Page 26 of Till Death Do Us Part

“Not on our wedding day.”

“And you’re okay with what I said?”

“I don’t consider this conversation complete. I have an entire reception to woo my wife. Don’t underestimate my abilities in this department.”

Catalina was right. Aléjandro was arrogant.

He was also smiling even after my bombshell.

Just maybe it was a start.

With my hand in his, we made our way down one level to the reception on the pool deck. The guests clapped when we appeared. Normal pool furniture was gone, replaced with a rectangular table for the four members of the wedding party and multiple round tables for the guests.

As at Dario and Catalina’s wedding, we were met with periodic cheers for kisses from both families.

“Bacio. Bacio.”

“Beso. Beso.”

Our kisses came easier with each try.

Dario gave the first toast in place of our father. Jorge Roríguez also gave a toast, followed by a few words from Reinaldo and Giorgia. By the time the priest asked for the blessing for our meal, I’d made peace with the reality that the man at my side was my husband.

Legally, we were bound.

I just hoped he realized that was as far as this relationship would go. There wasn’t time to worry; once the food was served, it kept coming and coming.

There were delicious spicy meat stews, savory tamales, chiles rellenos, chiles en nogada, and seafood stews. There was also seasoned rice, stewed tomatoes, salsa, refried beans, and corn and flour tortillas. I was relatively certain I wouldn’t need to worry about my wedding night; soon, I’d fall into a food-induced coma.

Through course after course, I kept thinking about my cousin’s comment regarding my father. I couldn’t imagine him participating in the choice of menu, much less the band and drinks that seemed to be flowing freely.

When it came time to dance, Aléjandro offered me his hand and escorted me to the makeshift dance floor near the deep end of the pool. The sun was nearing the horizon, casting orange and red beams across the sparkling ocean.

Wrapping his arm around my waist, Aléjandro pulled me close as the band began a slow and faintly familiar waltz. I was pleasantly surprised by my new husband’s dancing ability. Rocco mostly stood and swayed. I found myself smiling as Aléjandro glided me over the pavers.

“Your smile is stunning,” he said softly in his deep voice.

“I don’t think I’ve ever danced like this.”

His smile grew as he took a step back and lifted my arm, causing me to pirouette, before pulling me back against his solid chest. My giggles floated away with the romantic music and setting sun.

He leaned closer, whispering in my ear, “I told you; your choice of partner makes all the difference.”

Pressing my lips together, I tried to scowl, but I suspected that the surprise and merriment in my eyes couldn’t be hidden. I wasn’t fooling him or myself. Truthfully, I was shocked that I was having fun. The night went on with the usual dances. After Aléjandro, Jorge was the next to ask me to the floor. Then I danced with Dario followed by Dante. By the time I’d danced with many in Aléjandro’s family, I decided the four-inch heels were a poor choice of shoe.

Unlike the formality of Dario and Catalina’s wedding, this celebration was festive. The only people not seeming to have a good time were my uncles. While I hadn’t been told, I could guess that their presence was at the order of their capo. Moving from Father to Dario was a more difficult transition for those of Father’s generation.

I also suspected that when it came to the cartel, the older generation harbored the same prejudices my father would have. As my uncles Salvatore and Carmine stood near one of the bars talking under their breath, my aunts Aurora and Giulia sat with Mom. At least the women were smiling.

Everyone seemed excited to talk to Catalina. Her growing midsection was more evidence of our working alliance.

“Who are those people?” I asked Aléjandro when we had a rare chance to sit and rest.

He followed my line of sight. “Members of the Ruiz family. I don’t know much more. Why?”

“The girl looks as if she could cry at any moment.”

Aléjandro looked around and waved to Emiliano, Catalina’s brother. He came our direction.

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