Page 322 of Reign

“Me preocupaba que trajeras a casa a una fea,” she says to Luciano as she pulls back and smiles at me.

She was worried he’d bring home someone ugly.

Valentina’s face crumples.

“Oh my God, Mami.”

I laugh before I can stop myself.

His mother turns sharply toward me. “¿Tú hablas español?”

“Sí, señora.”

“No. Nada de señora.” She taps her chest. “You call me Isadora.”

“Isadora,” I repeat.

She smiles instantly.

Valentina holds the bakery box out to her. “You brought these, remember, Mami? The whole reason we came by unannounced?”

“I brought empanadas.” Isadora takes the box, then immediately passes it to me instead.

My entire morning somehow improves.

“I love your empanadas.”

“She does,” Luciano murmurs beside me.

“Of course she does. It’s a family recipe.”

I carry the box to the refrigerator while Isadora watches me like my excitement has confirmed something important.

“I could teach you how to make them, mija.”

“You won’t even teach me,” Valentina complains.

Isadora barely gives her a glance. “Valentina, if you didn’t almost burn my house down making waffles, maybe I would teach you.”

I chuckle and return to Luciano’s side. His arm settles around me again.

Isadora’s gaze drops to it.

“Oh, you are serious.”

“Mamá, ya,” Luciano scolds.

“What?” She looks genuinely innocent. “This is perfect.”

“Mamá.”

“Your father has been waiting for this day, Luciano.” She pats his shoulder. “You finding a wife. Giving us grandchildren. It’s about time.”

“I remember her from the wedding.” Isadora turns to me. “I thought you were gorgeous.”

“Thank you.”

“So, how long do I have to wait?” She looks between Luciano and me, delighted. “For beautiful grandbabies.”