by Lila Felix
He sighed longer and harder than I’d ever heard and clanked his fork down on the plate in front of him.
“This is it then? You’ve made your decision? Are you marrying him?”
The thought of marrying Austin fluttered in my belly like a thousand caterpillars.
Yes, that was what I wanted.
“I want to, Papa, but after the fit I threw last night about you not being there, I’m not even sure if he wants to marry me anymore.”
“I didn’t do it to ruin your night, mija. I was making a point.”
“Point taken. You hate Austin. The thing is, Papa, I don’t care if you do. I’m done. We aren’t kids hiding our relationship anymore. I’m gonna go try to fix this now.”
I gasped at my own admission.
“One dinner.” My papa coughed out.
“What?”
“One family dinner. Here. Tonight. Let’s see how it goes. I don’t want to lose you over this.”
“You know what, Papa? I will ask him. If he wants to come, great. If he doesn’t, then nothing about what I said changes. Just know that before you work up some plan to humiliate him or get angry, he’s it for me – no matter what.”
I went upstairs and showered as fast as I could, throwing on the same scrubs I’d worn the day before. Glasses on my face and hair wild and tangled in a bun on the top of my head, I headed to Austin’s house, hoping to God we could work this out.
Chapter Sixteen
Austin
Five o’clock the next morning, I fell out of bed after hitting my head on the nightstand.
I swore that not ten minutes earlier I’d finally fallen asleep.
Before I went to check on my dad, I flipped the switch on the coffee pot. I’d need six gallons of the stuff before I could even function that day.
If that even helped.
Dad was up, staring out the window.
“Morning, Dad. Ready to go to the bathroom?”
He shook his head, still not looking at me. “These windows aren’t thick enough.”
I cursed, collapsing into the chair beside his bed. I propped my forehead on the side of his bed.
“Dad, everything is messed up. I said so many things I didn’t mean. I’d wait for her forever, you know? I have waited for her forever.”
Dad rubbed his head in my hair. “We all do, son. We all do. Although, you did make some good points.”
My head jerked up at him saying that. He loved her so much I’d never expected him to say I’d done anything right especially when I felt like everything I’d done was wrong.
Because the only way it would be right is if she was here with me again.
That’s the only way I would ever be right again.
“Dad?”
“I’m serious, Austin. Everybody has their hang-ups. She loves you, I know that. She cried on that back porch for nearly two hours before she left. She wasn’t mad at you. Alma was mad at herself. Girl loves you.”
“I put the ball in her court. If she wants us, she’ll come back.”
“Do you love her?”
“Yes.”
“You love her enough to want to marry her?”
“Yes.”
“When you love someone like that, there’s no pride left. You have to go get her.”
Just as he finished his sentence, the front door opened. A little part of me hoped it was Butch or someone else because I didn’t know if I had the guts to face her right then.
“Austin?”
Her calling my name one time set me in motion.
“Alma?”
“Hey… ooo!” We collided in the living room. She was on her way to the back, and I was practically sprinting to the front.
“I told my papa that I love you.” She practically yelled at me after thunking into my chest.
“You did? Even after last night?”
She looked down. “Especially after last night. You were right. He wants you to come to dinner tonight with the family. But you don’t have to. I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t.”
All my worry and anxiety subsided. I didn’t care about her dad or anyone else in that moment. I cared that the woman I love still loved me.
“I’m incredibly sorry, Alma. I can’t even tell you how sorry I am.”
“No.” She shoved back and propped herself up on her tiptoes to make sure we were eye to eye. “I needed to hear that last night. It’s about time I stood up for you and me.”
“You and me, sounds fantastic right now.”
“How about you and me always?”
I didn’t even get to answer before her lips were pressed to mine. As her arms wound around my neck, I pulled her closer to me, as close as we could get. Alma’s brown silken hair was up in a knot and I chuckled through our kiss as her glasses kept making dents in my face.
This was how my girl was when no one was looking. This beauty was mine to behold.
“I like the glasses,” I said in between pecks.
“Yeah? I was just in such a hurry to get here.”
“You were? I was flying out of here trying to get to you. I was afraid…”
She smiled and everything I was about to say faded in my mind. “That’s the great thing about you and me being together and everyone knowing. We don’t have to be afraid anymore, Austin.”
With those simple words, she put a fire in me. A fire of love, a fire of bravery and a fire of complete and total trust – in us.
“I’m going to that dinner.”
“Good. I’m coming with you. I threw a dress and some heels in my car. I’ll get ready over here.”
“Oh yeah?” I teased her. “Do I get to watch?”
“Not yet. You’ve got to earn that, mister.”
“Yes, ma’am. Maybe we’d better go talk to Dad. I think he was more worried than I was.”
“He loves me. It can’t be helped.”
“Yeah, well, he’s not the only one.
We walked into Dad’s room and he was already beaming. The nosy ol’ buster.
“Iron your shirt, Austin. And make us some breakfast. We’ve got celebrating to do.”
“Dad, you were eavesdropping.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “My house. I can listen to whatever I want.”
Alma snuggled against my side. “Let me help your dad get dressed for the day and if I remember correctly, you make a mean omelet.”
“I make the best omelets.”
“Okay. I’ll be in there in a second.”
I turned to go but looked back at her. She looked over her shoulder at the same time and mouthed “I love you.”
It was turning out to be the best morning ever.
Chapter Seventeen
Alma
I touched up my lips with Austin’s favorite lip gloss and fluffed my hair a bit more. I picked a golden sundress with the perfect pair of matching wedges to put it all together. I never liked heavy makeup, but for tonight I added a bit more. I shouldn’t be nervous. It was just my family, but then again it was my family. I know this was Papa’s idea, but this could end up being a disaster. I closed my eyes and said a small prayer this was going to be a great dinner. Or at least, somewhat great.
It didn’t matter. I was going to be with Austin. Period.
Knock. Knock.
I turned to see the man I love pushing the door open. “Alma? You okay?”
I smiled. “I’m perfect.”
He came further into the bedroom and stopped. “Wow.” I watched as he studied me. “You are the most beautiful being I’ve ever seen.”
“You’re okay, I guess.” I teased. He knew I was lying. In front of me, Austin was wearing a dark gray suit, with his shiny black cowboy boots. He left open a few buttons since he wasn’t wearing a tie.
“Words like that won’t get you kissed later.” He tried to hide his smirk but failed.
“Really?” I swayed my hips as I glided over to him. “Even with my tasty peach lip gloss?” I slightly pushed out my bottom lip. Sur
e, it was a little childish, but I loved flirting with him like this. He was like Jell-O in my hand.
His smile grew, and he leaned down softly touching my lips with his. “You drive a hard bargain.”
I giggled. “I’m ready to go when you are.”
“Let’s take my truck. I’d like to stargaze with you tonight after dinner.” He held out his hand, and I laced our fingers together.
“I can’t wait.”
I had to take several deep breaths as Austin opened the truck door for me and we walked up to my parents’ front door. I didn’t know what tonight held, but we’re both about to find out. I wiped the sweat from my palm and turned the doorknob.
“Mama, Papa we’re here.” I announced pushing the door open.
“Austin.” Mama greeted him first. “I’m happy you came.” She hugged him.
“I brought these for you.” He handed her a bouquet of flowers.
“How sweet. I’ll go put them in water.” She touched my cheek as she headed into the kitchen.
“Austin. Alma.” Papa’s deep voice made us both turn.
“Sir.” Austin nodded to him.
“Hello, Papa.” I smiled at him. I couldn’t gauge his mood at the second. His face was stone. Then again, it normally was that way.
The three of us stood near each other in awkward silence until Mama came back in and told us dinner was ready. Walking in a line, we headed into the dining room. I knew she would have gone all out for Austin. There was a massive spread of food laid out on the table along with the good dishes as she called. Normally, those were brought out for the most special guests, and I kept my smile at bay when I saw them. It meant she cared about how tonight went as well as me.
Austin pulled out my chair for me. I sat on the left side of Papa and Mama was across from me.
“This looks delicious.” Austin took the seat next to me.
“Thank you.” She smiled.
After Papa said grace, we passed around the food putting portions of everything on our plates. There were several minutes of silence before Mama began breaking the ice.
“Austin, I heard you were talking about buying the only James Building downtown. Is that true?”
“Yes. I was thinking of turning it into apartments.”
“You have been buying up a lot of real estate.” Papa growled.
“Land and sturdy structures are great investments. But the ranch will always be my number one priority,” Austin said with much pride.
Papa mumbled something under his breath I couldn’t hear. Mama cut him a glare and he went back to looking down at his food.
“I had a lot of fun at your gathering, Austin. It was great to see everyone in one place.” Mama told him.
“It was.” He nodded. “I think we need to do it more often. Everyone’s family seems to be growing.”
Mama and I chat up those who’ve recently had babies or expecting newborns soon. Austin even threw in some comments. Papa remained quiet as the three of us were having a grand time.
“What are your plans?” Papa blurted out the question and we all stopped. “What are your plans for the ranch and my daughter? You were an adult and took advantage of her. She was just a little girl.”
I was about to chastise him for treating Austin this way. There was no reason for it. I wasn’t a small child at sixteen, and I knew exactly what was I doing.
“You’re right. I did take advantage of her.” He stated.
I whipped around and gaped at him.
“Her kindness, her hard work ethic, her bluntness, all of which I know she got from you, I took advantage of because I wanted to be more like her. I hung around her to get to know her better and what happened – she stole my heart – and I never got it back. It belongs to her. Yes, I did things wrong. I should have been man enough to talk to you and ask your permission to date her. Properly, but I didn’t, because I was still a kid. A kid in love with Alma and I never wanted to let her go. I never will let her go. I have a strong financial future. The ranch is self-sufficient, and I have enough investments to ensure our future. If Alma wants to work she can, if she wants to be a housewife, she can. But I want her by my side, and I will fight for her this time. And I hope for your blessing.”
If there was ever a true declaration of love from Austin to me, this was it. Tears of love filled me, and my heart fluttered from his beautiful words. He loved me. He truly loved me and we were going to be together.
“Alma is very hardheaded,” Papa gruffly said.
“Tell me about it.” Austin scoffed and Mama laughed. “But it’s a quality I love because it’s her. I give you my word I will always take care of her, love her, and respect her.”
Papa stared at him for a moment before looking at me. He took a deep breath and then reached for Mama’s hand. He was thinking. I could tell by the way my parents had their silent conversation.
“If you ever break your promise to me, Austin, I will break you. I might be older than you, but I still have tricks up my sleeve.” He held a hard gaze on him.
“I will never break my word to you.” He vowed.
“Then you two have my blessing.”
Just like when I heard Mama tell me to fight for Austin, you could have knocked me over with a feather. Those were words I thought I’d never hear. He was actually doing it. He said it was okay to be with Austin. I leaped out of my chair and hugged my father’s neck tightly. “I love you, Papa. Thank you.”
He kissed my cheek. “I love you too. I’m not thrilled, but I want you to be happy.”
My cheeks were hurting from my smile. I knew he wouldn’t be happy, but this was a step in the right direction with my future with Austin.
A very, long, happy future.
Chapter Eighteen
Austin
Walking out of the Villanueva’s home, I felt as if I was walking on clouds. It was happening. At the age of thirty, my life was beginning. Holding tightly onto Alma’s hand, we strolled to my truck. Everything was falling into place. I wasn’t sure it was going to, but now it is.
“Where are we going?” Alma asked as I hopped onto my side.
“I told you stargazing.” I smirk.
Her soft giggle filled the cab and made my heart race. “I know you did. I’m asking where?”
My stomach flipped. “Where it all began.”
“What?” She seemed confused, but it made me smile. There was still a sweet innocence within her. I love it. I love her.
On the drive back to the ranch I thought about our future. I knew how much Alma loved her job and that she wasn’t permanently settled here. Would it change after talking to her tonight? After I laid out my plan to her, what will she do? I was twenty-three when I fell in love with a sixteen year old girl. And now I was thirty and ready to sweep her off her feet again.
As I headed up the driveway to the main house, I cut off to the small but drivable trail to the hay field. I glanced over at Alma and she was smiling. She knew where we were going.
I parked my truck smack dab in the middle of the field and hopped out. I rushed over to her side and opened her door. I gripped her hips tightly and helped her out. I knew she could get out on her own, but I wanted to touch her. I wanted to all night.
Together we got the blanket and pillows out and made up the bed of the truck. I removed my jacket and put it around her shoulders. It was a bit cooler tonight and there was a light breeze. I laid down first and she easily curled up to my side. We were two puzzle pieces that fit just right.
“Do you remember our first night in this field?” My question came out in a soft whisper, but I knew she heard me.
“I do.” She glanced up at me. “I was so nervous.”
“I was too.” I stroked her cheek with the pads of my fingers. “You lied to your parents that night.”
“I told them I was staying at a friend’s house.”
“Your made-up friend.” I chuckled.
“I couldn’t say Tara.” She called out with a laugh.
She raised up on her elbow. “I told you the same.”
“I still love you.”
“I love you too. I never stopped, Austin. I just… dealt with the pain of not having you around me.” The moonlight shone brightly showing her eyes filling with tears.
I maneuvered myself until I was up on my knees and then on one knee. Alma sat up completely.
“What are you doing?”
“Something I should have done a long time ago.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small pouch. I knew if I kept it in the ring box she would have figured it out.
“What are you doing?” She repeated. Her voice is shaking.
“Listen to me.” I kissed the palm of her hand, then held it tightly in mine. “Seven years ago, I fell in love with this girl. She was sixteen, young, vibrant, hardheaded, and perfect. She taught me a lot in the short year we were sneaking around and hiding our relationship.”
“What did she teach you?” Her voice now cracks.
“Hard work. Love everyone despite everything. Being brave. How to love.” I listed off the main reasons, even though there was much more. “Above all, she taught me about love and respect.” I pulled the ring out of its holding pouch. “I bought this two days before you left me.”
She gasped.
“I told you I wanted to marry you the day you left me. I told you, but I didn’t ask you. I was still so young and had a lot to learn about myself. Now, I know what I want and today I’d like to ask you.” I stared deeply into her eyes and saw the tears falling. I pray those are happy tears. “Alma Villanueva, I’ve loved you since the first day we met. I loved you even more after our first kiss in the hayloft. I can’t imagine never loving you. I want to wake up with you every morning and fall asleep with you every night. I want everything in between.”
She sniffed.
“I love you. Please, Alma, will you do me the great honor of marrying me?”
“I have my job.” She countered.
“I understand and you love it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to work it out with you.”