“Cortés?” I screeched. He was the head chef and owner of the place we dined at that first night. “What are you doing here?” I asked while standing to hug him. We’d spent so many nights at his place that I’d gotten to know him.
Cortés dipped his head in Brutus’ direction. I released him to see Brutus on his feet, glaring at Cortés.
He took a step back but chuckled good-naturedly. “Your boyfriend flew me out for the special occasion. Said that you would want our tacos to remember this evening.”
I turned to Brutus. “An occasion he still hasn’t clued me in on.”
“I was trying to wait until after dinner.”
“I want to know now.”
He chuckled but came around the table, holding his hand for me to take.
“Impatient woman.”
I smiled. “Glad you know it.”
“Come here.” He took me by the hand, bringing me toward the empty space.
The lights lowered, shining a spotlight on us. I peered around to see how the dimmed lighting made the bright colors on the sugar skulls and paintings stand out.
It was almost as if Brutus and I were transported back to the first night in Mexico. The feeling that something really big was happening penetrated my belly. It was the same feeling I had that night as well. Except, standing in the middle of that restaurant, with only the two of us, I felt it tenfold.
“What are you doing?” I asked dumbly as he sank to one knee.
“Mia,” he said, pausing to pull something out of his left pants’ pocket.
I inhaled deeply when I saw that it was a black, velvet box. A ring box. I had no doubt what he was about to say, but still, I held my breath.
“I’m not the type of guy who talks to random strangers on airplanes.”
I covered my mouth with my hand, laughing. He pulled my hand from my mouth and held onto it.
“But you just refused to stop talking.”
“It takes two to hold a conversation.” I glared at him.
His deep, smoky chuckle reverberated throughout my body. “True. I couldn’t not talk to you, even when you judged my choice in books.”
“If you’re talking aboutThe 48 Laws of Power—”
“Can I finish, please?”
I smirked. “Sorry.”
“Anyway, I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you on that plane ride. And I’ve never looked back or regretted it. These months with you have shown me that I was surrounded by family the whole time, but it’s also made me see how anxious I am to start my own family. With you. Mia Renee Raymond, will you be my wife?”
He opened the ring box with his free hand and held it up for me to see.
“Oh my goodness,” I gasped, covering my mouth.
“I had help picking it out.”
“Thank God.” I braced my hands against my chest. “Babe, I love you but we both know your taste in jewelry … leaves something to be desired,” I explained diplomatically.
He growled, curling his top lip.
A guffaw spilled from my lips. Looking at the ring again, my lips spread into a huge grin. In the box sat a two karat yellow diamond set in what I suspected was a white gold setting with Swarovski crystals lining the ring's rim.
