Twenty Wishes (Blossom Street #5)(98)

Lillie readily agreed.

“Allow me to introduce you to my friends,” Hector said and led her away. As they moved from one group to another, she became even more aware of how greatly he was respected and loved. His coworkers told story after story about Hector, embarrassing him since he was a modest man. Lillie enjoyed every word. If she needed confirmation that this man was everything she’d imagined, then she received it tonight, many times over.

The party started to break up at about eight-thirty. She’d remained at Hector’s side, either clasping his hand or with his arm about her waist. There could be no doubt that they were together.

At the Mexican restaurant a little later, Lillie met more members of his family. A brother and sister, nieces and nephews, various in-laws. The table seated at least thirty, and the names flew past her, although she made a determined effort to remember each one. She sat between Hector and Manuel.

Music and laughter filled the room. Children ducked under the table and raced around the chairs while their parents—Hector’s nieces and nephews—did their best to contain them. Although Hector introduced Lillie to everyone in his extended family, it seemed they already knew her. They accepted her without question and seemed genuinely pleased to make her acquaintance.

When the food arrived, it was served family style. Manuel passed Lillie the first dish, holding the heavy platter of rice while she helped herself. Next came chilaquites, which seemed to be some kind of tortilla casserole, followed by corn tamales, chili rellenos and another dish Lillie didn’t hear the name of.

“My father’s in love with you,” Manuel said quietly.

“I beg your pardon?”

“He showed me your letter. You love him, too, don’t you?”

Lillie could see no reason to deny it. “Very much.”

“He’s a man of strong feelings,” Manuel said. “His family is important to him.”

“I know.” That was the reason she’d decided to break off the relationship; she refused to place Hector in the impossible position of choosing between his family and her.

Manuel acknowledged her statement. “Yes. He was willing to give you up for our—my sake.”

“He already had.” She couldn’t resist asking, “Can you tell me what changed?”

Rita slapped her brother’s arm. “Hey, Manuel, what’s the holdup here? You’re supposed to be passing the food.”

“Sorry.” Manuel handed the dish to his sister.

“I’ve never seen my father this miserable,” Manuel informed Lillie.

“Even when Mom was ill, the entire family counted on our father to keep up our spirits and he did. He nursed Mom, cared for her, held her when she breathed her last and loved her to the very end.”

“He still loves her.” Lillie blinked hard as tears welled up in her eyes. This was how she wanted to be loved.

“After Mom died it was Dad who held our family together. Don’t misunderstand me—he grieved for our mother. But her death was also a release from terrible pain. Dad understood that better than anyone. He was lonely and lost but he found ways to cope. Through work, family—and now you.”

Mesmerized by Manuel’s words, Lillie passed plate after plate without serving herself.

“After receiving your letter, my father wept.” Luis, who’d been listening avidly, spoke from across the table while Hector was busy talking to a nephew on his other side.

“He…did?”

Manuel frowned at him, but he acknowledged Luis’s words. “It’s true.” He paused to take a gulp of his Corona. “I knew then that you were no ordinary woman,” he resumed, “and that I’d made a mistake. If my father loves you, then I need to be willing to look past my own prejudices and give you a chance, as well.”

That did it. Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Thank you, Manuel.”

He nodded and passed her another dish.

Lillie wondered why Hector had waited so long to reach out to her. As if reading her thoughts, Manuel added, “Rather than repeat what happened with me, Dad decided he needed to let the family know. So he went to everyone and explained that he’d met someone very special.”

No wonder his family behaved as though they already knew her.

“My fear was that you’d break his heart,” Manuel murmured. “Unfortunately my attitude toward you was what did that. I hope you can look past our rather…difficult beginning and start again.”

“Of course,” she said and when the next dish was handed to her, she scooped up a huge helping of chili conqueso and placed it on Manuel’s plate before serving herself.

Manuel grinned and then winked at her.

After dinner, the music began, and Hector took Lillie’s hand and led her onto the dance floor. “You and Manuel seemed to be deeply involved in conversation,” he said as he turned her into his arms.

“Hmm.” She leaned her forehead against his and closed her eyes, grateful that this was a slow number.

“He apologized?”

“He said you loved me.”

Hector exhaled noisily. “I never expected to fall in love a second time and certainly not like this.”

“I didn’t, either. Blame the wishes if you want.”

“Your Twenty Wishes?”