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

where Carmen was humming while making coffee. “Your mother loves you so much.”

“I know.”

Lucia raised an eyebrow.

He laughed softly. “I mean, I’m learning.”

She nodded.

For a while, they sat in comfortable silence.

Then Lucia said, “When I first called your mother, she told me she was afraid I would be disappointed by her house.”

Diego lowered his eyes.

“I continue reading …