Carmen held her breath when he reached into the breast pocket of his jacket. He pulled out a small stack of checks.
“What are those?” she asked.
“Your boyfriend has sent me payments every month. They’re all here.” Alfred tapped his open palm with the checks.
“You never told me you were doing that,” Carmen said, glancing at Carlos. His jaw tightened, but he didn’t say a word.
“He has. And every month, I set the check aside, untouched. Six so far, and I imagine another one will arrive next month like the others, and they’ll keep arriving until what I gave him over three years ago is paid in full with the interest I told him has accumulated. I came tonight to tell you that you no longer have to send these payments.”
Alfred tore the stack in half and then tore those pieces in half. Graciela’s mouth fell open, an indication she’d had no idea Alfred planned to do that.
Alfred stuck out the hand containing the torn pieces to Carlos.
Carlos took the checks. “I don’t understand.”
“My daughter is happy. You owe me nothing.” Alfred extended his hand.
Carmen couldn’t believe her ears.
Both men shook hands while Graciela and Carmen watched in silence.
“Now I’m going to look at these paintings. Maybe I’ll find one I can gift to a friend.”
Alfred walked away, leaving Carlos, Carmen, and Graciela staring after him in silence.
Finally, Carmen asked her mother, “Did you have anything to do with this?”
“No. I am as shocked as you are.” Graciela gazed up at Carlos. “I am so sorry for what my husband did and for how he made you feel unwelcome. I would love to have you over to the house for dinner one day. If you will accept...?” Her voice trailed off into uncertainty.
“I would like that,” Carlos said quietly.
“Good. I’ll go join my husband and take a look at your beautiful paintings.” Graciela smiled at Carmen. “We will talk later.”
“Okay, Mommy.” Carmen kissed her mother’s cheek.
After her mother walked away, she looked at Carlos.
“I’m still in shock,” he said, staring down at the torn papers in his palm.
“Me, too.”
Carlos stuck the pieces in his pocket.
“You’re keeping them?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To remind myself of the mistake I made and what I almost lost.” He took her hand and pulled her into a back office.
“What are you doing?” Carmen whispered with a giggle.
Carlos pressed her back against the wall and gave her a slow, sensuous kiss that made her moan. She looped her arms around his neck, swirling her tongue against his, feeling her nipples harden against his firm chest.
Carlos lifted his head. “I wanted a few minutes alone before more people arrive. Then I’ll be distracted and won’t have time to spend with you. The future is looking better for us, don’t you think?”
“Yes,” Carmen whispered. “You have your first major show in Toronto, and I’m confident you’ll soon be a household name. My father—Alfred Reeves—has finally accepted our relationship.” She shook her head, still unable to believe what her father had done.
“I’m glad, because I want to marry you, Carmen, and I hated the thought of you having to go against your father’s wishes to be with me. I worried that our kids wouldn’t be accepted.”
“You want to marry me?” she whispered.
“Of course. You knew that, didn’t you?”
“I guess I did, but hearing you say it...”
His arms tightened around her waist. “I love you more than anything or anyone else in this world, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life showing you.” He gave her a soft kiss, smoothing a hand over her ass. “And one of these days, I’m going to ask you to marry me.”
Carmen clutched either side of his jacket and raised up on her toes. “Ask me now.”
“No. Not yet.”
“Carlos.”
He chucked softly and kissed her ear. “Be patient, mi amor.”
Carmen sighed dramatically. “Don’t take too long.”
“I won’t. I love you.”
Carmen cupped his jaw and looked deeply into his eyes. “I love you, too.”
She was impatient, but there was no need for them to rush. They had their whole lives ahead of them, and she knew without a doubt, they would never be apart again.
Quicksand series
Enjoy the other books in the Quicksand series!
Alex Barraza was only supposed to have dinner with his employee, Sherry Westbrook, but their attraction cannot be denied. They decide to keep their affair a secret, but what happens when Sherry learns the truth about him? Find out in A Powerful Attraction.
After years of cheating, Charisse finally walked away from Terrence “T-Murder” Burrell, but he wants her back. When trust is broken, can it ever be repaired? Find out in Without You.
Carlos Hortado receives a second chance to be with the woman he left three years ago. But he has a secret. When Carmen finds out, will she be the one to walk away this time? Get the details in Never Again.
Join my mailing list
Did you enjoy this novel? Write a review to let other readers know so they can enjoy it, too. Thank you!
Join my mailing list to receive new release alerts, sneak peeks, and notices of sale prices!
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
About the Author
Delaney Diamond is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sweet, sensual, passionate romance novels. Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, she now lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She reads romance novels, mysteries, thrillers, and a fair amount of nonfiction. When she’s not busy reading or writing, she’s in the kitchen trying out new recipes, dining at one of her favorite restaurants, or traveling to an interesting locale.
Enjoy free reads and the first chapter of all her novels on her website. Join her mailing list to get sneak peeks, notices of sale prices, and find out about new releases.
Join her mailing list
www.delaneydiamond.com
Never Again: a second chance romance (Quicksand Book 3) Page 13