The Wedding Favor Read Online Free PDF Page B

knock on the front door and then the sound of two voices hailing her as the door swung open.
    “Ava! Mi hija!”
    Before Ava could register just who their visitors were, she was gathered into not one, but two sets of arms for a hearty and effusive hug. As the voices warmly welcomed her back home she recognized their voices. When they pulled back, kind smiles on their faces, she recognized Mateo’s Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Oscar. She returned their smiles, murmured how lovely it was to see them again as well, all the while feeling as if she was being drawn deeper into the unreal world Mateo wanted her to enter.
    “Okay, Tia, Tio,” Mateo broke in. “Let Ava catch her breath.”
    Ava tried to act nonchalant as Mateo draped a protective arm around her shoulders. Not an easy task. She’d do well to avoid any more physical contact than was necessary. Every instinct told her to go, to leave and put the Ortegas and the past behind her but instead she forced herself to smile at Mateo’s aunt and uncle. They’d never been anything but kind to her, and if they were under the misapprehension that she was soon to be family, that fault rested squarely on Mateo’s shoulders.
    She turned her attention to Sylvia. “I am so sorry to hear about your father’s illness. I don’t know what to say except that I hope he’s as comfortable as possible and not in too much pain.”
    “Thank you, dear,” Oscar said. He made an effort to smile but Ava saw the sadness in his eyes. “He’s actually resting peacefully right now, the pain medication keeps him somewhere between asleep and awake for much of the day.”
    “And we’re sorry to interrupt you two,” Sylvia chimed in, “but we thought we’d sneak over and say hello.” She reached over and squeezed Ava’s arm.
    Oscar smiled fondly at his wife. “What Sylvia means is that she’s afraid there will be so many people here tonight that she won’t have a moment alone with you both tonight.”
    Alarm bells went off in Ava’s head. “Tonight?” She glanced up to Mateo but a quick glance at his face told her that he had no more idea what they were talking about than she did.
    “What’s happening tonight?” Mateo asked.
    Mateo’s aunt and uncle exchanged pleased smiles.
    “Your engagement party,” Tia Sylvia said. Her smile was triumphant. “The whole family was on the phone all evening making plans. It’s going to be an amazing night.”
    “Our engagement party,” Ava repeated. Of course. This must have been how Alice felt once she’d gone down the rabbit hole. She hardly knew where to start protesting. She glanced back up at Mateo. “Did you know about this?”
    He shook his head. “Trust me, I’m completely caught off guard.” He turned to his aunt and uncle. “While I appreciate all the effort, why not wait until my parents get back from Mexico?”
    “Not to worry,” Sylvia assured him. “I’ve spoken with your mother and she thinks for Abuelo’s sake that we should celebrate immediately. I told her that they should stay, enjoy Cancun, and they can have a private celebration with you both when they get back.” Her smile was playful. “But Mateo, you have some explaining to do. Your mama was completely surprised to hear that you were engaged. She didn’t have a clue.”
    “I can imagine her surprise,” Ava said, but good manners and a true fondness for Sylvia and Oscar prevented her from her adding a few more choice words. She pointed to her watch. “I’m sorry but I have to dash. I have a meeting this morning that I absolutely have to make.”
    Oscar grinned. “No problem, Ava, now that you’re about to be one of the family we will have plenty of time together. Tonight’s celebration will be the first of many.”
    Ava forced herself to smile brightly as she made her goodbyes. She waved away Mateo’s offer to walk her to her car, and she tried not to appear overly startled as he leaned down and kissed her cheek.
    “I’ll see you in a few hours,