“Did you say…” Her voice is drowned out by Cecilia’s loud voice.
“Why, he’s dating a little brown girl!” My aunt’s bestie gives me a smug look. “How open-minded of you, dear.”
My reply is sharp. “She’s not a girl, she’s a woman, and—”
“Deacon.” Winnie grasps my arm. “May I see you outside for a second?”
She gestures with her mask in the direction of the French doors spaced along the outer walls. They lead to a large patio area overlooking a man-made lake.
“Of course. Angel and I would love to speak to you outside.”
“No…” She shakes her head. “I meant alone.”
“You can say whatever you need to say to the both of us.” My tone is final.
“Yes, Winnie.” Cecilia is enjoying this in a way that’s pissing me off. “What do you need to say?”
“If you don’t mind, this is a family matter.” My aunt clutches my arm, attempting to pull me away from the group.
My grip tightens on Angel’s hand. “Angel will be family soon. I asked her to marry me.”
Winnie’s face pales, and she blinks from Angel to me. “She’s a Treviño.”
It’s not what I expected her to say. I thought she recognized Angel from painting her portrait day after day, but clearly spending two weeks with her didn’t warrant a memory.
Angel hasn’t spoken since this entire confrontation began, and I check her expression. It’s hard to read behind the mask.
“Yes. Angelica Treviño. You know her as Angela Carmen.” Angel’s hand tightens in mine, but I know she finished the portrait today. I know my aunt paid her, and if she hadn’t, I was fully prepared to ensure she honored her commitment.
I’m so proud of my girl.
Winnie drops her mask altogether. I make a move to catch it, but I see it’s attached to her wrist by a loop. “You’re Angela…” She points at Angel before turning fiery eyes on me. “You knew this whole time?”
I catch her pointed finger in my fist. “Whatever you’re about to say, I’d advise you to stop right now and rethink it.”
Her chest rises and falls fast, but she presses her lips together in a tight line.
Angel’s cheeks flush, and she leans into my shoulder. “Would you get me a drink, please?”
I hesitate, looking from her to my aunt. “Of course. White wine?”
She shakes her head. “Ginger ale would be fine.”
I’m puzzled by her choice, but I’m sure it has more to do with my prejudiced aunt’s stereotypes than anything. “Winnie, would you like a drink?”
My aunt is not smiling. “Vodka rocks.”
“You got it.” Lifting her hand, I kiss Angel’s knuckles. It feels like she’s trying to get rid of me, but before I head for the nearest drink station, I look at my aunt. “Don’t ruin this.”
“I can’t even begin to guess what you mean.”
“You know what I mean.” I lower my brow. “Angel is important to me.”
“Deacon, I have no intention of ruining anything.”
“Good.” I linger with my hand on Angel’s back, but her eyes are downcast. Exhaling a breath, I give her a little pat. “I’ll be right back.”
I want to trust Angel knows what she’s doing, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned. Avoiding any familiar faces, I make my way quickly to the beverage station, keeping my eyes on the women.
28
Angel
Deacon moves swiftly through the crowd, glancing back every few moments. He’s stunning in a tuxedo with his dark hair swept back, his blue eyes glowing with love, lined with concern.
Rather than dancing around the elephant in the room, I decide to get this over with fast. Rip off the band-aid.
“I know you’re angry.” I remove the mask from my face, meeting Winnie’s narrowed gaze.
“You lied to me.”
“I did no such thing.”
“You were at my house, day after day, and you never said a word.” Her voice is cold, and I can’t tell if she’s angry or hurt.
“You never asked.” I’m doing my best to be non-confrontational.
I want her to say whatever she has to say, and I want Deacon to be right—I want us to be friends. We’re going to be family.
“That’s so like your kind. So smug.” Her arms cross. “You took my money today and never said a word about seeing my nephew or me tonight.”
“My kind…” I exhale shaking my head. “I accepted payment for my artistic service. My personal life is not your business.”
She sniffs, lifting her chin. “And is that his?”
Her eyes drop to my waist, and my chest tightens. “Yes.”
“Now it makes sense. Deacon is the most eligible bachelor in the city. He could be with any woman here tonight. Of course, he’s doing the right thing.”
“He doesn’t know about it yet.” I resent the implication I’m using my pregnancy to trap him.
“Why not?”
I glance to where he’s standing at the bar waiting, tall and slim in his tuxedo. He rises above the other men standing around, handsome as a model, glancing in our direction every so often. So protective. Our eyes catch, and he smiles, warming my stomach. I love him so much.
“It’s really early… I wanted to wait for a special moment.” Returning to her, I do a little shrug. “I thought tonight might be a good time. After the ball.”
“You’ve been living with him?”
“I’ve spent a few nights at his apartment.”
Her hands go up, and she does a little wave. “I’ve had enough of this. Tell Deacon we’ll talk about this later. I’m going home.”
With that she turns and walks away, leaving me standing in front of the cluster of tables all alone. Deacon is settling up with the bartender, and I recognize a familiar voice.
“Carmen?” Looking around, I see a guy I recognize from Valeria’s old neighborhood.
“Chris?”
He’s wearing a white coat, and I realize he’s one of the waiters. “What are you doing here?”
“I—”
“Hey, sorry that took so long.” Deacon appears at my side.
I smile up at him, taking my soft drink out of his full hands. “Your aunt had to go.”
“She did?” He looks at the vodka he’s holding and then towards the door. “You want this?”
“No thanks. This is an old friend Chris…” Turning back to the guy, I’m confused when I see he’s scowling. “What’s wrong?”
“You’re here with him?” Chris nods, motioning with his tray at Deacon.
My mouth drops, and I’m about to answer when Deacon steps forward to shake his hand.
“Hey, how’s it going? Chris you said?” He’s friendly, open. “I’m Deacon.”
“I know who you are.” Chris’s black eyes flash at mine. “He shot your brother.”
“No, that’s not what happened—” I step forward to stop him, but he backs away, moving farther into the crowd.