Chapter 32 #2
Pablo and I looked at three houses in the syndicate neighborhood today. There was one we liked more than the other two. Unfortunately, the sellers’ agent got really cagey once she recognized Pablo from photos of an event he and I attended last week at the Waldorf Astoria.
Pablo hasn’t told me outright, but I figured out Abuelo didn’t go back to Colombia.
I thought I’d be angry or sad, but I was just—nothing.
I don’t miss him. When I dredge up feelings, it’s for Abuela who’s finally free from the tyrant.
It’s for my father’s two sisters, but there’s none for my father’s younger brother who’s a chip off the old block.
I learned that phrase recently from a TV show. Pablo had to explain it.
“You know if you need anything or want to explore more of the city, just let me know. I’m happy to figure out something around my shifts.”
Madeline’s a midwife at a hospital in Brooklyn.
I bet she’s fantastic. She’s so calm about everything.
I experienced Pablo’s first mission overseas two weeks after we professed our love for the first time.
He left in the middle of the night with a kiss and an “I’ll call when I can,” which was four days later.
I stayed with Madeline and Javier since he didn’t go.
She and I are growing close, and I’ve met her sister.
Laura was really sweet to me too, which I wasn’t expecting given she’s married to Enrique’s bratva equivalent.
“Dinner will be ready in just a moment.”
Pablo wraps his arm around my shoulder as he slips into the spot next to me on the sofa.
I sweep my gaze around the room and notice everyone but Luis is in the enormous family room that sprawls into the dining room.
I twist to see him walking out of the kitchen.
When he joins us, Pablo stands. Before anyone else can, he thrusts out his hand to me.
It’s not just a gentle offer to help me up but something purposeful. It makes the others watch.
“I got good news while I was in the kitchen.”
Once I’m on my feet, he reaches into his trousers pocket to pull out his phone. He unlocks it and hands it to me. I see an email addressed to both of us. I skim it before looking up at him.
“We got the house?”
“We did.”
“I didn’t know you put an offer on it. I thought the agent said the owners wouldn’t accept one from us.”
“I made a call. I reminded the agent that who owns the house after the sellers leave isn’t their concern.”
I glance back at the phone and see how much over asking Pablo offered. It’s obscene, but he knows I fell in love with the house. Him shifting catches my attention. I look at him as he lowers to one knee. I drop his phone, which he deftly catches and puts on the floor beside him.
“Flora, we’ve known since the beginning our path is now one.
I knew but didn’t understand what the other couples in my family talked about when they said they found ‘the one.’ Now I do.
I want to grow old with you in this house we make a home.
I know you’re far from what you know, but you’re with family. Now and forever. Will you marry me?”
I’ve been nodding since he got down on one knee, agreeing with everything he’s said.
He’s melted my heart into a puddle beside him.
Some couples might prefer a private moment for this momentous occasion, but being with his family is perfect.
They’ve accepted me from the beginning, and this reminds me that in their minds—and hearts—I’m already a Diaz.
I feel loved by more than just Pablo. I feel accepted by more than just Pablo.
Most of my life, it was only my mother who made me feel that way.
“?Sí!”
He slides a ring on my finger that could dazzle the space station.
But all I want is for him to stand. I tug on his sweater, and he comes to his feet.
I throw my arms around him and pepper his face with kisses as he lifts me off mine.
We share a kiss that’s even more intense and inappropriate for other people to watch than the one after he came home from meeting that mercenary.
Everyone filters into the dining room to give us a moment alone. We rest our foreheads together as we whisper.
“Thank you, Papí. All of this is perfect. How’d you know this is the perfect ring?”
“I heard you talking to Madeline a couple weeks ago when you were discussing her wedding plans. You mentioned the style you like. Did I get it right doing it with everyone around?”
He sounds so hesitant that it’s adorable.
“You have supersonic hearing, Daddy.”
“When it comes to you, absolutely.”
“Thank you. I love that you included our family.”
I think his eyes water for a heartbeat.
“Do you really consider them your family?”
“Of course.”
“Chiquita, they consider you family too.”
“I know they do. I couldn’t ask for more.”
We kiss once again before he leads me into the dining room.
“Chica, I swear I’ll end all this shit still hanging over us before the wedding in two weeks.”
“Two weeks?!”