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“Do you like it?”
“Yes!”
Arlo stood. “Good, I’m glad. That would have been awkward if not.”
“Wonderful!” Francisca leaned in pushing the contract toward them. “Don’t forget to sign.”
Ada picked up the pen and wrote her name. Arlo followed suit.
Taking the contract, Francisca said, “Remember, no one can know about ourarrangement.Not even Brooklyn. You’re happily engaged and soon to be blissfully married. Make sure italwaysappears that way.”
Then, she stepped back and smoothed out her dress. “Let’s get a photo of the happy couple!” Francisca pulled out her phone and started texting.
A moment later, the giant glass doors slid open. A man appeared with a professional camera around his neck. They conversed in Portuguese.
Finally, his mom said, “This is our photographer, Felipe. Smile!”
Arlo put his arm around Ada. He realized she was still staring at the ring. Her shoulders felt stiff and tense.
He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Hey, are you okay? If you’re having second thoughts just say the word. It’s not too late to back out.”
She looked up at him with her big blue eyes. “I’m fine. This is just gonna take some getting used to.”
The camera began to click.
“Oh this is adorable,” Francisca cooed. “Felipe would like you to turn, facing each other.”
They did as they were told. Then Arlo lifted Ada’s chin, so she could see that he meant his next words. “We’re in this together. I’m here for you. Tell me if you need anything.”
Ada gave a small nod. He could feel her heart pounding, like his.
“Ada, Felipe wants you to wrap your arms around his neck,” Francisca instructed again.
Pushing up onto her tiptoes, Ada attempted to reach him.
“I don’t think you're gonna make it shorty,” Arlo teased.
Ada squinted up at him. “Don’t make me re-enact my pão de queijo leap.”
“You wouldn’t.” Arlo said, baiting her. He was glad she seemed to be loosening up and acting more like herself.
Ada peered out of the corner of her eye at their audience. Arlo prepared himself.
She jumped, but he caught her legs and swung her around in front of him. Her arms around his neck.
“Oh the quintessential newlywed pose. I love it.” Francisca beamed.
Ada and Arlo kept their eyes glued to one another.
“Can’t take me by surprise twice, Ada James.”
He barely finished her last name when she pulled him close and kissed him square on the lips.
Ada pulled back with a smug look on her face.
Gazing into her sparkling eyes, he said, “I like when you prove me wrong.”
“Felipe is very impressed with you two love birds. Just a few more poses,” his mother said.
