Page 56 of One Hotlanta Night
“I’ve got your back. Are we inviting Sebastian and Connor too?” My two best friends have been coming over for Sunday dinner for as long as I can remember, and I can’t wait to introduce them to my future wife.My wife. Damn, that sounds so good to my ears.
“Yes, definitely. I’ve already talked to Paquita and asked her to make a really big roast for everybody. I sure do miss her cooking.”
“See, there’s one benefit of you coming home. I actually get to have all the food that I want from Grandma.”
“Onebenefit? You mean you don’t love it when I sample all of your cakes and tell you which ones suck?”
“Stop it.” She laughs. “Youlovemy baking.”
“That I do, baby sis. But I also want to make sure you’re staying out of trouble.”
“No sé de qué estás hablando.I’m an angel,” she says, trying to pull off an innocent voice.
“Sure, sure.” I grin. “Seriously, though… is there anyoneIhave to beat up?” Her dating history has been abysmal. That beautiful, generous heart means she cares even when she shouldn’t, and it makes her blind to the faults in others. Frankly, she has shit taste in guys. I threatened to interrogate any prospective dates after the last douchebag because I don’t wanther to get hurt again. But now I’m not there to help. It tugs at my heart, but she’s a strong young woman; she’s had to be. So I have to trust that she’ll take care of herself and know that I will beat the shit out of anyone if she needs it.Wouldn’t be the first time.
“I’m not seeing anyone right now,” she says quietly.
“It’s not because of Jonas, is it? Is he still bothering you?”
“No, you don’t have to worry about him.” She sighs. “He’s with Lucia now.”
“The one he cheated on you with?” My neck stiffens.
“Yeah…andthey’re having a baby.”
My throat emits a low growl thinking of that piece of shit who wined and dined my sister, only for her to find out he had a chick on the side…the entire fucking time. My mom had adored Jonas, thought he was so attentive, always lavishing Isabella with flowers and taking her out to dinner. But then again, she’s wanted to see her daughter happily married off for just about forever and isn’t the best judge of character. My dad is better at weeding out the bad seeds, but his work hours prevent him from being around enough to vet the guys Isabella dates. If he had, I’m sure he would’ve seen right through the fucker’s pretty-boy mask.
Isabella hasn’t outright said so, but I suspect Jonas was only trying to get into her pants. My sister is stunning, attracting attention wherever we go; I’ve been warning off my friends for years. She’s nineteen now, completely free to do what she likes, but I think she’s saving herself for true love. We obviously don’t talk about our sex lives, but knowing my sister, her romantic heart is holding out for a true, meaningful relationship. When Jonas couldn’t get what he wanted, he dropped her, calling her a frigid bitch. My hands curl into fists. If I run into that rat bastard while we’re up there…
“It’s all right, Miguel,” Isabella says softly.
“It’s really not, and you know it.”
“It is, though. I really liked him, but it’s not like I was in love with him.”
“Are you sure about that?”
She chuckles softly. “Positive. He always walked on the inside of the sidewalk when we were out.”
“Fuck that shit.” What kind of man-child lets a woman walk on the outside? It’s his job to keep her safe. To protect and look out for his woman. I think her taste may have gotten worse. “Isabella, you are worth so much more than that. Promise me. Promise you won’t compromise on what you need. What youdeserve,” I emphasize in my best big-brother tone.
“Oh, you know I won’t. That’s why he’s an ex,” she says. “The baby though…” she trails off. “It doesn’t even bother me so much, the cheating. My heart’s not broken or anything. But seeing her baby bump… that was hard.”
Isabella may be young, but she’s an old soul. She’s ambitious, she works hard, and is the person everyone in our family relies on. If something needs to be done, Isabella’s the one you call. But her heart’s desire is to have a large family; a devoted husband, wrap-around porch, and as many kids as God blesses them with.
Preferably sooner than later. She’s ready to start her future, just like I am.
“It’ll happen, Isabella. I know you’re ready to move into this next phase of life. I get it. It’s why I’m down here in Atlanta. Just be patient and pray. It’s happened for me. I know it will happen for you too.”
She takes a deep breath, and I can almost hear the wheels turning in her head. “I know. And thank you. I’m good, I promise. I can’t wait to meet yourwife,” she teases, and the solemn moment is broken. My sister sees right through me, and I can’t help the wide smile that spreads across my face.
“You’ll meet her later today. And your man is out there too. He’s just taking his sweet time.”
“Well, I wish he would hurry up!” she huffs, but I can hear the laughter in her words. “All right, big brother, I’m going to let you go. But if I start seeing hearts and googly eyes all over your face, you know you're going to have to come clean to everyone else.”
I chuckle at the visual. “You’re going to like her, Isabella. Trust me.”
“Enough for her to be the sister that I never had?”
