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Is he nervous?
“Is that a yes?” he asks expectantly.
My lips curve into a smile. “Yes. I’d love to go with you,” I reply softly.
Vicente practically jumps out of his seat, sweeping Ava up as he strides toward me. We’re soon wrapped in a warm hug, and I don’t think my heart has ever felt so full.
“Yes! We’re going to have an amazing time,” he says excitedly, then presses a tender kiss to my temple. “Thank you, wife.”
We stay there for a moment—in our little cocoon—just existing and being happy for what lies ahead. The future feels bright, and for the first time in years, I let myself believe it.
A knock at the door pulls me from my reverie.
“I’ll get it,” I say, stepping away.
Vicente lets me go, and I immediately feel the loss of his warmth.
A smile spreads across my lips as soon as I open the door. “Why did you knock? You know you can come in anytime.”
I step aside to let Mrs. Evans in. The moment Ava sees her, she wiggles free from Vicente’s arms and rushes to hug her.
“Mrs. Evans, you won’t believe it!” Ava exclaims in a rush.
I make my way back to Vicente, and he immediately wraps his arms around me.
“What is it, sweetie?” Mrs. Evans asks, scanning the room. When her eyes lock on Vicente, she grins.
“Boss Man is taking us to Colombia. Can you believe it? I’m going to go on a plane!” Ava practically squeals with excitement.
Mrs. Evans doesn’t take her eyes off Vicente, but her grin is still in place. “I see you finally found something good to do with your life,” she says after what feels like an eternity.
Vicente laughs, a deep, hearty sound. “Ha! You old bird. You had everything planned out, didn’t you?”
Before Mrs. Evans can reply, Ava frowns, planting her little hands on her hips. “Nuh-uh, Boss Man. You have to be kind. Don’t call Mrs. Evans names. That’s rude.”
I press my lips together, stifling a laugh, while Vicente’s face turns a deep red. I never thought I would see the day a five-year-old could put the almighty and powerful Vicente Godoy in his place.
“I’m sorry, duckling. You’re right. I shouldn’t call her names, but how come you call me Boss Man?” he says.
Ava giggles in response. Vicente hugs me closer, smiling at her.
“Anyway, Mrs. Evans, thank you for hiring Camila as your replacement. She’s not only an excellent assistant, but she’s also an amazing woman.”
Now, it’s my turn to blush.
“Well, I needed to take care of both of you. I simply saw an opportunity and took it. I wasn’t sure how the details were goingto pan out, but I’m glad everything worked out in the end,” she says with a twinkle in her eye as she hugs Ava.
“Mrs. Evans, did you have dinner yet?” I ask, finally remembering my manners.
“Oh yes, dear. I just heard extra giggles coming from your flat, so I wanted to come and check on you both. I didn’t realize Mr. Godoy was going to be here,” she says as she starts toward the door.
Both Vicente and I move our hands to stop her from leaving at the same time, and we chuckle at the moment.
“Would you care to join us for dessert, then?” I ask.
“Yes, Mrs. Evans. Please stay. There’s something I need to talk to you about,” Vicente adds.
“I’m all ears,” she replies as we all move to the living area.