Page 150 of With this Ring

In a huff, Adriana had picked up a metal pan and slammed it against a stainless steel counter before storming out.

For a moment, everyone had remained frozen in place.

Then her father had said, “Rosa, how about some espresso?”

To her mother, Sasha had tried to apologize for Gregorio’s harshness, but Rosa waved her off. “This would have gone on forever if he hadn’t put a stop to it.”

After a few awkward minutes, they’d enjoyed a wonderful visit.

Her parents had sat at a table with them while her father had continued to order more food than they could eat in three days.

When they’d left the restaurant, they’d been loaded down with to-go boxes.

“I want my wedding ring here.”

Bringing her back to the moment, Gregorio lifted her hand and he traced the outline of her engagement band.

She wanted nothing more, either.

Before she could respond, Damien and Catrina joined them. The couple was dressed as if they’d stepped out of a medieval fairytale—Damien in all black with a cape, Catrina in a flowing gown that made her look like a warrior queen.

“Still trying to convince her to set a date?” Damien asked, his usual commanding presence tempered by genuine warmth.

Catrina’s skeptical expression had softened over the months as she’d watched Sasha and Gregorio together. Now there was acceptance in her eyes, maybe even happiness for them.

“Working on it.” Gregorio reached for her and brushed his thumb across the pulse in her wrist. “Actually, since you’re here…” He turned to his friend, and Sasha caught a flicker of vulnerability in his expression that few ever saw. “I was hoping you’d stand with me. As my best man.”

Something powerful passed between the two men—years of friendship, shared battles, mutual respect. Damien’s eyes glistened briefly before he masked it. “Try to stop me, brother.”

As the two men hugged, Catrina pressed a hand to her heart. “You two deserve all the happiness in the world,” she said softly to Sasha and Gregorio. “I’m sorry I doubted you at first.”

“You were protecting someone you care about,” Sasha replied. “I understand that.”

“And how about you two?” Sasha asked when the moment was right. As far as she knew, Damien and Catrina hadn’t set a date yet.

“Christmas,” Catrina said.

Damien blinked.

“I take it this is a surprise?” Gregorio asked.

“About fucking time,” Damien replied.

Standing, he pulled Catrina to her feet. “If you’ll excuse us? My fiancée has something to answer for with surprising me like that.”

Obviously proud of herself, Catrina smiled.

Then, seeing Damien’s fierce expression, she pressed her lips together, even though her eyes danced with happiness.

“With me, wench,” Damien demanded, clamping his hand around her upper arm.

“Yes, Sir.” She flashed a triumphant shrug.

“I’d say he was surprised,” Sasha mused once the pair had disappeared back inside the house.

“And that he wanted to be the first to know the news about his own wedding.”

Like Catrina, Sasha grinned. “Never a good idea to let your Dominant think he always has the upper hand.”

---