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“Perhaps, but that’s hardly the same as lying.”
Isabella considered this for a moment. “Even so, he should have told me.”
“I think he was a father trying to protect his daughter from unnecessary sorrow.”
Isabella shook her head and almost stomped her foot. She barely held her temper. “He didn’t care how I felt, otherwisehe wouldn’t have taken me away from my home. Had he told me he was sick, I would have understood better. I wouldn’t have held it against him.”
“So now that you know the truth, stop holding it against him.”
She fell silent and pretended that Aaron’s reasoning didn’t prick her conscience. She decided to change the subject. “I think where Diego’s concerned, perhaps my father has been fed false information.”
“And who would that have come from?”
“Diego’s father.”
“Why would a father lie about his son?”
“Diego’s father has never cared much for him. He’s the youngest of six, and his older brothers have all done well for themselves. Diego hasn’t found a profession or a way to make lots of money like they have, so his father hates him.”
“It seems to me that he’s found a way through you.” Aaron’s tone was accusing.
“I don’t mind. I’ll need someone to help me manage my inheritances. He’s quite good at handling money.” Isabella couldn’t see it being a problem. Diego had a mind for money and was sure to figure out the best ways to invest.
“Did he say that?”
“Yes,” Isabella confirmed. “It hurts Diego that his father puts no trust in him.”
“Perhaps his father sees or knows something about his son that you don’t. Maybe he’s said the things he’s said to your father because he wants to protect his old friend’s daughter.”
Isabella didn’t like the way the conversation was going. “Look, it’s been a very nice day, and I don’t want to end it on a negative note. You’ve been kind and a better companion than I thought you’d be, and I don’t want to fight with you. I know you think that’s all I want to do, but I don’t.”
“I don’t think that way at all. I just don’t want you to get hurt. Your father feels the same way.”
“Why should you care what happens to me, Aaron Bailey?”
Aaron glanced back at the dancers. “I care because of them.” He motioned with a nod.
Isabella caught sight of her parents and smiled. Mama and Papi used to like to dance when she was little. When they all lived in California. She could remember relatives and friends showing up. There was always so much food and music and laughter. Now her parents barely moved as they held on to one another and swayed to the music.
Her eyes dampened, and she lost any desire to argue with Aaron. Her father was dying, but even now he was making a memory her mother could reflect on after he was gone. He loved her mother so much. He loved Isabella too. She had never doubted his love, just his judgment and ability to consider her desires.
“I’ve never met two people more in love,” Aaron said.
She could hear the sincerity in his voice. “What about your own parents?”
He shrugged. “They love each other, but what your parents have is ... something more. I think most people only dare to hope love like that will come into their lives.”
“But it doesn’t come. Is that it?”
Aaron turned away from the dancers and looked at Isabella. “No. It doesn’t.”
“And why is that?”
Another burst of fireworks sent their gazes heavenward, and all around them, people gasped and applauded the fine display. Isabella, however, wanted Aaron to answer her question.
“Why do you believe love like my parents’ doesn’t come for most folks?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because people settle for something less out of desperation and fear of being alone. Maybe because someone else arranges their relationship. Who can say? I just know that it’s rare.” He held up his hands to silence her before she could speak. “Look, I know people fall in love and do have love in their courtship and marriage. I’m not saying they are without love. It’s just not the kind of love your parents have found.” He glanced back to where they now stood.
