Chapter 29
Jamie
TWO WEEKS LATER
Aubrey’s on her way to Vegas, and even though she’ll only be gone for about twenty-four hours, I’m going to miss her. At least when she’s traveling for work, we’re in contact all day, but with the wedding, I’ll be lucky if I get to tell her goodnight.
It doesn’t help that I’m meeting my father for the first time and I wish she was here for it.
We’ve spoken a few times since our initial call, and although I’m nervous, it isn’t as if I expect to have an immediate father-son relationship with him.
He shared with me that I have a half-brother who still lives in Puerto Rico and is finishing his degree in social services, with hopes of becoming a social worker.
Maybe one day I’ll get to meet him, but even if I don’t, it’s comforting to know that the men I share blood with have values that are aligned with mine.
Since I got an early start today—and am feeling restless—I stop by the boutique paint shop Aubrey’s been insisting we use to support small businesses, to pick up two cans of paint in the shade she sent me.
She wanted to hire someone to paint the nursery, but I need something to keep me busy.
Also, I want to surprise her when she’s back from her trip.
I manage to get two coats done, and still have time for a quick shower and to change before needing to leave for lunch with my father.
I pull up to the restaurant and I’m relieved it isn’t as high-end as it looked online.
Alejandro made the reservations, so I had no idea what I’d be walking into.
It’s a small Italian restaurant with soft music and wooden tables without linens.
I would’ve been happy eating at a taqueria or having coffee, but an expensive restaurant would have me more on edge.
This feels more casual, more me, and I take note that I should bring Aubrey here sometime.
There’s a man waiting by the host stand, who’s about as tall as me, with a similar build. As a hostess steps behind the small podium, she asks, “How many in your party?”
“Two, but I have a reservation. It should be under the last name Sánchez.”
I freeze. This is it. After twenty-six years of not ever meeting him, here he is, mere feet from me. I swallow thickly as my pulse begins to quicken.
“Great. I have it right here, but I’ll need to wait until your full party is here before being seated.”
“No problem,” he replies, rubbing the back of his neck. “Could I wait at the bar until he gets here?”
I step forward. “Actually, I believe you’re just waiting on me.”
Alejandro glances over his shoulder, and it’s like I’m staring back at myself using one of those aging filters in social media apps.
He has a neatly-trimmed beard, where I usually keep a short mustache, but we have the same eyes and the same hair, except his has streaks of silver.
I’ve seen photos online, but it’s entirely different meeting him in person.
He offers a warm smile that reaches his eyes, little crinkles forming at the corners.
I reach to shake his hand, but as he takes it, he pulls me in for a tight half-hug.
“Jamie,” he manages, and there’s an unmistakable shake in his voice. “It’s so great to finally meet you.”
“You too.” No matter how hard I try to keep my cool, tears still prick behind my eyes.
As he pulls back, he grips both of my shoulders, taking me in. “This is incredible. You look so much like your brother.”
“If you’re ready to be seated, would you like a booth or a table?” the hostess asks, pulling our attention to her.
“Whatever you have available would be fine,” he replies, his voice a little hoarse.
She grabs two menus and rolled-up silverware. “Right this way.”
We follow her to a booth in the corner and take a seat. Unsure what to say, I start perusing the menu, and he flips his over to where there’s a wine list and other beverages. After what feels like the longest minute of my life, a server approaches.
“Hello there. I’m Jameson and I’ll be taking care of you this morning.” He checks his watch. “Actually, technically afternoon. Can I get you started with something to drink while you’re deciding?”
“Yes, we’ll have a bottle of the 2015 Syrah,” Alejandro replies, then opens the menu to where the food offerings are.
“Oh, no, I’m sorry. I’m not drinking. It isn’t that I don’t drink, my girlfriend is pregnant, so since she can’t drink, neither can I.”
Fucking hell. It seems Aubrey’s nervous rants have rubbed off on me.
“Just a glass then,” he chuckles, and I sigh in relief that he isn’t offended. “I’m sorry that I just assumed.”
“No, it’s fine, really. I’ll have an iced tea with lemon and sugar, please.”
“Of course. I’ll be right back with those.” Jameson writes in his notepad, then leaves to help other patrons.
“So… Your girlfriend…”
“Yeah, it’s a little complicated.”
He closes the menu. “I have time.”
I take a moment to figure out what I’m going to order so we won’t bother the server having to come back several times, then close my own menu.
“As you already know, I was helping Prime Minister Banks—former Prime Minister Banks—with the summit to discuss food insecurity and to help adopt free and expanded meal programs in schools.” He nods, and I continue, “Governor Harris was in attendance with her Chief of Staff, Aubrey Raine.”
“Ah, yes, those two are spitfires. So young but their tenacity is unmatched. I would bet within the next decade Olivia will be encouraged to run for President.”
“And she’d make a great one. It’s been a pleasure working for her.”
His brows furrow as he asks, “What does the summit have to do with your girlfriend?”
“Well, I met Aubrey the night before… and she took my breath away. We spent time together while she was at the summit, and then reconnected when I was offered the job here in Sacramento.”
He hums thoughtfully, then speaks mostly to himself, “So, you’re in a relationship with Aubrey?
” I offer a single nod, unsure how much else to divulge, since I’ve already offered a word-salad of secrets already.
“I’ve met her a few times, and she doesn’t strike me as the kind of woman who would accidentally become pregnant. ”
“You’re correct,” I agree with a soft laugh. “She did IVF before coming to the summit. The child won’t be biologically mine, but I plan on raising our daughter as my own all the same.”
“A baby girl,” he sighs wistfully. “I always wanted a girl. But if you two only met back in March, that’s only a few months…”
“I knew the day I met her that she was special. Aubrey had plans to do everything on her own. She doesn’t need me, which is probably why I fell in love with her so fast. We’re just waiting to make our relationship public until after Olivia’s wedding.”
“Isn’t that this weekend in Vegas? I’m sorry. If you can’t talk about it, I understand. I’ve heard rumors, but everything’s been quiet.”
“It isn’t a secret.” I shrug. “Photos should be surfacing this afternoon. Olivia and Isaac only invited their family, and a few close friends. I was invited too, but I’d have to find a dog sitter for the weekend. Also, I’d be tempted to elope myself if I went.”
Alejandro lets out a full laugh. “I may know a thing or two about impulsivity.”
It’s strange that he admitted that, because my whole life, I’ve never been impulsive; the one-night stand he had with my mother kept me from doing the same.
Until I met Aubrey. “She’s only been gone for a few hours, and there’s already an ache in my chest. I could brush it off as love at first sight, but she’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner.
If I knew she’d say yes, I’d ask her right now. ”
Jameson sets our drinks down and asks, “Are you two ready to order? Or do you still need a few minutes?”
“A few minutes would be great, thank you,” Alejandro replies, and our server leaves. Once he’s out of earshot, he asks me, “Do you want to spend the rest of your life with Aubrey?”
It doesn’t take me even a single second to answer, “Yes.”
“Then ask her. I know I have no right to give you advice, but you only live once. I will never claim that I was in love with your mother—all I knew about her was her first name and that she’s Canadian when we met.
But I don’t regret our one night together, because now you’re here.
Everything happens for a reason. If that isn’t enough proof that fate exists, I don’t know what is. ”
“I would if I could. I’d have to find a last-minute flight. I’d also have to find someone to watch my dog. Even then, there’s no harm in waiting until she’s home.”
He pulls out his phone and begins typing. “Lucky for you, I have transferable airline miles. If you leave now, you'll be able to catch the next flight.”
“What if she says no?”
“What if she says yes?” he counters.
“Then I’d marry her at the first chapel that had availability.”
“Exactly. Now, what kind of dog do you have?”
“She’s small, an Alaskan Klee Kai—like an Alaskan Husky but the size of a Chihuahua—but I can’t accept your offer.”
Continuing to type, he doesn’t glance up from his phone. “If you catch the 6 a.m. flight back home, you wouldn’t even be gone for a full day. If you trust me, I could watch your dog; it isn’t like she’s a Great Dane.”
“It’s okay, truly. You don’t need to watch her, I can propose when Aubrey’s back.”
Alejandro finally looks up. “Women like Aubrey and Olivia are special. They don’t need a grand gesture, but they deserve one.
Olivia’s soon-to-be husband gave up being Prime Minister to be with her.
Surprise Aubrey in Vegas. Show her with actions, not words, that you’re ready to begin the rest of your lives together today as husband and wife.
Worst case is she might tell you no, but I’d put my money on her saying yes. ”
Worst case is actually her telling me to fuck off, but what if he’s right? If I get on a plane, I could marry her tonight. “Okay.”
His smile is wide and it’s uncanny how much I look like him. “Good, because your tickets are taken care of and in your email.”
“You really didn’t have to do that. I don’t even have a ring.”
“Then buy one when you’re in Vegas or when you’re back in Sacramento.” Even with his phone right in front of him, he makes a show of glancing at his watch. “Your rideshare will be here in less than two minutes.”
“What?” It comes out an octave higher than intended.
“Give me the key to your apartment and text me with instructions for your dog. Go get your girl.”
“Fuck it,” I mutter, pulling out the fob and handing it to him. “But I’ll see if Tracy can take over tonight.”
“Whatever you need, but when you’re back, I’d love to hear all about it. If not in-person, maybe a video call.”
“You have a deal. My apartment is dog and baby-proofed. Angel’s in her crate right now and should be fine for another hour. If you let her out, just keep her out of the nursery—I just painted it this morning.”
We both get up and he pulls me in for a tight, warm hug. Today hasn’t gone as planned, but by the time it’s over, I may be the luckiest man alive… if Aubrey says yes.