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

followed.

Aaron finally muttered, “You’re being dramatic.”

Through the window, Diego watched Lucia helping Carmen wash dishes while the two women talked like family. “No. I’m being honest.”

Then he ended the call.

That afternoon, Diego sat beside Lucia beneath the shade of a mesquite tree near the yard. Carmen was inside resting, though Diego suspected continue reading …