Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Liliana
I held my head high as Silas and a guard I didn’t recognize entered the crowded office. Mama went to my father’s side, her eyes down. As Silas guided them from the room, Mama whispered, “I’m sorry, Lily.”
El Patrón’s office remained silent until they were gone.
Nick turned to me. “Tesoro, are you all right?”
“Why would you offer him that much money?”
“You heard me.” Nick’s smile curled. “You, Senora Nick Ruiz, are priceless.”
“But you didn’t have to. El Patrón said—”
His lips stopped mine, muting my words and tenderly kissing me. For a second, I forgot we were in el Patrón’s office, with the boss, Rei, and my father-in-law, Lieutenant Ruiz. Heat filled my cheeks as I remembered our audience and took a step back.
“I’m sorry about this,” I said to everyone. “I told Mia to let them know about the wedding. I thought they might want to…” I shrugged. “I never expected…” I took a ragged breath. “I didn’t know about Gerardo’s payment.”
“The scene is forgotten,” Jano said. “My wife, she’s worked hard for you to celebrate your wedding.”
Nick squeezed my hand. “Let’s go see the guests we want to see.”
I brushed my cheeks with my fingertips, wondering if I’d ruined the makeup artist’s hard work. “I’m probably a mess.”
“You’re gorgeous.”
I wasn’t confident about that, but I liked knowing that was the way my husband saw me. He placed his large hand in the small of my back. His touch gave me the confidence to face the other guests. Together we exited el Patrón’s office.
“There they are,” Mia called.
It was the first time I was able to scan our guests.
Besides the family members—Ruiz and Roríguez—Celeste, Reina, Luz, and Julia from the apartments were in attendance.
They looked stunning, wearing cocktail dresses and high-heeled sandals, and holding flutes of champagne.
If anyone in attendance didn’t recognize them or know what they did for a living, they would never guess.
I hurried over to the four of them. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Mia invited us,” Julia said.
“A real invitation,” Luz added.
They all giggled.
“Am I missing something?” I asked.
“We snuck into Isabella’s wedding,” Julia said. “With Mia’s approval. But this time, she said we could stay.” She stood taller. “We’re actual guests of el Patrón.”
“I couldn’t be happier to have my friends witness my wedding.”
“It was beautiful,” Celeste said, “even if you did marry my last hope at a top lieutenant.”
It was my turn to laugh. “I never thought I’d be this happy about another marriage.”
“It shows,” Reina said. “You’re glowing.”
I felt Nick’s presence before his warmth radiated from my back and his large hand wrapped around my waist. “Thank you for joining us,” he said to the residents. “I asked Mia to be sure you’d be here.” He kissed my cheek. “I know how much you all mean to Liliana.”
Craning my neck, I grinned in his direction. “It was your idea?”
“Sí. And judging by your smile, it was a good one.”
“Si, muy buena.”
“Sorry, ladies, I’m going to steal my wife for a minute.”
“I hope you last longer than a minute,” Julia said with a grin.
I stifled a giggle as Nick guided me away.
“Have you officially met Joséfina Roríguez?” he asked.
“I saw her at Mia and Jano’s wedding, but we didn’t speak.”
“Come,” he said.
Joséfina, Jano and Rei’s mother, was a stunning beauty, reminding me of Salma Hayek. Her high cheekbones and long dark hair made her appear too young to be the mother of grown men. Wearing a navy-blue chiffon dress, she was sitting in the living room with Jorge in her arms.
“Senora Roríguez,” Nick said.
She looked up, her brown eyes assessing as a smile spread across her lips. “Nick.”
“Senora, may I introduce my bride, Liliana Ruiz.”
“El placer es mio.”
“Gracias, es un placer conocerte oficialmente.” I looked down at Jorge. “He’s happy to be with his abuela.”
“Sí, my first grandson. Jasmine’s going to have another strong boy. Maybe Mia’s next will be a girl.”
“Oh, she wouldn’t be spoiled at all,” I said with a scoff.
Joséfina laughed. “All ninos should be spoiled with love.”
“They should.” I tried not to think of my own parents.
“Congratulations,” Jasmine said as she came up to us, her baby bump protruding from her midsection. “Beautiful wedding.”
“Thank you.”
“Liliana, may I speak with you a moment?”
My gaze went to Nick and back to Jasmine. We were aware of one another, but I couldn’t recall a time Jasmine and I spoke privately. Nervously, I followed her out onto the terrace.
“Congratulations again,” she said once we were more secluded. Her hand went to her belly, the way many pregnant women’s did. “I wanted to personally invite you and Nick to our home for Christmas Eve. It’s a tradition with my family, the feast of seven fishes.”
“I’ve never heard of that.”
“It’s an Italian-American tradition.” She scoffed. “I’m not really Italian, but I was raised that way by Dario, and it doesn’t feel right not to carry on the tradition with all of our family.”
I pressed my lips together. “I’m sorry, Jasmine. I don’t think I’m ready to enter your home.”
“It was yours first.”
I shook my head. “It wasn’t a home then.”
Jasmine nodded and inhaled. “Before I moved to Sacramento with Reinaldo, there was a coordinated attack on Jano’s house and ours. It did a lot of damage. Rei had the house renovated. Maybe you can be there with Nick and make new memories. We really would like the two of you to attend.”
Swallowing my emotion, I nodded. “I’ll talk with Nick.”
Her smile bloomed. “Thank you. That’s the most I can hope for. I’m sure you remember, the house is huge. We really do have room for everyone.”
“Thank you, Jasmine.” I reached out and squeezed her hand. “If Nick isn’t needed here, I’ll do my best. And thank you for bringing Sofia.” I remembered my earlier thought. “Did my parents come down with you and Rei, too?”
“No.” She shook her head, a cloud passing over her blue eyes. “I didn’t know your parents came. Are they still here?”
“No, they had to leave.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t even think of asking them to travel with us. I know Rei has mentioned Socorro from time to time.”
Pressing my lips together, I shook my head. “Please don’t worry about it.”
Her eyes widened. “I could ask Rei to invite them to Christmas Eve.”
“Oh no. I wouldn’t want them to intrude.”
“It’s—”
“Please don’t,” I interrupted. “My father and Nick…” I lowered my voice. “Nick might actually kill him next time, and I think that’s the wrong way to spend Christmas Eve or your fish feast.”
“Feast of seven fishes,” she corrected with a giggle. “You’re serious about Nick?”
“Very.”
“Okay, noted,” Jasmine said. “We will not invite your parents.”
“Your invitation is sounding better all the time.”
Mia came up to us holding a champagne flute. “Jasmine, I’d offer you a glass, but you and I are in the same boat.”
“Damn Roríguez men,” Jasmine said with a smile.
Mia turned to me. “Jano told me what happened. Here” —she handed me the flute— “drink up. It’s about time to cut the cake so we can begin eating.”
“It smells delicious,” Jasmine said.
“Viviana and Silas will be with us next week. If you need her to help with the feast of seven fishes, she’d love to.”
“You know about that?” I asked.
“Oh, honey,” Mia said, “I’m Italian. I know all about it.”
Jasmine smiled. “Violeta, our cook, is willing for any and all assistance. Of course, Contessa is an expert when it comes to preparing the traditional meal. She’s arriving with Catalina and Ariadna Gia in a couple of days, but I’m sure Violeta will welcome the extra hands if Viviana doesn’t mind.”
“I’ll ask,” Mia said. “Now, let’s find Nick and cut the cake.”
As Mia led me through the people, a petite hand reached out, touching my arm. “Liliana.”
My gaze met Maria Ruiz’s, my sister-in-law turned mother-in-law. “Maria.”
“May we start over?” she asked. “Put our past behind us and begin anew, mother and daughter?”
Emotion suddenly clogged my throat as tears prickled the back of my eyes. “Lieutenant Ruiz told you about my parents.”
“Sí,” she nodded. “It’s incomprehensible. My Nick truly loves you, Liliana. I know you’ve become independent. I think that is something Nick admires. However, if you ever need or want an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or just a hug, know I’m here.”
Nibbling my lip, I smiled. “Thank you, Maria. I’m ready to start over.”
Nick appeared at my side. “Is everything all right?” His gaze moved from me to his mother and back.
“Everything is wonderful,” I said. Turning, I opened my arms.
Maria leaned closer and we embraced. “Welcome, hija.”
“Gracias.”
“Mia wants us to cut the cake. The guests are getting restless on champagne and hors d’oeuvres.”
The rest of the evening sailed by smoothly. No knives or guns were pulled. The food was delicious. Nick and I made our way around the crowd, trying to talk to and thank everyone for coming on such short notice. Whenever we’d reunite, he’d wrap his arms around me, kiss me, and tell me he loved me.
It was about nine at night when my husband placed his hand in the small of my back. “Senora Ruiz, shall we go home?”
“Home,” I repeated with a smile. I hadn’t been back to the apartment since the night José died.
Suddenly, I wondered what shape it was in.
Had Renata been able to go back and collect her things?
“I haven’t been back since the night you drove me to the apartments.
I don’t know if we even have groceries.”
Nick’s lips quirked and a twinkle came to his eyes. His tone dropped an octave. “Not high on my priority list. Getting you home alone is at the top.”
The change in his timbre was all it took to bring back that twisting sensation in my core. “Then let’s go home, husband.”