The remainder of my stay in Spain passes too quickly. Now that we’re officially a real couple, I scrap my original plans and dive headfirst into Fernando’s world. His mamá continues to parade us around to every cousin, great-aunt, and second uncle within what seems like a hundred-mile radius. I’ve never eaten so much in my life—or been kissed on the cheek so many times by strangers calling memi amor.
His aunts give us a little more breathing room and only monopolize us at dinner. We spend a lot of time watching old home movies and looking through his family photo albums. Spoiler alert: Fernando was an adorable kid.
His dad eventually apologizes. He makes an effort to get to know me better, but he’s still not my favorite person. I’m still angry about how he treated Fernando by bringing Isabel here. Nevertheless, we form a fragile truce while watching a Barcelona match together. I hope in time, the frost between all of us will thaw.
We only get to Barcelona on the last day. Which is a shame since it’s the city I end up enjoying the most. At least I know that with aSpanish boyfriend, there’s a good chance there’ll be a return trip in my future.
Saying goodbye to him is difficult. Knowing that he’ll be back in Sequoia Valley again in two weeks is the only thing that allows me to board the plane home. It’s then and there that the dream world I’ve been living in for the last two weeks disappears and it’s back to reality.
“How does it feel to be back in the good ol’ US of A?” Daphne asks as I stand crouched in the kitchen scratching Max’s belly. His tail wags almost violently side to side. My hands are covered in slobber from all his licking.
“Weird,” I answer honestly. “I know I wasn’t gone that long, but it feels like a lifetime ago. So much has happened. I left here planning to spend time by myself getting over Dylan.”
“And now, here you are with a tan in the middle of December and a sexy, hot ice-skater boyfriend.” Daph leans against the door frame and crosses her arms. “You’re going to be the envy of every female at the rink! Especially the moms.”
I grimace. “I hate being the center of attention.” There’s one thing that hasn’t changed.
“It won’t be that bad.” She laughs. “The ladies know Fernando wouldn’t pick just any person to date. It would have to be somebody extra special.”
“Like someone who knows next to nothing about ice skating or sports in general?” I say in a hopeful tone.
“Exactly. Somebody just like you.”
Max rolls upright and barks in agreement. I continue to scratch him firmly under the chin. “I think you’ll like him just as much as I do, boy. Fernando is a dog man.” He barks again. Daph and I share a laugh.
“Max was a good boy while he was here. The kids loved having him around. Just, er, don’t be surprised if he’s gained a little weight. I didn’t catch it until the other night, but the kiddos have been feeding him some of their dinner under the table.”
I stand and brush my jeans off. “Is that true, boy?” He continues to pant, giving me a wide-eyed, innocent look. “Well, it could be worse. It just means no more treats for a while.” I sigh as I attach his leash to the clip on his collar. “Even if Christmas is right around the corner.”
“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” Daphne asks.
“After I drop Max off at home and pick up the mail, I’m gonna swing by the clinic. I’m anxious to touch base with my friend Laura and see what you and Vicki have been up to.”
“I’ll come with you. I want to see what you think about the updated decor.”
I arch an eyebrow. “What about the kids?”
“Brian’s off today. He can watch them for an hour. Let me grab my keys and my coat.”
I settle Max in his kennel in the back of my truck, then slide into the driver’s seat as Daphne pops into the passenger side.
“Have you given any thought to Christmas?” she asks. “Are you planning to come over with Fernando? Or is it going to just be the two of you?”
I start the engine and back up, shifting gears. “He won’t be back until New Year’s. As of right now, I’m planning to do what I always do. Spend Christmas Eve with you and the kids, and Christmas Day with Mom and Dad.”
“Mm-hmm.” Daph nods.
I steal a glance in her direction. “What?”
“Nothing. Nothing,” she says a little too quickly, fidgeting in her seat.
“What is it that you want me to ask you about?”
“I suck at trying to keep a big secret from you.” She snorts. “I thought I’d give you an early present and hint that I know yourboyfriendchanged his plane ticket and willbe home for Christmas.”
I inhale sharply. “But I already took him away from spending a lot of his time with his family. Christmas should be spent with them.” I scrunch my nose. “Who’s your source?”
Daph ignores the question and clicks on the radio. “Oh, I love this song.” She hums along and dances in her seat to the tune of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas.”
