Page 38 of Naughty and Nice
I sat on the chair to her side, facing her. “A couple of days. The residents are acting as if yesterday never happened. They’re decorating for the holidays.”
“Oh good. I asked Em to take the decorations over from the warehouse.”
Mia pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head, looked up at Nick and back to me. “Is everything all right between the two of you?”
My gaze went to Nick who nodded. Reaching into the pocket of my skirt, I brought out the beautiful solitaire diamond ring. Warmth filled my cheeks as I showed it to Mia. “I said yes.”
“Oh,” she squealed, her fingers going to her lips. Next, she dove forward, wrapping me in a hug. “You said yes.” She looked up at Nick. “You asked Liliana, like a real gentleman.”
“El Patrón asked you, sí?”
“He did after my betrothal was already arranged with Dario. I still thought Jano was a pig. So, I said no.” She laughed. “That’s another story. And I’ve changed my mind about him. I’m so happy you asked Liliana.”
“Liliana is an independent adult.” He smirked. “I couldn’t think of anyone else to ask for her hand.”
Mia stood and reached for Nick’s hand. “I’m so happy.” She inhaled. “Thank you. We’re going to get the cartel into the current century eventually.” Mia turned to me. “Why aren’t you wearing that beautiful ring?”
“We need el Patrón’s approval.”
She squinted her eyes. “That move to the current century is going to take longer if we don’t all push for it. Put on the ring. You said yes.”
I did as she said, slipping it over the knuckle of my left fourth finger as Nick had done earlier in the day. Splaying my fingers, I looked down at the magnificent diamond. “This one makes me happy.”
Nick reached for my shoulder and squeezed.
“Let’s get some lemonade and celebrate,” Mia said. “We have a wedding to plan.” She stood. “How long of an engagement are you two thinking?”
Nick and I exchanged glances. He was the one to speak. “No more than six hours.”
“What?” Mia asked. “No, no, no. Family will be in to Sacramento next week.” She waved her hand. “Rei and Jasmine’s home is big enough for everyone. Joséfina, Catalina and Dario, and Camila and Dante will be there. Uncle Carmine and Aunt Giulia are even coming for Isabella.” Her eyes widened. “Your parents and Mireya,” she said to Nick. “Valentina, Andrés, Em, and Isabella. That would be the perfect time to have a wedding.”
Suddenly, I stood, unable to sit still as my blood chilled. “No.” I looked up at Nick, feeling my cheeks pale. “I don’t want to be in that house—mansion—prison.” I reached for my hands, willing them to stop shaking. “Please, can we marry here?”
An expression of concern clouded Nick’s features. “Yes.”
“Oh shit,” Mia said. “I obviously wasn’t thinking. After you talk with Jano, we’ll call for Father Gallo. I think I have him on speed dial.”
We all turned as el Patrón came out onto the patio, carrying Jorge. “Look who I found,” he said to the baby, “tu mamá.” He kissed Mia before handing Jorge to her and turning to us. “Silas told me you’re here.” His dark stare and rock-hard expression came to me. “I’ve spoken to Nick. Now I speak with you.”
Mia’s hazel stare encouraged my word choice.
I took a deep breath. “El Patrón, Nick asked me to marry him. I said yes.” I extended my left hand. “I hope you’ll give us your blessing.”
Jano peered toward his wife, his lips curling. “Mia, it seems we have another wedding. Do you think we can fit that into the schedule?”
Parting my lips, I exhaled.
“Tomorrow,” Mia said. She turned to her husband. “That way they’ll be married by the time of our family gathering.”
“I still don’t…”
She laid her hand on my shoulder. “Come, let’s talk.”
Chapter
Sixteen
Nick
