Page 136 of My Spanish Love Affair

The conversation continues effortlessly, with Santi and his mother exchanging playful teasing and laughter. I feel myself relaxing more with each passing minute, grateful for how welcoming she has been.

His mother is wonderful, and reminds me of my own in so many ways.

Santi was right: I had nothing to worry about.

∞∞∞

The golden glow of the setting sun spills across the front of the house, casting long, dappled shadows over the quiet street. Santi’s mother stands in the doorway, her expression filled with quiet affection as she looks between us.

“I’m so glad you brought her here, Santi,” she says, her voice gentle but sure. “You both make a lovely pair.”

Santi’s hand tightens around mine, his thumb brushing over my skin in a silent message. “Thanks,mamá.That means a lot.”

Before I can react, she turns to me and pulls me into a warm embrace. It’s unexpected, but I melt into it. Her arms tighten around me, her hand smoothing over my back like she’s memorising the moment.

“Take care of my son, Olivia,” she whispers into my ear. “He’s a good man.”

Emotion rises in my throat, sudden and overwhelming. I swallow past it and nod, my voice soft but steady.

“I will.”

She pulls back, studying my face like she’s searching for something. Whatever she sees seems to satisfy her, and she gives me one last gentle squeeze before letting go.

Santi’s arm slips around my waist as we step off the porch, guiding me toward the car. The evening hums with the distant chirp of cicadas, the air still holding the last bit of warmth from the day.

As we reach the car, he turns to me, his eyes bright with something unspoken.

“That went well, no?”

“Your mother just gave me her seal of approval,” I exhale a soft laugh, shaking my head. “I think I might cry.”

He grins, leaning down to press a slow, lingering kiss to my temple before opening the passenger side door for me.

“Told you she’d love you.”

A deep sense of contentment settles over me as I climb into the car. Meeting Santi’s mother has been unexpected, but it’s a moment I will cherish forever.

As he slides into the driver’s seat, he reaches for my hand again, lacing his fingers through mine before starting the engine. His smile is wide, full of something that looks an awful lot like pride.

I glance down at our joined hands, at the way his thumb brushes slow, soothing circles against my skin, and suddenly, I can’t hold it in anymore.

“I love you.”

The words slip out effortlessly, falling into the space between us like they were always meant to be there.

Santi stills.

Slowly, his head turns toward me, his expression unreadable for a beat.

And then, just like that, his entire face transforms. His smile softens and his beautiful green eyes shine with something so raw that my heart tightens.

“Say it again,” he murmurs, voice rough around the edges.

I swallow past the emotion rising in my throat and squeeze his hand, my lips trembling slightly as they curve into a smile.

“I love you, Santi.”

A slow, breathtaking smile spreads across his face, and before I know it, he’s leaning across the console, cupping my face in both hands as he presses his lips to mine.

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