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She doesn’t seem too convinced, but she nods and lets me lead her out of the room, Ava and Mrs. Evans following close behind.
When we reach the sitting room, my parents are nowhere to be seen. And even though I had hope that they would reconsider and stay, I understand.
At the end of the day I didn’t invite them—and that must have hurt.
“I know this is not an ordinary wedding celebration, but I wanted to thank you all for being here for Camila and me. We’re embarking on a new and exciting journey and couldn’t think ofbetter people to share our first day as husband and wife with,” I say as Camila grabs my hand, and Mrs. Evans and Ava join Gabo and Isa.
I’m grateful everyone looks more relaxed now that my parents are gone. I hope we can still enjoy the rest of the day.
Annette, one of the maids, comes into the sitting room with a tray of champagne flutes and a cute cup of juice for Ava.
We all raise our glasses as my brother turns to me.
“As the best man and one of the witnesses, I wanted to say a couple of words as well,” Gabo begins.
I nod, giving my permission, and he inhales a deep breath before continuing.
“When my brother called me and told me he was getting married, I laughed. I thought it was another one of his pranks he likes to pull on me. But today, when I saw him sweating bullets while he was waiting for Camila, I understood that somehow my brother found what only a few, lucky people find in this world.”
Gabo pauses and looks at Isa, whose eyes shine with adoration.
“Then, when I saw Camila getting out of the car—so perfectly in sync with my brother—I knew that what they share is powerful, and I couldn’t be happier. Here’s a toast to the happy couple and to a lifetime of happiness.”
Everyone raises their flutes, murmuring congratulations and good wishes.
Annette informs us that lunch is served, and we move to the dining hall. I help Camila and Ava to their seats, while Gabo helps Mrs. Evans and Isa. Looking at everyone at the table, I feel grateful for their love and support.
Before the meal begins, I stand and say a few words. “Since neither Camila nor I are English, I decided to serve an assortment of our favorite foods for this lunch. There’s chickencasserole for me and plantains with shredded beef and avocado for Camila.”
I motion for everyone to start eating, but as I glance at Camila, I notice she hasn’t moved.
I start sweating.Did I misunderstand what Ava told me about her mum’s favorite dish?
Leaning closer, I whisper, “What’s wrong?”
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears as she shakes her head, unable to speak. Instead, she places her hand on my forearm.
“Nothing is wrong,” she finally says, her voice trembling slightly. “You’re just an infuriatingly kind man.”
Relief washes over me, then before I know it, a laugh bursts out of me.
“I think there’s a compliment in there somewhere. At least that’s what I’m going to take away from it.”
I wink at her and take a bite of the casserole. The flavors are spot on. I wonder how Annette managed to get it so perfect. That’s definitely something I’ll have to ask her about later.
Everyone eats and drinks, even Ava asks for seconds—which makes me so happy I chose something she would enjoy too.
When the cake is brought out, Camila gasps, covering her mouth with her hand.
“Vicente, how did you know this was my dream cake?”
I take her hand in mine, squeezing gently. “A gentleman never reveals his sources.”
Camila chuckles as she looks at Mrs. Evans and Ava, who are doing a terrible job at acting normal.
“Well, I just wanted to say that today has exceeded every single expectation I might have had—tenfold.”
I glance around at the people I love before continuing “Even with the little interruption, I can say with absolute certainty that today is one of the best days of my life.”