19. Mariana
Mariana
T he firehouse came into view as Sebastian pulled into the lot, the smell of grilled meat and charcoal thick in the air. Laughter and music spilled from the backyard, where familiar voices mixed with the occasional clang of a spatula against the grill.
Through the windshield, I spotted Analyse standing with a drink in hand, chatting with Mateo, while Maya ran in circles around them, a blur of pink sneakers and wild curls. My stomach flipped. We were really doing this.
Seba must have felt it because his fingers suddenly slid over mine, warm and steady, anchoring me. “You ready to shock the hell out of them, Mi Tesoro?” he asked, amusement lacing his voice.
I turned to look at him, at that smug, boyish grin that made me want to roll my eyes and kiss him at the same time. “Oh, they’re not ready.”
He grinned, but before I could even reach for the door handle, his grip on my hand tightened slightly. “Don’t open your door,” he said, already unbuckling.
I frowned. “Why-”
He was out of the car before I could finish the question, jogging around to my side.
By the time he pulled open the door, a satisfied smirk on his face, I was equal parts amused and exasperated.
“Seriously?” I asked, biting back a smile.
He shrugged, offering me his hand. “What? Sue me for having manners, princesa.”
I rolled my eyes but took his hand anyway. And just like that, we were stepping into the firehouse chaos—together.
“OH MY GOSH!” Maya shrieked before we even made it fully into the yard, stopping mid-run, hands on her hips, “Are you Tío Seb’s girlfriend?!”
The entire backyard went silent. Analyse turned, eyes wide, followed by a slow, wicked grin. Mateo and Andres, big, loud and completely incapable of minding their own damn business, whipped their heads toward us.
Sebastian groaned. “Maya!”
She gasped dramatically, “Oh! Are you getting Married?! Tío Seb and Mari sitting in the tree, k-i-ss-i-n-g.”
Laughter erupted. Someone whistled. Someone else cheered.
Sebastian sighed, rubbing his face, but I was too busy laughing to care. Analyse arched a brow, arms crossed. “So, Do I get to say ‘I told you so’ now, or…?”
Sebastian shot her a look, then turned back to Maya, who was standing in front of them now. Sebastian scooped Maya up, spinning her in the air and making her squeal with laughter. “Maya, you little troublemaker, are you trying to put me on the spot?”
She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Just answer the question, Tío Seb!!”
He sighed dramatically, giving me a playful look before turning back to her. “Alright, alright. If I say yes, do I get extra bbq?”
Maya gasped. “YES! You do like her! I knew it!”
The backyard erupted into cheers and laughter as Sebastian groaned, setting her down. “Now you’ve done it, bebecita; they’re never going to let me live this down.”
As the BBQ went on, I found myself caught in the flow of it all.
Sitting with Analyse as she teased Seba mercilessly.
Laughing as the guys tried to out-grill each other, each claiming their steak seasoning was superior.
Holding Maya on my hip as she told me all about her favorite bedtime stories.
As the sun dipped lower, casting a golden light over the yard, Seba pulled me aside, away from the noise.
“You okay?” he asked, his hand settling on my waist.
I nodded, watching as Maya chased Mateo around with a styrofoam sword. I guess she’s a warrior princess. “Yeah. I am.”
His thumb brushed against my hip, slow and steady. “Good. Because I don’t plan on letting you go this time.”
My heart clenched. I look up at him, at the way the fading sunlight softened the sharp edges of his face, and I let myself believe that maybe everything really would be okay. He kissed me then, slow and deep. A promise made through his touch, a promise I was finally letting myself believe.
The sun had set, and the crackling fire cast a warm glow over the fire pit, the flickering light dancing across our faces. The night air was crisp, but the flames and the scent of roast marshmallows made everything feel cozy.
Most of the crowd had gone, leaving just me, Analyse, Seb, Mateo, Andres, and their Captain, Nathan, relaxing around the fire, passing around the last of the s’mores.
Maya, still buzzing from way too much sugar, suddenly ran over, gasping, “Tío Seb!” barreling toward him at full speed. “I just remembered! You have to give Mari a prize!”
Sebastian, who had been mid-bite into a s’more, barely managed a swallow before arching an eyebrow at her. “Was I supposed to give Mariana a prize?”
Maya planted her hands on her hips, the offended look on her face priceless. “Uh yea, Tio.” She lets out an exasperated sigh, crossing her arms tight over her chest, clearly disappointed in his lack of common sense. “You’re supposed to give her a prize because she’s your girlfriend now.”
Andres chimes in, humor in his tone, “Yeah, she’s gonna need a prize for dealing with you.”
A chuckle ripped through the group, and I couldn’t help the stop that spread across my face as Maya turned her attention to me, “Did he give you a prize yet, Mari?”
I bit my lip, glancing at Seb, who was watching me with that damn smirk that made my stomach flip. “Not yet,” I said, playing along, tilting my head, my expression feigning concern. “Should I be worried?”
Maya gasps, horrified, and says solemnly, “Oh yes, you should be. This is serious, Mari!” She whirls back toward Sebastian, jabbing her tiny finger in his direction. “Tio, I’m going to tell abuela. You have to give her a prize right away!”
Sebastian scrubbed a hand over his jaw, clearly amused. “And what kind of prize do you think she deserves.”
Maya taps a marshmallow-covered finger to her chin, deep in thought. “Hmm…” she says. Then, her face lights up. “A princess crown! Because Mari is a princess!” she declares.
Andres nearly chokes on his beer, while Mateo bursts out laughing. Sebastian shot them both a look before turning back to Maya with a solemn nod. “You’re absolutely right, carinito. Mariana definitely deserves a crown.”
I raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Oh? And where exactly are you going to find one?”
Sebastian leaned in, dropping his voice low enough for only me to hear. “I can think of a few ways to make you feel like a queen later.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks instantly. I elbowed him lightly, half-glaring, half-blushing. “Behave.”
He winked. “Not a chance.”
Meanwhile, Maya had already moved on, twirling around the fire pit, still giddy with excitement. Analyse shook her head, laughing. “Alright, alright, you two, enough corrupting my daughter.”
She faces Maya, so much love in her eyes, “Mamita, we have to get going, okay? It is wayyy past your bedtime.”
Maya groans. “Ahh mami, but I’m not even tired!” Stifling a yawn.
Analyse laughs, “Sure you’re not, mi amorcito. Come on, let’s get going.” She lifts Maya into her arms, waves goodbye to everyone, and begins to walk toward her car.
Sebastian pulls me in closer as the fire crackles between us, warm and cozy, but it was his touch that I felt the most. I let out a slow breath, sinking into him, into this. For once, I’m not bracing for the other shoe to drop.