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“I’ve heard so much about you,” she said before throwing her arms around Charlotte’s neck. This time she was ready for the double kiss greeting. “I’m Paz. Come on inside, florecita. You must be so hungry.”

Her Spanish was so lispy and fast, Charlotte just nodded and allowed Paz to tuck her arm around her waist and lead her toward the door. The inside of the Leon estate was like something out of a movie. At the center of a sprawling marble foyer was the largest flower arrangement Charlotte had ever seen. She couldn’t identify a single exotic bloom. To the right, a sweeping staircase bore the same curving black and gold iron on the windows outside. To the left, a chef’s grade kitchen.

But the impact of the sitting room was unparalleled. Sky-high ceilings allowed for two rows of massive windows. The view of the private, French-style garden complete with pool, statuary, and full outdoor kitchen and living room was unreal. It matched the art and beauty of the rest of the house.

For the first time since she met Alex, she was aware of how in over her head she was. Alex wasn’t just wealthy; she was from another universe.

“Sit! Maximiliano had a doctor’s appointment, but he left you girls a little something,” Paz said, releasing Charlotte and darting toward the kitchen. “Go sit down. I’ll bring it out.”

“I’m sure this is a lot,” Alex whispered. “I would promise you’ll get used to it but—”

Charlotte turned away from the museum that was Alex’s parents’ living room and found Alex’s eyes. She didn’t get the chance to tell her she was fine, to please stop worrying about her and enjoy her family, before a handsome man, tall and white-haired, strode in from the kitchen.

“Pa !” Alex cried like a child getting a look at Santa Claus.

The man flung open his arms and started toward them.

“My baby, you look beautiful.” He hugged Alex and kissed her more than twice. “Charlotte, welcome my dear,” he added with a moderate Spanish accent. He crushed her in a hug.

“So nice to meet you, Mr. Leon. You have such a lovely home.”

“Call me Danilo, please,” he said with a broad, easy smile.

“Let me take those,” he added, motioning for their jackets.

“Your mother had me start the fire for you.”

After shedding their jackets and shoes, Charlotte and Alex sat on a tufted, royal blue sofa fit for a nineteenth century salon. The large glass fireplace built into space between the windows roared and crackled as it warmed the room.

“Here we go,” Paz said as she entered carrying several dishes.

Charlotte jumped to her feet. “Let me help you with those.”

“You’re so sweet, florecita.” Paz handed over one of the plates, the one with a thick egg dish Charlotte was pretty sure was a Spanish omelet they served cold. “Ale, you didn’t tell me she was so thoughtful.”

Alex crossed her legs and sat back. “She’s a lot of wonderful things, Mamá. I can’t keep track.”

Heat flushed Charlotte’s face. It was impossible not to smile.

“Very importantly I have café con leche. Charlotte, I made yours the way I drink mine. Strong and sweet,” he said with a laugh before setting a latte on the co ee table across from where she’d been sitting. Her parents sat on the matching sofa across from them.

As they ate and chatted about their trip, Charlotte started to relax. Full on a variety of foods she could barely identify, Charlotte sat back and watched Alex. She was like a rare orchid in bloom, open and magnificent. In this space, Alex was so relaxed. So herself.

“Your cousins are flying in tonight,” Paz announced. “It’s a surprise, so be surprised when they get here.”

“Paz, why would you—”

“Oh, you know she hates to be blindsided,” Paz interrupted her husband with a wave of her hand. “Charlotte, did Ale tell you about the time we threw her a surprise thirteenth birthday party?”

Charlotte sipped the sweet espresso and milk drink as she glanced at Alex. “No, she hasn’t.”

“Pa,” Alex started, her eyes on her dad.

“Mi amor, please don’t embarrass her in front of her girlfriend,” he said, advocating for his daughter.

“Oh, come on. It’s a good story,” Paz protested.

“Charlotte, you want to hear it, right? She’s our guest. I will honor her wishes.”