Once we’re on the porch, he walks me to a rocking chair.
“Sit. I don’t want you fainting again.”
I lower into it. I don’t know if being alone on the porch with Mateo is better than being in that crowded room.
He squats in front of me. “Are you okay?”
“How long have you had this planned?”
“Luisa, the truth is… Ruiz came to see me last night. He told me you’ve been seeing another guy. Is that true?”
“So, that’s what this is about?”
His head drops, and then he stands, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I never thought anything like this would happen. You and me? We were always meant to be together. You know that. Why are you fighting it?”
“Do you love me, Mateo?”
“I care about you. I’m fond of you. You’re a good girl, Luisa, and you’ll make a fine wife.”
“That isn’t an answer.”
“What does love have to do with it?”
“Everything.”
“I’ll make you a good husband. I’ll give you a good life. You’re the perfect partner for me. In time, those feelings will come, just like they did for my parents and for your parents.”
“You’re so calm and businesslike about this. Your cousin caught me with another man. Doesn’t that bother you? Do you not feel jealous?”
“Of course I do. Do you think I want it known my wife chose another man?”
Now his anger reveals itself.
He drags a hand through his hair and takes a deep breath. It’s like he’s making a business deal.
“I can’t blame you. You’re young. We both are. Of course other men find you attractive. But now is the time for us to settle into the life that has always been planned for us.”
“Is there no one else you are interested in? No one you feel you could really love?”
He hesitates, and suddenly I feel he does have feelings for some other girl.
I surge to my feet. “Mateo, if there is someone else, you should go after her.”
“No.” His response is sharp. “It’s you I want for a wife. My father approves of you.”
“He probably wouldn’t if Ruiz talks to him.”
“That won’t happen. Ruiz has sworn his secrecy to me. He will never speak of this again, but we need to plan our wedding as soon as possible.”
“What’s the rush?”
His eyes drop to my stomach, and he walks close to speak in hushed tones. “If there is a baby…
“A baby?” I’m stricken by his suggestion and immediately start to count back the weeks to my last period. My God, is it true? The nausea, my emotions… it all makes sense.
“I’m not saying you would do that, but if you did, I would raise it as my own.”
“I’m not pregnant.”
