Page 114 of Along Came Amor
“I’m serious. No one in my family can know.”
No one else, she thought, since Ashton was technically one month away from becoming her cousin-in-law, if that was even a real thing.
Roman moved to the seat closer to her so he could take her hand. “Will it make you feel better if we don’t tell anyone until after the wedding?”
Ava took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Yes. I think so.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” He paused. “Except for my mother and sister. I want you to meet them. I would’ve introduced you to my aunt and cousins while we were in Bayamón, but my mother would’ve killed me if her sister got to meet you first.”
Compromise. This was a compromise. She could do that. Even if, in the back of her mind, a little voice whispered,This is how it starts.
Memories flashed through her mind, of helping Hector’s mom pick out a new sofa, of being a bridesmaid in his sister’s wedding, of reading picture books to his niece.
Why did romantic relationships have to involve other people?
It would be okay. She could meet Roman’s family. Therewas a big gap between saying hello and helping his mom renovate her house.
“All right,” she said, because Roman was clearly waiting for an answer. “But not today. I’m really tired, and I’d just like to go home.”
He studied her face for a moment, then leaned in to press a soft kiss to her lips. “Anything you want, mi vida.”
My life, he called her. God, what was she getting herself into?
Chapter 35
One Month Until the Wedding
“All right.” Ashton gestured with his hand. “Díme. What happened while you were in Puerto Rico with Ava?”
They were in Roman’s living room sipping rum negronis. Ashton had come back to New York from Vancouver before Jasmine because Yadiel was going to spend a week attending a computer camp in Westchester. At the moment, Yadiel was in the TV room playing video games with Mikayla.
Roman opened his mouth to answer, then broke into a wide smile.
Ashton narrowed his eyes. “What does that smile mean?”
Roman touched his cheek. Yup, he was grinning like a fool. “It means... I love her.”
Ashton dragged a hand down his face. “Ay Diós mío.”
“I really do, man.”
“Didn’t you two just meet a few months ago?”
“We met in October.”
Ashton blinked in surprise. “I didn’t realize it had been that long.”
“I only told you about it once it... progressed.”
“Progressed to what?”
“Feelings?”
Ashton reached for his drink. “Jasmine is going to murder me.”
Roman grimaced. “It gets worse.”
“How could it?”
