Page 101 of Hidden Raphael
Kimberly turned back to her sister and mom. Then she held up her hand to show them the diamond ring. "Raphael and I are getting married."
Her mother took her hand and said, "So you'll stay home and not disappear." A giggle escaped her lips. "You could say I'm happy for you."
"I'm happy," Erica said, and took her mother's other hand. Then she gazed at Kimberly again. "I am in search of a babysitter I trust."
"Add me to your list, then." Kimberly took her hand, and the three of them were in a unified circle. Love flowed through her. She never should have left, but then her blood pulsed with excitement. She tugged both women backward a little to get them to walk. "Come. I want to introduce you to Raphael."
Erica winked. "We already met."
"This time you won't grill him about Tiffany."
Her sister's mouth dropped. "You know about that?"
Kimberly nodded. Raphael had told her everything about his life. "We don't keep secrets."
Without another protest, she led her mother and sister back to the men. Raphael kissed her lips fast, and then wrapped his arms around her waist. He then told his brother, "Kimberly and I are planning our wedding next month."
Gabriel's hand circled Erica’s middle, like he was protecting her stomach. "Is there a reason it's that fast?"
Raphael saw the hands. "It's not fast. No one's pregnant. I want a honeymoon before the winter comes."
Gabriel stared at both of them as his parents joined everyone. "Why? What's this winter?"
Kimberly gazed at the older couple. The men took after their father. Their mother was so tiny.
Raphael answered his brother, "We live on this island."
His mother added, "We're all excited, but what if you get pregnant?"
Raphael refused to be swayed. He intended to be married. To live on the island and remodel the keep. Kimberly's stomach wasn't in knots. She'd be tied to someone she loved. Raphael answered his parents in his logical, don't-argue voice. "Then we'll hire someone to stay there all winter for that one purpose."
His mother nodded, not that she had any option other than to agree. "Where is Michaela?"
Gabriel answered, "She's off surveying some hotel chain for day. She sends her love."
"Will you both visit me in Miami?” Kimberly’s mom asked. “We could plan a destination wedding for the New Englanders at the Delano."
Kimberly's head returned to the whirlwind wedding plans. "Aren't they booked? It's usually busy there."
Her mother shrugged. "Don't worry about it. We'll plan the perfect wedding this month. Erica's wedding was fast too."
Erica smiled. "At least I won't be too fat yet. My son can be a groomsman."
Kimberly nodded. "Deal, sis."
With Raphael beside her, she could conquer the world. They were a family, and now her life was complete.
Raphael kissed her cheek. Their families talked, nonstop.
Life was an adventure, and she now had her happily-ever-after.
