Page 39 of Bound and Blitzed

“No.” Abuela shakes her head. “I mean, it is out of character for you. If you said yes to this Avery Callaway’s marriage proposal, then you wanted to accept it.”

“I did,” I agree slowly.

“Is he good to you?”

I think about our five-day first date. “Yes.”

“Has his family embraced you?”

“With open arms.”

“Does he support you?”

“Yes. He’s the only person, besides you, who shows interest in my work.”

Abuela nods slowly, considering my responses. “Marriage is work,mi tesoro. It isn’t easy just because it’s finalized. If anything, that’s when it becomes harder. It tests you, even threatens to break you on occasion. That’s when you have to stick together, to show up for one another, to be in it together. You must communicate, Valentina. You must confide in each other. You must have faith.”

I suck in a breath, feeling my tears dry on my cheeks. “You and Abuelo were married a long time.”

“Nearly thirty years,” she agrees. “It felt like I lost a limb when he passed. But, Valentina, as much as I loved your abuelo, it wasn’t always easy. There were peaks and valleys. Highs and lows. The way you show up for each other during those lows determines how high your peaks will soar. You’re crying because you’re frustrated and confused and alone.”

As soon as she says the words, I recognize the truth in them.

“Why haven’t you told your parents?”

“They’re going to be ashamed of me,” I murmur.

Abuela nods, knowing I’m correct. “You’ll know you’re grown up, Vale?—”

“When I don’t care what anyone else thinks,” I finish the statement she’s been saying for years. My entire childhood, adolescence, and now, adulthood.

Abuela smirks. “Even your parents. If you love this man, if you want to be his wife and choose him as your husband, no one’s opinion should matter. Not when you are more than capable of knowing your own mind. Your own heart.”

I exhale shakily. “Thank you, Abuelita.”

“I’m always here for you, Vale. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“And I want to meet your husband.” Her tone is harder now.

I laugh and nod. “I can arrange that.”

“Good. Now get a good night’s rest. Tomorrow, sit your husband down and talk to him. If you can’t do that, you have no right being married in the first place.”

“Okay. I will.”

Abuela nods, satisfied with my response. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Good night, Abuelita.” I end the call.

I take a deep breath, feeling infinitely better that I confided in Abuela. At least someone in my family knows the truth and didn’t condemn me for it.

Now, if I can just talk to my husband and come to an understanding with him, maybe this feeling of peace will last.

Chapter13

Avery

---