Page 83 of Shifting Hearts

SIXTEEN

Maddy

J ust as expected, Alejandro’s aunt took in all the kidnapped women and children. Once they had all been cared for and their wounds and bruises tended to, she made sure to get them home. For those who had nowhere to go, she arranged shelter and a new start.

The cartel might have been infamous for all their wrongdoings, but this woman certainly showed a kinder, gentler side of the cartel as well.

They also welcomed Alexi with open arms, and she was immediately accepted into the family. Overwhelmed by all the love and attention, she pulled me aside one Sunday afternoon after a family lunch and asked to talk to me.

When I kneeled down to her level, she kissed me on the cheek and announced that she was going to call me 'mommy' from now on. And Alejandro would be ‘daddy.’ She simply skipped away after the revelation, leaving me reeling in the foyer.

That is where Alejandro found me, still on my knees.

“Viper, are you coming? Everyone is waiting for you.”

He took my hand and helped me up, but he needed to steady me as I stood.

“What happened? Is this still about my cousins, because I told you my uncle suspected something and isn’t upset that we took them out? You are safe here.”

I shake my head. “No, it isn’t that.”

Then I told him what Alexi said, and the smile on his face was magical. “I told her to tell you before she made the announcement to the family. I didn’t know she was going to rain on my parade.”

“What do you mean?”

Alejandro lets go of my hand, reaches into his breast pocket, and produces a ring box.

I gasp with my hand on my lips.

He goes down on one knee and says, “Maddy, I am sure you realize by now that you are the better part of me, but just in case you don’t, please allow me to say this.

I have never been a good man, but you make me want to be.

And although I might not have all the answers that love demands, please know that I will search the ends of the earth to prove that I am the man who deserves to love you.

I will protect your body, cherish your heart, and nurture your soul, and a love like ours deserves to be celebrated every damn day of our lives.

That is why I ask you to be my wife and make me whole. ”

I squeal in delight and jump on him, sending us both tumbling to the floor. Uncle Angelo appears at the door and says, “I am assuming you said yes? Now, pick yourselves off the floor and come in. We all want to congratulate you.”

I look back at Alejandro and whisper, “Did you ever think it would feel like this?”

“Like what, my little viper?”

Before I pull him closer for a kiss, I murmur, “Like coming home.”