Page 92 of Resolute

Our wedding will be small, just how I want it. Vicente told me he only invited his brother, Gabo, who was flying in from Italy with his girlfriend, Isabella. And after Owen stopped by the office and apologized, I agreed we should invite him and his wife. As for me, the only person I wanted there—aside from Ava—was Mrs. Evans. She’s been more like family to us than anyone else, and I’m grateful she’ll be there.

Still, I can’t ignore the knot of anxiety in my stomach. I would be lying if I said I’m not dreading the day I meet Vicente’s parents. What will they think of me? I don’t come from their world. Just a couple of months ago, I was cleaning offices and making cookies to make ends meet for Ava and me. And then there’s Ava herself. I’m not just a single mother—I’m a single mother who is about to marry their son, a man who comes from a family of wealth and status. On paper, I’m not a good enough match for Vicente. Not in a million years.

Would they think I’m doing this for the money? They wouldn’t be wrong. At least, that’s how it started. Vicente would be able to claim the vineyard, and I would have enough money to give Ava a future where I didn’t have to worry about hospital bills and school supplies.

But somewhere along the way, things changed. Vicente changed. I got to know the real man beneath the businesslike exterior. He’s a kind, sweet, and loving man, more so than I ever expected.

The lines between what's real and what was part of the deal have blurred, and I’m developing feelings for him. Feelings I never thought I would feel for anyone.

“Camila, dear. Are you ready?” Mrs. Evans asks from the other side of my bedroom door.

“Yes, Mrs. Evans. It’ll just be a minute,” I say.

I get up from my vanity and steal one last glance at the large mirror behind the door.

I chose a simple, yet elegant dress. It’s an off-the-shoulder, midi satin dress with an A-line skirt. It has pockets, which were the selling point for me—I’m a mom, and I’m always carrying stuff for Ava.

The back is corset style, and it took me longer than I care to admit to tie up the laces. I paired it with Manolo Blahnik embellished satin slingback pumps in fuchsia. I wanted to add a pop of color to my outfit and honor one of my and Ava’s favorite shades—pink.

For my jewels, I decided to wear one of the sets Vicente got me at Tiffany’s—a stunning necklace, bracelet, and earring set adorned with diamonds and sapphires.

My hair is down in soft waves, with a diamond clip securing the left side.

I look like a million bucks.

Giving myself a wink in the mirror, I make my way out of the bedroom. The moment Mrs. Evans sees me, her eyes water, a mix of love and happiness shining in her blue gaze.

Taking a hand to her chest, she says, “Oh, dear. You look magnificent.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Evans. You scrub up well, lass.”

She chuckles at my use of British slang, something I rarely do.

Ava comes from her room, looking like an angel in a white tulle dress with a pink bow on her waist. Her shoes are whiteMary Janes, and her hair is plaited. I’m so glad she didn’t ruin the plait when she got dressed. My baby is growing up.

“You look like a princess, Mummy.” Ava hugs my middle, and my heart melts.

“Thank you,mi amor. You look like an angel.”

She hugs me tighter, and I quickly wipe away the moisture threatening to spoil my makeup.

“Today is a happy day. No more tears. Even if they are happy tears,” Mrs. Evans says as she wipes her eyes as well. “We need to go now if we don’t want the bride to be too late.”

I look at the clock on the wall, and my eyes widen. “We’re twenty minutes late already!”

I grab my bag from the dining table, double-checking that I have all the documents I need.

Ava and I walk out of the flat, and Mrs. Evans locks the door behind us.

Once we’re outside, I start looking for a black cab, but Mrs. Evans elbows me gently to get my attention. I follow her gaze, and my jaw hits the floor.

A white Rolls-Royce sits at the curb. A driver is waiting by its side, sporting a kind smile.

“Ms. Flores?” he asks, and I nod, unable to form words.

“Mr. Godoy requested that I take you to Town Hall.”

He opens the door, and my body moves without me really understanding what’s going on. Ava gets in beside me, followed by Mrs. Evans.

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