three weeks from now,” she finally replied. “Diego and I will be traveling to Mondragón this weekend, and setting it that far out gives us some time to get organized. Get shirts. That kind of thing.”
Three weeks. I calculated the time. I should be back to playing games by then. Hopefully I could work out flying back for this.
“You’re going to meet the royal family, huh?” Mike sneered. “I guess things are getting serious.”
“Yes,” she said, lifting her chin.
I hoped he got the message.
Mike flashed me a glance devoid of ill will, surprisingly enough, before eyeing Gemma once again. “Lucky lady.”
“Actually, you’re wrong,” I said. “I’m the one who’s lucky.”
Mike’s eyes filled with malice. “Let’s hope you’re feeling lucky enough three weeks from now.”
Chapter Thirty
Gemma
“It’s just a kid’s game, so why am I so tied up in knots about it?” I moaned to Diego.
We were outside the following week, supervising drills we’d instructed the children to do. My very first batch of trainees at Sunny Soccer Training Camps.
“Well,” Diego said, “it’s just a fun game. Nothing is at stake except for a little pride on your part. Which is not going to be an issue, because we’ll beat them.”
Despite my worries about all the details and this upcoming match—which I agreed shouldn’t be a big deal—my chest swelled with pride.
A car squealed to a stop in the dirt lot. I watched with amazement as I saw little Santosh coming out, urging his mom to walk faster.
Diego and I exchanged glances. Was that a tear in Diego’s eye? I knew he’d been especially close with this boy.
“Hello, Mrs. Das. Hey, buddy.” Diego gave Santosh a high five. “What are you doing here?”
Santosh looked at his mom then at Diego. “I want to train with you.”
Diego bent so he was eye to eye with the boy. “That’s great.”
“We decided it was worth the extra money,” Mrs. Das said. “Jason is a jerk.”
Diego and I stifled our laughter.
“Well, in that case.” Diego straightened. “We better make it worth your extra fees. Go warm up.”
“I’ll talk to Mrs. Das,” I told Diego. “Go ahead and help Santosh get settled in.”
I watched as the man and boy walked off, two buddies out to enjoy the sport. How many times as a kid had I looked up to an adult as a mentor? My heart filled with love for Diego. He wasn’t just a blessing for me but for the kids. For Santosh.
I turned to Mrs. Das. “That’s quite the sacrifice for you to transfer camps. It’s not as close to your house. Will you be sticking around instead of driving home each time?”
“I have a stack of books in the car,” Mrs. Das admitted. “I told Santosh and his younger brothers and sisters that they can’t max out our allowed number of library books. I have to get some too.”
We laughed. “Sounds like a good deal.”
Mrs. Das’s expression softened. “Santosh was heartbroken when he found out Diego wasn’t going to work there anymore. He likes you too, but oh my, he certainly thinks Diego is his hero. My husband and I decided he’s been such a good boy, doing all his schoolwork during the year. In the summer, we could do this for him.”
I hugged her. “We’re so glad you could make this work.” We both turned and watched them practice dives for the ball at the net. “Diego sure loves your little boy.”
Pride tinged Mrs. Das’s voice. “Santosh wants to
be a goalie now.”
“He will make a fine goalie.” I winked. “He’s got a lot of good help around here.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Diego
Camp went remarkably well. The children who had transferred from Jason’s program were some of the best, the most serious about learning. It took commitment to pay the extra fee and deal with the hassle of transferring from the other camp, and it showed.
I was glad things went smoothly. I knew Gemma was already feeling a lot of pressure about our upcoming visit to Mondragón, and I wanted to spare her more stress.
On Friday, after running us ragged all week, Gemma slapped her forehead. “Now to pack. Heaven help me if I forget my toothbrush.”
“If you forget anything, don’t worry. We can get it there.”
“A convenience store at every battlement?” she teased. “What should I wear to meet you mom? Would she want me in a dress?”
“Honestly, that might go a long way toward impressing her, but if you aren’t comfortable, then—”
“No, it’s okay. I think I have a dress. It’s black. I’ve worn it maybe once or twice.”
“Sure. Black is elegant.”
She snorted. “Oh, Diego. Do you seriously consider me elegant?”
I walked over to her and held her hands. “I think you’re beautiful and graceful. Even more than some royals. And I’ve met quite a few in my life.”
She let me pull her close. “That’s a bit of hyperbole, my prince, but I’ll take it.”
“Ahem.”
“Hi, Brigid,” I said, not taking my eyes off Gemma. Brigid sure knew how to sneak up on people.
“Sorry to interrupt you, Your Royal Highness, but if you don’t hurry, the plane will take off without you.”