Page 2 of To Have and To Hold

She reached for Mom’s hand and squeezed. “Aurora, I’m happy you could make it.” She turned her attention on Noemi and me. “Talk about time flying…Isabella and Noemi, you are both growing up—beautiful young ladies. I haven’t seen either of you since Isabella’s graduation.” She looked at me. “Are you registered for classes this fall? Camila is currently enrolled at MSKC. I’m sure she’d be happy to show you around.”

I’d shared with Catalina at my graduation that I wanted to study.

Before I had the chance to answer, Mom replied, “Carmine and I think it would be better for Isabella to spend this next year learning about ways to help the community. As you know, I chair multiple boards for some of Kansas City’s most recognized philanthropic organizations.”

Catalina glanced at me.

I made an almost imperceptible shake of my head, hoping she wouldn’t share what we’d said. Her knowing would only upset my parents.

Catalina’s lips pressed together before she forced a smile. “That sounds lovely. I’m sure, Aurora, you’ll be able to show Isabella the ropes.”

“We could use your help with the food pantry. If you could find time.” Mom’s voice lowered. “There’s an increasing number of non-English-speaking people in need.” Her eyes widened. “I’m sorry to assume. You are bilingual, aren’t you.”

Catalina nodded. “Yes. I speak Spanish and English.”

I stifled a laugh at the order of her answer.

Mom continued, “Let me know if you could volunteer a few hours a week. I’m sure the director would be thrilled…”

Tuning out their conversation, my gaze wandered around the large room. I let out a breath of relief as I saw my cousins. I reached for Mom’s arm. “Excuse me. Marisa just arrived. I’m going to go see her.”

Mom nodded.

Noemi and I made our way toward the foyer and our cousins—Uncle Salvatore and Aunt Giulia’s children. I imagined they’d received the same lecture on their way here. I caught up to their three daughters as Uncle Salvatore walked toward Dario’s office and Aunt Giulia headed toward Mom and Catalina. Due to our similar ages, Noemi and I had always been close with these cousins. Marisa was seventeen, Aria was sixteen, and Vincenza—Cenzi—was fifteen.

Marisa’s stare met mine and her smile grew.

I reached for her shoulders. “God, I’m glad you’re here.”

“Yeah,” Noemi said, “if we had to listen to Mom ramble on about the burden of the ever-increasing number of Spanish-speaking people at the food pantry…”

“No,” Marisa said. “Please tell me it wasn’t in front of anyone from Catalina’s family.”

“To Catalina,” I replied.

Marisa shook her head before looping her arm with mine. “Whose father do you think will leave first, ours or yours?”

“Who is that?” Aria asked.

We all turned to look.

I recognized him right away. “Catalina’s brother, Emiliano.”

Aria’s eyebrows danced. “I don’t remember him being so buff.”

Marisa nudged me. “Have you seen your almost-husband?”

“Ugh. Don’t say that. For once, I appreciate Jasmine.”

“Is she here?” Aria whispered.

I nodded. “When I saw her, she was withherhusband.” I emphasized the word. “I haven’t seen?—”

My words stopped as the elevator doors opened, and our cousin Mia stepped out carrying her baby, Jorge, named after Mia’s late father-in-law. The newel Patr?n,Mia’s husband, Aléjandro, was a step behind her.

“Does he look more intimidating than before?” Cenzi asked in a hushed tone.

“They’re all scary if you ask me,” Marisa replied. “But I do want to see the baby.”

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