Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
“I love it. I had one, but I lost it.”
He steps closer to me and as he puts the bracelet on my left wrist, he says, “If you lose this one, I’ll just buy you another.”
I set the box down on the table, and turning to Santiago, I move closer. “You’ve made my birthday so special. I’ll never forget it.”
I’m just about to reach up so I can give him the kiss he wants, but he wraps his arm around my shoulder and nudges me to keep walking.
Chapter 23
CIARA
Santiago leads me down stairs, carved out of rocks, and when the ocean finally comes into view, the sight is spectacular.
The sand is white, and the water stretches as far as the eye can see.
When I glance to my left, I see a marquee, white linen wrapped around the pillars, and curtains lightly flapping in the breeze. A table and two chairs stand beneath it.
As we walk closer, there are rose petals sprinkled on the table, and in the middle is another gift.
Santiago’s really gone all out to make my birthday special.
He pulls a chair out for me, and when I sit down, I say, “This is…” I shake my head as I search for the right words, “…it’s incredible. Thank you, Santiago.”
He takes a seat across from me and gives me a smile that can only be described as loving.
It begins to sink in that he really cares about me, and it has me feeling emotional. Tears jump to my eyes, and when one escapes, I let out a burst of laughter while wiping it away. I look at the waves rolling in, and suck in a deep breath before I turn my attention back to the extraordinary man sitting across from me.
“You make me happy,” I admit.
“I’m glad to hear that, mi sol.” He leans forward and pushes the gift closer to me. “Do you want three guesses?”
I wipe the tear off with my fingertips and smile at him. “Same deal as before?”
He nods. “Definitely.”
This box is bigger than the others, and it doesn’t look like it contains jewelry. I think for a moment, then ask, “Is it clothes?”
Santiago shakes his head, the corner of his mouth lifting.
I pick up the box and shake it. The gift makes a thudding sound as something moves inside.
I have no idea what it can be.
“I don’t know what it is.”
His eyebrow lifts. “Are you giving up?”
When I nod, his expression turns serious as he asks, “Are you sure?”
I know he’s referring to the kiss. “Yes. I’m sure.”
His mouth lifts in a hot smile. “Open your gift, mi sol.”
I rip the paper off and take the lid off the box. Seeing gold silk, I frown, but when I pull the fabric out, it reveals a framed photo.
It was taken at the dinner we had with Grace and Dominik. We’re all smiling.
I look happy.
Then I see Santiago’s expression, and there’s no doubt that he’s looking at me with love.
My chin starts to tremble as I lift the photo out of the box.
“I wanted you to see what I see when I look at you,” Santiago murmurs.
I keep staring at his face in the photo, instead of looking at myself, and I see everything I’ve ever wanted.
I finally understand why Santiago is so sure I’m the one for him.
I brush my fingers over the glass that protects the photo before I put it back in the box. Just as I place my gift carefully on the ground beside my chair, servers come toward us, carrying trays. I wait as they set down a platter of fruit and mimosas.
When they leave again, I smile at Santiago, doing my best to keep from getting emotional. “I’ve had amazing birthdays before, but none of them beat today.” Wanting to give him something in return, I admit, “The attraction is there.” I lift my hand and take hold of the ring again. “And I am developing feelings for you. You’re very special to me.”
Santiago tilts his head, his expression so tender, I feel it in my heart. “I have all the time in the world, Ciara. There’s no rush.”
He picks up his glass and raises it in the air, so I quickly take hold of mine, then he toasts, “To a lifetime of getting to know each other and growing old together. Whether it’s as friends or lovers, I’m the luckiest man alive to have you in my life.”
I’m going to do my best to heal so I can give Santiago what he wants.
I take a sip of the mimosa before setting the glass down and helping myself to a wedge of watermelon. Taking a bite, I glance at the ocean, thinking how lucky I am that he was the one who found me in that field.
Out of everyone he knows, all the women he’s saved, he’s chosen me.