Page 29 of Thiago (Family Ties #6)

Chapter Twenty-Nine

T he drive to the house passed in silence. One of the benefits of knowing someone for as long as Rose and Benicio had known each other—over two decades—was that words were not always necessary. They could sit in comfortable silence together.

Rose watched the city go by, fingers loosely locked together in her lap. Every now and again, she caught Benicio looking at her from the corner of her eye.

The confrontation with Valentina had happened hours ago, and she was still analyzing it in her mind, surprised by her own actions. She had always been a little intimidated by Valentina, with her big personality and biting words. Tonight, she had stood up to her and wished she had done so sooner.

Benicio was spending the night at the house with her. Monica was overseas, having been invited to promote a new resort along with other influencers. They would have the place all to themselves, except for the staff.

Once inside the master bedroom, Rose sat on the edge of the bed. “I looked up the meaning of the name Liam,” she said.

“Did you?”

“I was curious after Valentina made such a big deal about his name and how very important it was to have a strong name because it determined a child’s destiny.”

“Is that a Spanish accent I hear?” Benicio asked with amusement.

“I might be mocking her a tiny bit,” Rose admitted.

He outright chuckled this time. “What did you learn about his name?”

“Not that it matters, but Liam is the short form of the Irish name Uilliam, which is the equivalent of William. When you combine all the elements of his name, Liam means ‘strong-willed warrior’ or ‘resolute protector.’”

“So he does have a strong name after all.”

“Not that it matters, but he does,” Rose confirmed.

A faint smile remained on Benicio’s face. He leaned back against the wall, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his chinos. “You were incredible tonight with Valentina,” he said, his voice soft and rough with emotion.

“You like me as a bully?”

“You were not a bully, mi amor . You commanded the room without raising your voice. I liked the way you handled her.”

“I wasn’t trying to handle her. I wanted to protect Bruno and Marissa. And the baby,” Rose said.

“Which you did.” He stepped closer, a fierce expression on his face. “Like a warrior.”

Rose shook her head, folding her arms loosely. “You’re exaggerating.”

“No,” he said in a sharp tone. “You were calm and steady as you stood up to her, and instead of agreeing to behave herself, she ran away. Your strength put her weakness on display. You have always been strong, Rosa, and the center of this family. My center. My home.”

Emotion gripped her chest at his words.

Taking a slow breath as though steadying himself, Benicio carefully lowered onto one knee.

Rose’s eyes widened, and she hopped up from the bed. “Ben, what are you doing?” Her voice came out breathless.

“What I should have done a long time ago to fix the mistake I made,” he said simply.

“Get up. Stop.”

She reached for his arm, but he caught her hands, gently but firmly holding her still.

“No,” he said, shaking his head, his voice deep and unwavering. “I have lived with regret every single day since I let you go. I don’t want to live without you anymore, Rosa.”

“Ben…” Her voice trembled, and her heart ached as she looked down into his gray eyes.

“ Mi amor .” He searched her face, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. “I love you, but I squandered my time with you, and I let my pride destroy the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Her lips parted, a soft, shaky breath escaping. “Ben…”

“I see clearer now. I see you, my home, my heart, my everlasting love. You are the best part of my life, the reason I wake up every morning. Give me another chance. Let us try again. Marry me. Por favor .”

Rose’s heart swelled almost to bursting. She cupped his jaw, her thumb gently caressing his bearded cheek. “I love you so much. I’m happiest when I’m with you. Yes. Let’s get married again.”

Relief flooded his face. Despite his words, he hadn’t been confident she would say yes. She kissed his cheeks, his eyelids, and then his lips.

“My love,” she whispered.

Benicio pulled her flush against his body, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his cheek against her bosom. He held her tight, as if he’d never let her go again.

Finally, they broke apart, and she helped Benicio to his feet. He grunted as he stood, and she laughed softly.

“I am not as young as I used to be.”

“Neither am I, but that’s okay. We’ll grow old together the way we planned from the beginning.”

“With all our aches and pains.”

“And wrinkles,” Rose added.

Benicio sobered. “And laughter. Good times and bad times, and everything in between.”

They held hands and gazed into each other’s eyes.

“Does this mean I’m officially off the market now that we’re engaged?” Rose asked.

“Absolutely.”

“When do you want to tell the kids?”

Benicio was quiet for a moment. “After Monica and Andre are married.”

Rose nodded her agreement. “Good idea.”

“ Mi bella esposa ,” Benicio whispered reverently.

Rose raised onto her toes and kissed his lips. “Not yet.”

His mouth curved in a slow, dangerous smile of promise. “Soon,” he said, his voice husky. “Very soon.”