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For their fifth date, Graciano arrived at Alicia’s early, while she was still getting ready. He’d planned it that way, and for a man like Graciano, things almost always went according to plan.
Diane was in the kitchen, finishing dinner for herself and Annie, who was still upstairs doing her homework.
‘I wanted to speak to you,’ Graciano said, walking into the kitchen but keeping a respectful distance. Here, this was Diane’s domain, and where the older woman had been polite to him, Graciano knew he had a long way to go with her yet. She’d seen Alicia broken; she’d picked up the pieces. If anything, Graciano loved that she was still protecting Alicia, even when Graciano would make sure no one ever hurt a hair on her or Annie’s head, ever again.
‘Yes, Graciano?’ Diane’s voice was cool but polite. He had to hide his smile.
‘You know how I feel about her.’
Diane lifted a brow. ‘Do I?’
‘Si.’
Diane lifted a single brow. ‘The important thing is, does she?’
‘I think so. And tonight, I’m going to be sure of it.’ He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring box, sliding it across the counter. Nerves assailed him.
Diane eyed the box, hesitated a moment and then lifted it. She cracked the lid, making a low, whistling sound.
‘Goodness, I think I’m blind.’
Graciano dragged a hand over his stubble. ‘Too much?’
Diane laughed—the first time he’d heard the noise from the older woman. ‘I mean, it’ll be visible from the moon...’
Graciano stared at it. Maybe he’d gone too far?
‘Perhaps I should change it.’
Diane reached over, putting a hand on his. ‘Pish, it’s perfect. I’m only messing with you—I think you deserve a little of that, don’t you? She’ll love it.’
‘I just wanted her to know...to really understand...’
‘She will,’ Di assured him.
Graciano cleared his throat, taking the ring back from Diane’s outstretched hand. ‘So, do I have your approval?’
‘Are you asking me if you can propose?’
Graciano shrugged, feeling completely stupid now. None of these were familiar emotions, but then, everything about life since he’d confided his feelings in Alicia had been new and scary, but also absolutely wonderful.
Diane laughed properly then at Alicia’s faraway voice calling down, asking what was going on. Graciano threw Di a warning look and she covered her mouth.
‘Sorry,’ she replied,sotto voce.‘It is certainly not my place to give you permission. She’s her own woman and always has been.’ A sheen of tears moistened Diane’s eyes, and there was rich affection in her features. ‘But if you’re asking if I approve, the answer is yes.’
Graciano expelled a slow breath.
‘I’ve seen how happy you make her. I’ve always cared for her, you know, but it’s only in the last few weeks I’ve realised that I knew a very small part of her. She’s been waiting for you. Don’t make her wait any longer.’
The helicopter came in over his island and Alicia, blindfolded beside him, jiggled her fingers in her lap. He couldn’t stop smiling.
They loved each other. It was mutual and absolute. And tonight, he intended to formalise that.
Only he hoped and prayed she’d say yes, that it wasn’t too soon—that she wasn’t still weighing up her future.
But if she was, that was okay. He’d wait. He’d be here, enjoying her, loving her, for as long as she let him.
‘Where are we?’ she said on a smile, her lips so full and curved that he couldn’t help himself. He leaned forward and kissed her gently, so she smiled against him.
