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My laugh is more nervous, and my tears manage to spill down my cheeks. I quickly wipe them away, still laughing. Ava joins in with the fakest, most exaggerated laugh I’ve ever heard.
Her attempts make Vicente and I laugh harder. We tumble down on the blanket, a tangled but happy mess.
“That was a good talk, duckling. Thank you for breaking the tension,” Vicente says after we have calmed down a bit.
Ava is mesmerized by him. I’m not sure who’s crushing harder—my daughter or myself.
He flips open the food basket and starts taking out plates filled with precut foods. There are pineapples, strawberries, pomegranates, several kinds of cheese, hummus and crackers. Even yogurt. I also spot some champagne, which I assume is for us adults. It’s not lost on me that all these foods—except the champagne, of course— are part of the list Dr. Gupta gave us as approved foods for Ava. This man is incredible.
We eat and laugh as we enjoy the view and each other's company. My heart feels much lighter after Ava practically gave Vicente and me her approval.
But a nagging feeling remains in the back of my mind. He might have the best intentions, but what if things go wrong?
What if Ava and I end up with more than just broken hearts?
Chapter 21
Vicente Godoy
Yesterday was a rollercoaster of emotions. I’m still trying to make sense of everything that’s going on in my life. After my picnic lunch with Camila and Ava, we decided to cut the day short so Ava wouldn’t overdo it. All I wanted to do was to spoil them with everything their hearts desired. But I held back—barely.
I decided instead to give Camila the day off. I also gave her her own black card so she can go and buy her wedding dress andeverything else she might need for the town hall ceremony. The moment she saw her name embossed on the card, she froze. I had to help her sit down to make sure she wasn’t going to fall.
“Vicente, this is too much. I can’t accept it,” she said once she was able to speak.
“Camila, you’re going to be Mrs. Camila Godoy in a few days. Might as well get used to it starting now.”
She released a deep breath, and after a nervous chuckle, she leaned in and kissed me.
I could kiss this woman for hours on end and never tire—it’s like I was born to be with her. The way she makes me feel when we’re together is a mix of peace, happiness, and belonging. And I can’t get enough.
Today, I’m focusing my efforts on finalizing details of a couple of deals Camila had helped me set up with two hedge fund corporations. It’s the last two big deals I’ll be overseeing.
Investing in science and tech seems like a good idea, but now my priorities have changed. I can always hire people to scout for good potential investments.
The alarm on my computer goes off, alerting me to a phone call scheduled with Mr. Durán in five minutes.
Before I jump on the call, I decide to check on my girls.
“Vicente, hi,” Camila answers on the second ring.
“Hello, wife. How are you this morning?”
I’m met with silence on the other end of the line, and I wonder for a second if the call disconnected.
After making sure nothing is wrong with the connection, I say, “Camila?”
“Yes. Hi. Hello. I’m here.” She stumbles over her words.
I clench my jaw to avoid laughing at her shock. “Is everything okay?” I ask, needing to know why she suddenly went silent.
“Yes, of course. You just…caught me off guard, calling me that.”
Ahhh, there it is.
“Calling you what? Wife?” I ask, grinning at the sharp inhale I hear on the phone.
“Yes, that.”