Page 88 of Love at First Ink

Marisol raised a brow at her sister, who just shrugged. “Listen, my hormones are all over the place. I cry at everything these days. Fabian never made me this emotional,” she sighed.

“He did,” Javi interjected. “She just doesn’t remember it. She cried all the time.”

“I personally think he’s lying, but whatever.” Lola glowered.

Not that Marisol would ever admit this in front of her hormonal pregnant sister, but Javi was right. Lola cried all the time while pregnant with Fabian. There were days when she did nothing but cry. She was actually way less emotional this pregnancy than the last. But Marisol didn’t want to die, so she wisely kept her mouth shut.

“Knock, knock!” a new voice said from the hall. All heads swiveled to see Travis Roberts walk in, carrying a bottle of his favorite wine.

“Daddy?” Marisol asked, confused. “What are you doing here?” She realized her words probably sounded rude, so she quickly said, “The house is a mess. I was going to invite you over once we got it set up.”

“And miss my daughter’s first day in her house? Absolutely not. There are just some things fathers can’t do.” He wrappedhis arms around both of his girls. “Besides, Cisco invited me over.”

“He did?” She glanced at Cisco. They hadn’t discussed inviting her father over to help. Hell, she didn’t even realize the two of them spoke.

“I did.” Cisco extended his arm toward her father and shook hands. “Thank you for coming, Travis.”

“And miss this? Not for the world. Camilia showed me how to take pictures on my phone. Pretty slick, huh?” Travis grinned as if he just cracked a secret code for his phone rather than a simple function.

“You should probably let me take the photos, Grandpa,” Camilia suggested. She reached out her hand for his phone.

“Probably for the best. You’re much better at it than me. I always get my thumbs in the photos.” He reached into his pocket and handed Camilia his phone. Of course, she already knew his passcode.

Their interaction only left Marisol more confused. “What are you taking pictures of?” It seemed like everyone was in on a secret she wasn’t privy to. Judging by the knowing smiles on their faces, she didn’t think she was far off. “Okay, someone needs to tell me what is going on.”

“I’m working on it, Princesa,” Cisco said, stepping around the island. He made his way toward her, spinning her chair around so they were face to face. It wasn’t often that she wasn’t in the know when it came to Cisco and her family, but she was drawing a complete blank.

“What’s going on?” she asked, anxiety rising in her stomach.

“Take a video, Camilia. I think that will be better,” her father whispered loudly to her niece.

“You know I love you, Marisol. You have changed my lifefor the better and have become my best friend. No offense, Tiny,” Cisco teased.

“I’ll allow it. This once,” she said.

“I love you too…” Marisol said slowly. “You’re scaring me, babe.”

“Don’t be scared,” Lola whispered. When Marisol turned to look at her sister, she noticed fresh tears in her eyes. Didn’t do much to alleviate the nerves growing inside her.

“She’s right. No need to be scared. I’m nervous enough for the both of us,” Cisco said. For the first time, she noticed the shy smile and the way he searched her face for everything she was feeling.

“I went back and forth on how to do this. Lola helped me decide it would be best to do this just in front of your family, and I had to agree. I wanted you to be surrounded by people you love.” Cisco reached in his back pocket, pulling out something. It took her a moment to realize it was a little black box.

Her heart stopped.

Then he lowered himself to one knee.

Oh shit, it’s happening.

Thank god she just had her nails done. Not that getting her nails done was important at this moment, but it was the only thing her mind could focus on with Cisco down on one knee in front of her. In front of her whole damn family. She never had this before. With Archie, she didn’t get a proposal. It felt more like a business arrangement at dinner one night.

Cisco opened the velvet box, exposing a 14K rose gold engagement ring with a twisted band that looked like vines. It was beautiful and fantastical, exactly what she would pick for herself. Hot tears pooled in her eyes, staring down at the symbolic ring, itching to get it on her finger.

“Yes,” she said.

“Princesa, I haven’t even asked.” Cisco beamed.

“My answer is yes,” she said, not caring.

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