She owed him an apology. And she finally knew exactly how she’d do it.
But first, she had someone to welcome home.
The door opened and a floral whiff of roses announced Tía Luísa’sarrival. She strode inside to the cacophony of dogs barking, her hair as wild as ever.
“Oh, I had such a glorious trip. Thanks for watching my pups. Let me tell you all about it.”
Carolina kissed her aunt. Once Carolina entered escrow, she asked Tía Luísa if she could stay with her. Her aunt took the free pet-sitting opportunity as the perfect time to enjoy a long-needed vacation. “I’m all ears.”
Her aunt told her about all the places she visited. How she saw the flamenco dancers in Spain and shared a torrid love affair with a former priest in Rome.
Carolina loved her aunt’s stories; they made her want to travel.
But not alone.
The next morning, Carolina took her new car, a Toyota 4Runner, to her farm, after a short pit stop getting the keys from her real estate agent. She spent the day greeting the workers and telling them how excited she was for the future.
But that wasn’t the real reason she was visiting today.
When she had hatched this plan a few weeks ago, she had reached out to Ramón to help her.
As she stood alone in a field of strawberries, she heard the SUV pull up. It stopped right with her heart.
Enrique and Ramón got out.
Enrique’s mouth dropped open at the sight of her. He looked hotter than hell. He was wearing board shorts and a T-shirt. He was still the sexiest man she had ever seen.
But more importantly, he was the kindest. He was sweet, and honest, and open.
And whatever he told her today, she would accept, just like he had maturely accepted when she broke up with him.
Ramón smiled. “I delivered him safe and sound. I’ll leave you two alone.” He reached down and grabbed a strawberry from a bush. “These are delicious. Julieta will love them.”
“Tell her I’m planting tejocote trees!”
“I will.”
Ramón walked away.
Finally, Carolina was alone with Enrique in this field of juicy strawberries.
She gave a nervous wave. “Hola, Enrique.”
Enrique ran his hands through his hair. The shock that had been on his face had turned into a scowl. “What am I doing here, Carolina?”
“I wanted to see you.” She took a step closer.
He clenched his fist.
“I’m sorry. I was super immature and selfish.” She had practiced this speech so many times in her head. “But I felt so stunted. I couldn’t be responsible for your love when I was trying to figure out my life. I hope one day you can forgive me.”
He took a step back. Not a good sign. “I don’t know if I can. You hurt me.”
Her lip trembled. “I know. And that’s something I’m going to have to live with.” She exhaled. “And I want to help you with your farm. All of the ones you work with. At the very least, I hope you accept my guidance, which is why you originally came to meet me.” She paused. “If you still want my help, that is.”
“I appreciate it, but I’ve taken care of it on my own.”
She gulped. She had no right to ask him how. “Oh, wow. Congratulations.”
