My hands land on her waist and pull her close. “Gotta keep my pregnant and very hungry wife happy, don’t I?”
“You said we had something to celebrate. What is it?”
“Oh, just the fact that the prettiest girl in town agreed to be my wife. That’s all.”
Two weeks later—
My hands cover Luisa’s eyes when I guide her into our bedroom.
She giggles. “What are you doing?”
“Got something on the bed to show you.”
“It better not be some sex toy.” She giggles again.
“No, but thanks for the idea. Maybe next time.” I pull my hands away, and when she blinks and focuses on the bed, her mouth drops open.
There, spread out over the bedspread, is the prettiest dress the shopkeeper had.
“Blue! It’s beautiful.”
“Try it on.”
“Where will I wear it? Are you taking me out on a date?”
“Yep. We’ve got reservations at 3pm for something special, and I don’t want to be late.”
“I better hurry, then.” Her eyes sweep over me. “What are you wearing?”
“I’ll look nice. Don’t you worry.”
When she goes into the bathroom to change and do her makeup, I slip into the white shirt and dark suit coat that I bought for the occasion.
Luisa stops short when she comes out. “Well, look at you all spruced up.”
My eyes sweep over her. “I knew that pale blue would look good on you.”
She twirls, the skirt flaring out. “Well, it seems blue really is my color.” There’s a teasing twinkle in her eyes.
“C’mere woman. I’ll show you just how much you like the color.”
She giggles and whirls away. “I don’t want to wrinkle my pretty dress.”
I pin her against the wall and kiss her until I know I’d better stop or we’ll miss the ceremony.
“So, will you tell me now where we’re going?”
“I was going to keep it a surprise, but…” I pull out the letter and hand it to her.
She snatches it and dips her head to read. I watch her eyes do a double take, and she slowly looks up. “I won?”
“You won! Isn’t that awesome? They’re presenting the award at City Hall.”
“I won? Really? Honest to God won?”
“Yes, and I’m so proud of you, baby.” I grab her and swing her around until she laughs and grabs my neck. The happiness on her face is all I need to feel complete. I don’t know how I ever lived without her. My life before I met this woman feels like anempty shell, like I’ve just been biding my time until she came into my life.
An hour later, Luisa and I sit in folding chairs with Rio and Shelby as well as Zig, Bagger, Bandit, and Mauler. In the chairs behind us are her sister and husband, and her friends, Carmen, Ramona and Marcella.
