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He was relieved when the server came out with their drinks. He’d ordered a bottle of prosecco because he knew she wouldn’t have it if she knew he was drinking orange juice. He’d have one glass with her and then switch. She used to love the stuff, and this afternoon it was evident she still did.
Molly raised her glass to him. “I don’t know what I should say, what we should be drinking to, but I feel like I don’t want this moment to pass without a toast.”
Marcos lifted his glass. “How about to new beginnings?”
To his relief, she smiled. “That’s what I wanted to say, but I didn’t know if I should.”
He tapped his glass against hers. “I understand that you have doubts, but I’m telling you here and now and forever. I’m yours if you want me.”
She drew in a deep breath and blew it out slowly before chinking her glass against his. “Like you said, this is a new beginning. Nobody gets a guarantee from the beginning. Let’s give it a whirl, see where it takes us.”
“I can’t ask for more than that. It’s more than I deserve.”
She shook her head. “I still have questions about what happened, but I’m starting to feel like we were two different people then. We can learn from their mistakes, take the good they had going for them, and leave the rest behind.”
Marcos raised his glass again. “I can happily drink to that.”
The evening flew by. They talked and laughed. She still had the same sense of humor and the same quick wit. From what she said, it sounded like she’d made the restaurant into a big success. He’d been there a couple of times over the years when he’d been back to the States. It was true to its name—it was Molly’s. It had her stamp all over it. From the décor to the atmosphere. It was fun, a little quirky, always friendly and welcoming—and it ran like clockwork.
She looked up as the server came with their check. “I was starting to think they’d forgotten us.”
Marcos took the check with a frown. “And I thought we were having a good time. Are you waiting to leave?”
She laughed. “Relax, would you? I do this for a living, remember? So far, the food and the service here have been excellent. The last check on my list was whether they’d bring the bill out in a timely manner.”
He gave her a sheepish grin. “Sorry. I should have known.”
“You shouldn’t. Why would you remember? It’s been a long time.”
He reached across the table and took hold of her hand. “It’s been way too long. But it wasn’t that I forgot, more that I’m nervous. I was worried that you don’t want to be here when I do. I’ve loved every moment of this evening. I haven’t forgotten a single thing about you, Molly. Everything you do, from the way you twirl your fork when you’re talking, to the way you bite your lip when you’re not sure what to say, it’s all imprinted on my heart. I’ve never forgotten. I never will. I love you.”
She squeezed his hand and tears welled up in her eyes. “I haven’t forgotten you, either, Marcos. I couldn’t—no matter how hard I tried.”
He nodded sadly. “I’m sorry, Molly.”
She shook her head and squeezed his hand again. This time with a smile. “I know you are. I am too, but that’s the past, it’s behind us. I’m more interested in what the future might hold.”
“You are?”
She nodded. “I am. I’m scared, and I might take one step forward and two steps back, but yes.”
“I’ll be beside you, every step of the way.”
She laughed. “It might be quite a dance.”
“I always loved dancing with you.”
Chapter Six
As they were walking back to the car, Molly stumbled. Marcos caught her arm and stopped her from falling.
“Are you okay?”
She chuckled. “I am, thanks to you.”
“I told you I’d be beside you every step of the way.”
She smiled. “Thanks.”
