Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
Liliana
After we ate the lunch Nick packed, I said goodbye to Celeste and Reina.
“If you need anything, call. Mia told me to take a few days off, and I think I’m going to listen to her.
” While I was certain they had a thousand questions about what happened in my office, with Nick standing at my side, they didn’t ask. “I’ll be back on Monday.”
Since it was Thursday afternoon, that wasn’t much time away. Hopefully, the apartments had seen all the excitement they would for a while. Besides, Christmas was at the end of next week.
The engagement ring was currently in my skirt pocket. I reasoned that we needed to have Mia and el Patrón’s blessing before we made a public announcement.
In Nick’s car on our way to Mia’s home, he reached over and squeezed my knee. “Don’t be nervous.”
“Did you ask el Patrón before you asked me?”
“Technically, you and I spoke about it first.”
Tightness formed in my chest.
“However, I did ask…this morning.”
“And he said yes?”
“Remember when you told him about SDCC?”
I nodded.
“Similar reaction. Not a yes, not a no. He nodded and asked questions about soldiers on the street.”
I laid my head against the soft leather headrest. “I can’t believe it’s that easy. Last time—”
“Last time,” Nick interrupted, “there were negotiations with your father. Senor Socorro Cervantes forfeited his ability to speak for you. Jano is going to ask you if you want to marry me.”
“You know my father’s name?”
Nick laughed. “Sí, and your mother’s, Nailea. You know my parents’ names.”
“I do.” Looking down at my hands, I thought about my parents. “My parents will be happy I’m married.” I turned toward Nick and smiled. “And to a lieutenant.”
Again, he squeezed my knee. “What relationship you choose to have with them is up to you. I’ll support you whether they’re a part of our lives or not. You just can’t ask me to honor and respect people who would treat you the way they have.”
“I get it. I don’t think I respect them any longer. What about Lieutenant Ruiz and Maria? Do they know?”
“Madre does.”
My stomach twisted. “And?”
His cheeks rose with his smile. “She’s very happy.”
“But you haven’t told your father?”
“I will. Let’s make it official first.”
“The ring…” I began. “It’s gorgeous. Is it an heirloom?”
“No.” He looked my way. “It’s brand new. Like our marriage will be.”
A smile spread over my face.
When we made it to el Patrón’s gate, Nick placed his badge beneath the sensor. The large white gate with gold filigree moved slowly to the side. The armed soldiers were at their posts. Once we parked, Nick opened my door and offered me his hand. “Once we have Jano’s blessing, we’ll move forward.”
There were other cars parked on the property. From my experience that meant that el Patrón was busy with business. Our marriage discussion would need to wait. With cartel business, our concerns weren’t high on el Patrón’s priority list.
“Senora Ruiz,” Silas said as he opened the door. “I would’ve been happy to pick you up and drive you here.”
“Thank you.”
Nick spoke from behind me. “I’m taking care of Senora Ruiz from now on. El Patrón?”
“In a meeting. I’ll let him know you’re waiting when he’s free.”
“Mia?” I asked.
“Out on the patio.”
Nick followed me through their home, past the closed door of Jano’s office, into the kitchen that radiated with the aroma of something Viviana was preparing, through the living room past the tall decorated tree and out to the patio.
When Mia saw us coming, she laid down her book and sat up on the lounge chair. “You decided to take my advice and take some time away from the apartments?”
I sat on the chair to her side, facing her. “A couple of days. The residents are acting as if yesterday never happened. They’re decorating for the holidays.”
“Oh good. I asked Em to take the decorations over from the warehouse.”
Mia pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head, looked up at Nick and back to me. “Is everything all right between the two of you?”
My gaze went to Nick who nodded. Reaching into the pocket of my skirt, I brought out the beautiful solitaire diamond ring. Warmth filled my cheeks as I showed it to Mia. “I said yes.”
“Oh,” she squealed, her fingers going to her lips. Next, she dove forward, wrapping me in a hug. “You said yes.” She looked up at Nick. “You asked Liliana, like a real gentleman.”
“El Patrón asked you, sí?”
“He did after my betrothal was already arranged with Dario. I still thought Jano was a pig. So, I said no.” She laughed. “That’s another story. And I’ve changed my mind about him. I’m so happy you asked Liliana.”
“Liliana is an independent adult.” He smirked. “I couldn’t think of anyone else to ask for her hand.”
Mia stood and reached for Nick’s hand. “I’m so happy.” She inhaled. “Thank you. We’re going to get the cartel into the current century eventually.” Mia turned to me. “Why aren’t you wearing that beautiful ring?”
“We need el Patrón’s approval.”
She squinted her eyes. “That move to the current century is going to take longer if we don’t all push for it. Put on the ring. You said yes.”
I did as she said, slipping it over the knuckle of my left fourth finger as Nick had done earlier in the day. Splaying my fingers, I looked down at the magnificent diamond. “This one makes me happy.”
Nick reached for my shoulder and squeezed.
“Let’s get some lemonade and celebrate,” Mia said. “We have a wedding to plan.” She stood. “How long of an engagement are you two thinking?”
Nick and I exchanged glances. He was the one to speak. “No more than six hours.”
“What?” Mia asked. “No, no, no. Family will be in to Sacramento next week.” She waved her hand.
“Rei and Jasmine’s home is big enough for everyone.
Joséfina, Catalina and Dario, and Camila and Dante will be there.
Uncle Carmine and Aunt Giulia are even coming for Isabella.
” Her eyes widened. “Your parents and Mireya,” she said to Nick.
“Valentina, Andrés, Em, and Isabella. That would be the perfect time to have a wedding.”
Suddenly, I stood, unable to sit still as my blood chilled. “No.” I looked up at Nick, feeling my cheeks pale. “I don’t want to be in that house—mansion—prison.” I reached for my hands, willing them to stop shaking. “Please, can we marry here?”
An expression of concern clouded Nick’s features. “Yes.”
“Oh shit,” Mia said. “I obviously wasn’t thinking. After you talk with Jano, we’ll call for Father Gallo. I think I have him on speed dial.”
We all turned as el Patrón came out onto the patio, carrying Jorge.
“Look who I found,” he said to the baby, “tu mamá.” He kissed Mia before handing Jorge to her and turning to us.
“Silas told me you’re here.” His dark stare and rock-hard expression came to me.
“I’ve spoken to Nick. Now I speak with you. ”
Mia’s hazel stare encouraged my word choice.
I took a deep breath. “El Patrón, Nick asked me to marry him. I said yes.” I extended my left hand. “I hope you’ll give us your blessing.”
Jano peered toward his wife, his lips curling. “Mia, it seems we have another wedding. Do you think we can fit that into the schedule?”
Parting my lips, I exhaled.
“Tomorrow,” Mia said. She turned to her husband. “That way they’ll be married by the time of our family gathering.”
“I still don’t…”
She laid her hand on my shoulder. “Come, let’s talk.”