Page 115 of Till Death Do Us Part
My husband and I discussed me continuing my education. He brought it up one night, saying he remembered me mentioning it. His thoughtfulness never ceased to amaze me. There might be a time I’d want to follow in Catalina’s and Camila’s footsteps, but for now, I was plenty busy with the workers, getting them moved into their new housing, and planning some new endeavors. “Have you thought any more about my idea for tutoring?”
Aléjandro exhaled. “Nicolas is concerned about turnover. He thinks if you educate the women, they will want to leave.”
“So?”
My husband grinned.
“Over sixty percent of them don’t have a high school diploma. Tutoring them and encouraging them to get their GEDs will open more possibilities to them for their future. If that means they move on to another profession, good for them. If they choose to stay because the cartel is giving them opportunities they couldn’t get elsewhere, that’s good too.”
“What about after thebebéis born?”
“That isn’t until late April. By then, we will have a better idea who is needed at the school and employ more people. And like I said, I’m hoping to involve Liliana.”
“When Dario told me that you’d be a handful, I never expected that you’d cause disruption with Wanderland workers and lieutenants.”
“I’m not a disruption,” I said with a grin. “I’m the humanitarian arm of the Roríguez cartel, remember? Maybe we should advertise.” I batted my eyelashes. “I’d promise to be less trouble if you told me about this upcoming wedding, but I probably won’t. I’m excited about doing something that’s meaningful for others.”
I recalled the last time I’d seen Dante. “Is it Dante…the marriage?”
Aléjandro didn’t verbally respond, but I was getting to know this man well enough to read his body language. A solid muscular book that I enjoyed reading from cover to cover. “I’m right. Who does he want to marry and has she been told?”
“She hasn’t.”
“That is bullshit,” I said. “The men making the plans without the woman’s knowledge is archaic and misogynistic.”
“Guilty as charged,” he said, flashing his smile. “Watch at tonight’s party and let me know if you have a clue.”
“She’ll be here?”
Aléjandro nodded.
Biting my lower lip, I mentally did a rundown of guests. “I’m going to figure this out.”
“If you do, don’t say a word. It will come out soon enough.”
“Maybe I’ll warn her that her future is being planned without her consent.”
Aléjandro shook his head. “If you do, I’ll enjoy reddening your ass.”
The threat shouldn’t melt my insides and put a smile on my face, but it did.
We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather to have our home opened and on display. With extra outdoor tables, our guests milled both inside and outside. Viviana had the serving staff ready and accessible with trays of champagne, wine, and sparkling water. There was a bar set up on the pool deck stocked with the best tequila and bourbon known to enthusiasts of both liquors.
After Dario and Catalina arrived and said their hellos, I was able to hold Ariadna Gia for the first time. Catalina laid her in my arms.
I stared down at the beautiful baby in my grasp and imagined one of my own. Ariadna’s eyes were dark brown like Dario’s, shaped big and round like her mommy’s. Inhaling, I savored her sweet scent of lotion and sunshine. “She’s so tiny.”
Catalina teased some of Ariadna’s dark hair into a curl on the top of her head. “She’s gained three pounds since she was born.”
Tears blurred my vision. “She’s perfect.”
“She is.” Catalina lowered her voice. “Do you have an announcement?”
I opened my eyes wide. “Did Dante tell?”
“Did Dante know something and not tell us?” She smiled. “No. In the few minutes we’ve been here, you’ve repeatedly touched your stomach. It’s a telltale sign. Stop if you’re not wanting anyone to suspect.”
My smile grew. “April. We decided to tell everyone tonight.”