God knew how much hed once wanted such a gift in his life.
Ariana glanced down at their touching hands, then carefully slipped her fingers from beneath his. Apology accepted.
Eyes downcast, she busied herself with a sip of water.
So, are you going to tell me why you havent informed your family about the imminent arrival of two new grandchildren that you clearly treasure? Children arent something you can hide forever.
Her lips twitched, lips that glistened from the oil and vinegar dressing. His gut reacted. She had a beautiful mouth that drew a mans attention. Stupid Benjy. How had he resisted her?
All right. If you insist. She dabbed those sensational lips with the cheery red napkin. But its a long story.
Im in no hurry. Hed left work much earlier than usual because of Ariana, but had no previous plans for tonight other than spending an hour or so at the health club. Other than the occasional date or dinners with his family, most weekdays found him chained to a desk until well into the evening.
Mama and her brother, Uncle
Ernesto, escaped Cuba as teenagers. They arrived here in a boat, tired, hungry, scared, and speaking only Spanish.
Your mother is an illegal?
Ariana laughed. Dont ever say that to Mama. She is the proudest naturalized citizen in the entire state of Florida. And whatever you do, dont get into an American history quiz with her. Shell wax you.
Though he doubted hed ever meet the woman, Grant admired that kind of strength and determination. Having grown up in a very comfortable home, hed never considered how blessed he was to live in the land of the free. He couldnt imagine the difficulties of coming to a strange country to begin a new life.
But how does her immigration relate to your pregnancy?
Im getting there. With a little wait-a-minute wave of dainty hands, Ariana sipped her water again, then continued. Daddy is a fishing guide. Mama worked for many years as a domestic. With three children, finances were always tight, but Mama held on to the dream that her children would go to college and climb the ladder to success. Sean and Marisa had no such interest, so it fell to me as the oldest to make Mamas dream come true.
The music drifting through the restaurant changed to an accordion beat. Dishes clattered somewhere in the background, but all Grants attention focused on Ariana. There was more to her than a pretty face and a pregnant body. He knew about family expectations, having fallen far short of the dream his father had had for him. Even now, he continued to disappoint, a truth that wore away at his conscience as aggressively as his flamboyant father wore away at a jury.
Didnt you want to attend college? Waiting for her reply he took a bite of the antipasto, the garlic flavor invigorating his taste buds, even as the conversation with Ariana invigorated his other senses.
For as long as I can remember. And you should have seen Mamas face on the day I graduated. She was so beautiful, absolutely radiant with joy. Arianas eyes lit up in remembrance. She gave a party for everyone in our neighborhood and spent the entire day showing off my diploma and saying, Look, my Ariana, she is so smart. She will be somebody.
A faint Spanish lilt crept into Arianas voice as she imitated her mother. Grant smiled, enjoying the sound.
And even though she didnt want me to move so far away, she was thrilled when I landed the job at Wintersoft. And she is absolutely certain that someday I will be the public relations consultant for some movie star or maybe even the president.
Is that what you want?
Arianas slender shoulders rolled forward in a shrug. I love my job, and I want Mama to be proud. Thats what really matters.
I dont see how your pregnancy interferes with any of that. Women with children continue to succeed in todays business world. Surely your mother understands that.
Ah, but theres more. You see, Mamas younger sister, Lily, had a stroke last year. Since most of Mamas relatives are still in Cuba, she and Lily are very close. Doctors wanted to put her in a nursing home, but Mama wouldnt hear of such a thing. So she and Daddy took Lily into their home, and Mama provides total care for her. The stress is enormous, but to Mama, caring for Lily is a labor of love. She has to do it.
And you dont want to add to your mothers worry?
Exactly. Mama would be torn between her need to be with Lily and her maternal desire to help her unwed, very pregnant and alone, daughter. Arianas animated expression disappeared. She twisted a strand of linguini with her fork, stirring the food around the plate. Its bad enough that my children wont have a father, but now I will be a single mother struggling to make ends meet, instead of working my way up the ladder. I cant add that load of worry onto my already overburdened mother.
Grant took a bite of his pasta and savored the spicy flavor as he mulled over Ariana Fitzpatricks dilemma. She not only had the total responsibility of two unborn children, but all the hopes and dreams and concerns of her family rested on her fragile shoulders. And she believed shed failed them.