Page 26 of Harvest of Love
He takes her hand, giving it a gentle shake before pressing a kiss to the back of it. My mom practicallyswoons, and I’m grateful she’s sitting—otherwise I think she might’ve fainted.
“What a pleasure to meet you, Manny. Daisy was just telling us you two are dating?” Mom asks once she recovers.
I tense beside him, but Manny takes it in stride. “That’s right, ma’am. Daisy and I have known each other for years now, and I’d be lying if I said my feelings toward her were new.”
He looks at me with so much happiness in his gaze that I could kiss him stupid right there. But I know my family needs to hear him out.
And okay—I want to know what’s on his mind too.
“As you probably know, I have a son, Tommy. He’s an amazing kid and my first priority.” Manny’s voice is soft, rich with pride. “I was married for a very long time and never thought my life would go sideways. But as it turns out, it was a three-person relationship—and I was the only one unaware.”
I love how gracefully he phrases that he was cheated on—my classy man.
I glance around the room, reading my family’s faces. No one moves. Even my niece is hanging on his every word.
“This past summer, I finally gained full custody of my son. His mother only has him for a couple of weeks out of the year.” He glances at me before adding, “That’s when Daisy became his nanny—and my biggest torment.”
I gasp in shock as Derek bursts out laughing.
“Don’t look so surprised, bebé,” Manny says, eyes dancing. “It was torture to see you everyday and not telling you how much I liked you. Holding your hand on the way to Tommy’s school. Taking you out on dates I knew would make you happy.”
My jaw practically hits the floor. Is this man for real? Couldn’t he save some of this for when we’re alone? The need to crush my lips against his after that declaration is insurmountable.
Manny’s knowing grin tells me my thoughts are written all over my face. My eyes must be glowing with desire.
I give him a helpless shrug. There’s no denying the effect his words have on me.
He lets out a quiet laugh. “All this to say, I waited until I was in a position where I could offer Daisy the certainty of a future together.”
Manny extends his hand, and I take it without hesitation. It feels like we’re facing this together.
He presses a kiss to my temple, his arm wrapping around my shoulders. I sigh in contentment.
“When I could offer her not only my love,” he finishes, eyes locked on mine, “but my time and devotion too.”
My throat tightens, eyes stinging as his words land.Love. He just said he loves me. In front of my family. My heart feels like it’s cracking open in the best possible way.
“I waited until I was in a position to take her out and ask her to be with me.”
Everything around us disappears as I tilt my face up to kiss Manny. He cups my cheeks gently and leans down, sealing his lips to mine.
The kiss is soft and tender, almost shy. Even though I want to ravage him and properly thank him for that amazing speech, I love that he keeps our public demonstration of love very PG.
After the kiss, I hug Manny and hold on tight.
“I love you, Dais. I wanted to tell you in a more romantic way, but I figured your family would be happy to know I’m so in love with you I can’t keep it to myself.”
“It was perfect. I love you too.”
I press a kiss to his chest and stay glued to him for a few more moments before my family closes in around us.
“You basically answered all my questions before I had the chance to ask them,” Dad says, patting Manny on the back.
Mom pulls me to her and, with a watery smile, says, “I’m so happy for you, darling. Manny seems like a great man.”
The tears that had been threatening to spill down finally make an appearance, and Mom and I laugh at the same time.
“Thank you, Mom. He’s amazing.”
