HE TOOK HIS FIANCÉE TO HIS POOR HOMETOWN TO TEST HER—BUT THE PAPER SHE HANDED HIM LEFT HIM TOO ASHAMED TO MEET HER EYES

love.”

Diego had no answer.

Lucia folded the towel carefully. “If I had frowned when I saw the house, what would you have done?”

He hesitated.

“That hesitation is the answer,” she said.

“I would have been disappointed.”

“No,” Lucia replied. “You would have judged me without ever telling me I was being tested. You would have made yourself the judge and me continue reading …