Page 85 of The Virgin's Dance

“Be my wife then!” he shouted back.

“What? That’s ridiculous.”

“Yes, maybe it is.”

They both sat staring at each other, shocked at what he had just said. Then taking her hand, lifting it to his lips, he kissed it.

“Maybe it’s not that ridiculous. Stay here with me? Dance with me? You don’t have to marry me. You could just spend the rest of your days with me here, living with me, loving me. Would you consider it?”

“I would … consider it,” she said slowly.

“Do you fancy checking in here for the night? You’ll miss your flight and maybe even the next one.”

“Let’s check in,” she said with a smile that took up her entire face as he put his hand under her chin and kissed her gently.

Epilogue

Dear José,

So lovely to see you at our show in Madrid. Thank you for coming to see us. It was your last chance for a while, as Antonio and I will be touring in the US for the next six months.

My little girl was happy to meet your little girl—maybe they can become pen pals while we are away?

I can’t believe it has been seven years since I first turned up in Spain to see you. I do believe I even had a crush on you back then! How funny!

Who would have thought back then that that trip would lead me to my husband? That I would be married with a daughter and a dancing career, all thanks to you!

I would have invited you to the wedding but it was a gypsy wedding, very loud and colorful—I don’t think your father would have approved.

Send my love to Maria and the family, and I know I always say this when we bump into each other, but thank you again for inviting me over that summer. I am happier than I ever thought possible and it might never have happened without you.

Your language exchange partner,

Donna :)