Page 103 of To Have and To Hold

Valentina accepted.

When the associate looked at me, I replied, “I’m not twenty-one.”

“But you’re the bride. We won’t tell anyone.”

“I’ll have a glass too,” Liliana volunteered.

“Mia?” Valentina asked.

She waved her off. “Still breastfeeding.”

Over the next hour, we sipped champagne while choosing my blue garter, the perfect necklace and earrings, and lastly, the veil. I didn’t want one of the extravagant options. This wedding wasn’t going to be in a chapel or cathedral. And the dress was too beautiful to cover. I chose a simple one made out of tulle that would cover my face until Papà removed it.

A part of me feared he wouldn’t oblige.

Before I could let that ruin my day, I decided Emiliano could be the one to lift it.

Beyond the private dressing room sat three of the most intimidating men anyone would want to encounter. I almost giggled. The boutique was by appointment only. If it wasn’t, the sight of them would probably turn away prospective clients.

“Where’s Horace?” I asked.

“He’s watching the back entrance,” José said.

I nodded as I recognized Diego, one of Mia’s bodyguards and the man I met this morning.

As the owner packaged our purchases and secured the dress in a zippered long bag, Miguel came to Valentina’s side. “Señora, would you like me to take these packages to the car?”

We waited until Miguel and Horace came to the front door, escorting Valentina and me to our car. Diego and José drove Mia and Liliana. Our next stop was back at Valentina’s home—which I supposed was now my home for the time being.

Valentina, Mia, and Lola were joined by Viviana, Mia’s housekeeper. As we ate lunch, the four of them discussed food and the number of guests, given the short notice. About halfway into the discussion, I gave up. They were all speaking both English and Spanish—even Mia. I turned to Liliana. “What are they talking about?”

Liliana laughed. “Mia is advocating for an Italian menu. Valentina is saying that the wedding is at her house.”

I shook my head.

Liliana reached for my hand and lowered her voice. “I didn’t want to ask in front of everyone.” We both turned to the discussion. They obviously weren’t paying attention to us. Liliana went on, “Are you…?” She took a breath. “I hoped you were all right.”

“I’m good. A little tired and nervous about my parents coming here.”

“No. I mean…was Em kind?”

My cheeks rose in a smile. “Thank you, Liliana. He was. I’m still tender, but yes. Like we predicted, he’s a good man.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “I’m happy to hear that.” She rolled her eyes. “If I’d been given the option of a second chance to say my vows, I would have said, hell no.”

“I’m sorry you weren’t. But in a way you have been.”

She opened her eyes wider.

“Don’t marry again unless it’s what you want to do.”

My phone in my pocket vibrated. When I pulled it out, I read my father’s name. My air escaped my lungs as I worried what he might say.

“What is it, Izzy?” Mia asked.

I lifted the phone. “It’s my father.”

Everyone around the table stared.

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