Page 132 of Resolute

The marble floors, the surround system throughout the house, and the state-of-the-art kitchen—with its double oven, where I can bake as many cookies as I want—are all amazing perks that have slowly grown on me.

I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I didn’t grow up with all the luxuries Vicente did. It’s been an adjustment to have all these commodities.

We’ve been living in this house for a couple of months now, and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the views of the mountains. Rows of vines extend as far as the eye can see. The vibrant green of the vines clash against the blue sky, creating a beautiful picture of what our life is here in Alamo Peaks.

We’re renewing our vows today in front of our family, and I couldn’t be happier to tell Vicente that we’ll officially be a familyof four by the end of the year. Ever since we moved here, he’s been dropping not-so-subtle hints about wanting more children.

Initially, I wanted to wait until the chocolate business was up and running, but once I hired my team, I felt more comfortable in my role as manager of Contigo, the Godoy Group’s artisanal chocolate line.

Currently, I have ten employees: two administrative assistants who help me run the business and eight operators who process the cocoa beans and produce the two types of chocolate bars we’ve developed so far—one infused with red wine and the other mixed with grape pieces.

We’re waiting for the sanitary inspection to be completed before we can start selling our chocolates. For now, we only make small batches for tasting and the only way to get one of our chocolates is a free treat from the vineyard store.

But as soon as we get the permits, we’ll scale up production and hope to sell the chocolates nationwide.

I know it’s an ambitious project, but my team is second to none. Everyone is as dedicated to seeing this succeed as I am.

That’s why I felt comfortable enough to stop taking birth control and let things happen naturally. Who would have thought my husband would knock me up after just one month of going off the pill? His ego is going to grow tenfold—like he needed more reasons to think he’s a stud.

I chuckle at the thought.

A quick glance at my watch reminds I need to head to the first peak soon. Vicente wanted pictures of the two of us before the ceremony.

But first, I need to check on Ava.

Summer has definitely been tough for her. With the humidity being so high here, she has to stay hydrated and indoors as much as possible. Even though she doesn’t want to admit it, shefeels better on the days she takes it slow instead of trying to run around in the heat.

“Hola, hola.Are you awake,mi amor?” I ask, entering her room.

“Hi, Mummy,” Ava says from her desk.

She’s been working on a present for Vicente and me, but it’s super secret.

“Don’t come any closer,” she warns. “I’m putting the finishing touches on my masterpiece.”

I chuckle at her dramatics but follow her directions.

“It’s okay, baby. I just wanted to see if you were almost ready. Remember, we’re going to take some pictures before the ceremony.”

The moment I say “pictures,” Ava shoots up from her chair and springs into action.

“Oh, Mummy. I have the dress on, but would you help me with my hair? I’d like a plait around my head—like a headband,” she says as she comes to me and hugs my middle.

She may be petite for her age, but she seems so grown up. Her chubby cheeks are gone, and she’s starting to look like a big kid.

“Yes,mi amor. Let’s wet your hair, and then I’ll plait it. Then, I have to go make sure everything is ready.”

Ava nods as she heads to her bathroom, and I help her wet her hair. After making a beautiful plait, I spray her hair with product so the hairdo won’t mess up as soon as she starts running around.

We look at each other through her vanity mirror, and her smile matches mine.

“Are you happy?” I ask her.

She nods excitedly. “Yes, Mummy. I have you and Daddy. We live in a beautiful place. We got an even bigger family withAbuela Carla and Abuelo Gonzalo, Tía Karina and Tío Luca,even baby Enzo. I’m so happy, Mummy, I think my heart could explode from happiness.”

I grin at her, my heart filling with love at the sight of my daughter’s happiness.

“And remember, Mrs. Evans is coming, and she’s staying with us for a month,” I say.

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