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“What do you say we have a picnic here?” Vicente asks, extending his arms wide as he spins in a slow circle, showing us the beautiful location.
Ava claps enthusiastically, and I can't help but smile back at him.
“Great, let’s go find our picnic spot.”
He leads us toward the park, his fingers threading through mine while his other hand clasps Ava’s. To anyone watching, we must look like the picture-perfect family—smiling, holding hands, and walking in unison.
But inside, a battle rages between my head and my heart. I want this kind of life for Ava. Yet, I don’t want us to get hurt in the process.
The walk from the car park to the field is surreal. It's a beautiful spring day—sunny for once—and the flowers are blooming. Purple flowers adorn the area like something out of a storybook.
In the middle of the field, a white-and-red checkered blanket awaits us. The moment I spot it, my chest tightens.
Vicente planned this.For us.
“Come on. Duckling and me against Mummy,” Vicente says as he grabs Ava and darts off toward the blanket.
I’m wearing heels, so it takes everything in me to run in the grass, but I manage to get close to him. When he makes it to the blanket, he jumps, and Ava’s giggles fill in the air.
I place a hand on his back when I catch up and take a few deep breaths.
“That was not a fair race,” I say, still huffing.
He smirks, a brow raised in question.
“You didn’t tell me it was a race until you were already running. Plus, I’m wearing heels.”
He looks down at my feet and winces at the state of my shoes. Yeah, my favorite pair is ruined.
“I’m sorry.” He turns to face me, and the three of us melt into a big hug. “Let’s make a note to replace those heels.” He gives me a quick kiss.
Ava giggles. “Boss Man?” she asks.
“Yes, Duckling?”
“Do you love my mummy?” Ava asks in a low voice, looking at Vicente through her eyelashes.
My eyes widen at her question. I swallow hard as my heart rate rises, waiting to see how Vicente is going to reply.
“I care about your mum a huge deal, and I want to marry her,” he says without hesitation, looking at me instead of Ava. His eyes crinkle as he notices the shock on my face.
Everything around us quiets as Vicente and I have a silent conversation.
I got you, Camila. I promise.
I’m scared.
I know, but you’ll have to trust me.
I inhale a deep breath as I nod my head.
When I look at Ava, she looks up at me and asks, “Do you care about Boss Man, Mummy?”
I nod, tears trying to break free. I do care—more than I want to admit.
“Then we can be a family, right?” she says, as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.
I startle at Vicente’s laugh. He throws his head back and lets loose, and I unashamedly stare at him. He’s so carefree, so alive.