Enrique gave a mirthless laugh and turned to walk back. “What is he, a California Ranger?”
She chuckled. “You’re funny. I like you.”
He reached for her hand. “I like you, too. So, what do you like to do for fun?”
Her face crinkled. “What’s fun?” she asked sarcastically.
“When you have time off.”
She laughed. “I never have time off. But I used to like to dance.”
“Oh, that’s cool.” He grinned, then narrowed his eyes at her. “Then let me take you dancing.”
Imagining Enrique holding her in his strong arms as they danced the night away was too good to be true. “When?”
“Like, now. Tonight. After dinner.”
Carolina shook her head. “Nope. That’s definitely out of the question. My dad wouldn’t allow it.”
Enrique exhaled and turned to her. “This isn’t my place and all, and I don’t want to make assumptions about your life, but you deserveto be happy. Everything I know about you and have read about you makes me certain that you have sacrificed everything and worked so hard so your parents could have this security. But you have to live for yourself, too.”
“You’re right.” His words hit her like a punch to the chest. A vision of her future flashed before her. Her younger sisters would be married with their own families and Carolina would still be taking care of her parents, which she didn’t mind at all. But shedidwant to be independent.
Carolina dreamed of owning a small cottage near the beach where, on her rare days off, she could grab a book and read alone at an oceanfront café.
She would still work hard on the farm, and she could never see her life without her family, and she wanted to make time for dancing... but maybe she could also find time to experience all the things she was missing.
Like friends she wasn’t related to.
And maybe even a man.
She had been waiting for her life to start. How much longer should she put her own happiness aside for the benefit of her family?
“We need to head back.”
They slowly walked through the front door. Tiburón was still sitting next to her father, who cast a suspicious glance at Enrique, and Carolina met his eyes.
“Glad that you finally decided to join us.” He glared at his eldest daughter. “Carolina, get in the kitchen and help your mother.”
She didn’t exactly want to leave Enrique alone with her father, but she also didn’t want to anger him further.
“Yes, Papá.”
She gave Enrique a look over her shoulder and scurried into thekitchen, where Mamá and Blanca were gossiping while putting the finishing garnishes on the enchiladas.
A sprig of cilantro flew out of Mamá’s hand as she twirled toward her. “Carolina! Where did you go?”
“Just for a walk.” Time to change the subject. She lowered her voice. “Blanca, what do you think of Tiburón?”
Her lips widened in a big smile. “Oh, I adore him. He’s so kind, and sweet and funny. Even Papá likes him. He was impressed by how respectful he is.”
Carolina grabbed the plates from the cupboard and brought them to the counter. “So, you think you will date him?”
Blanca nodded and sprinkled queso fresco on top of the enchiladas. “I do—if Papá gives him his approval. Tiburón is the best. Look!” She flashed her wrist at Carolina, revealing a shiny, fancy bracelet. Were those diamonds? “He brought me a bracelet. I mean, guys have given me gifts before, but they never asked Papá for permission to date me. He told Papá that he’s ready to settle down, and he’s looking for a wife! Can you believe that? He wants a big family. I told him I love babies.”
Carolina pursed her lips. Blanca was already planning her future with this stranger. “I’m happy for you—really, I am. And Enrique says Tiburón is a great guy. But, Blanca, you don’t even know him. Like, at all. Are you sure this is what you want?”
Mamá slapped Carolina’s hand. “Don’t. Don’t scare your sister off. Not everyone is like you, mija. Some women want to get married and have children. Compatible goals and upbringings are the most important elements of a happy marriage.”
