Faux Vows, True Desires

"Don't even think about it."

Cecilia revved up the engine.

"The first time I got hitched, there was no proposal, no wedding, just a piece of paper we signed, and that was under duress-no fond memories whatsoever. If I'm getting remarried, it's for keeps, and I'm taking it seriously. If you slip up on anything, I won't be walking down the aisle with you."

Cecilia's firm words made Owen at a loss for words.

If he truly loved her, he couldn't let her down.

But they had already confirmed their relationship. They'd date for now, let the feelings deepen, and then tie the knot. There were still months before Christmas. Bringing her home before the holidays didn't seem like a bad idea.

"Cecilia."

"Just spit it out."

Cecilia's eyes stayed glued to the road ahead, not even glancing in his direction.

Owen admired her profile, struck by her beauty-a classic case of profile perfection.

He was so preoccupied with looking at her that he found himself swallowing hard. He ached to kiss her, and maybe even more to sweep her up in his arms and make her his in every way possible. "What is it you want to say?"

Cecilia turned to give him a brief look before focusing back on the road.

Owen snapped back to reality, blurting out, "Cecilia, you're stunning! You match my dashing good looks. We're like a match made in heaven, a picture-perfect couple. With our genes, our kids are gonna be cute as buttons.

"Cecilia, I'm a bit greedy, I admit that. How about we go for a whole soccer team's worth of kids?"

future day in the delivery room, he'd be so traumatized that

get it, you're thick-skinned and love to toot your own horn. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We've just started dating, and you're already thinking about

wouldn't likely be long. Once she

coaxed Olina back into her good graces. Although Olina couldn't dictate Owen's marital choices, she was his mother. With her meddling, who could guarantee there wouldn't

also remarry into the

will definitely be you. Cecilia, I've got

dealings, so I won't

laughed, "I don't need your help. Just

Lucinda's coming over to mind the store, and you're free, why don't you come with me to the dinner? Lucinda

"Don't always compare yourself to Mr.

Owen compared

myself to him subconsiously. It's been over two decades, and I can't break the habit. Otherwise, how

that they were

swallowed her

become best friends because of her and Lucy, but

the enmity between Owen and Stefan was fading, she'd probably go green with envy. She had tried so hard to ease their rivalry,

Lucinda, however, seemed to do it

I'm free tonight, I'll join you. But just so you know, I can't

find Owen irresistibly attractive. She'd get handsy, and maybe even do something she'd regret

won't let anyone ply

like when she was drunk, he'd regret offering such assurances

waitress, and Basil can't handle it all. Hire more staff and promote the waitress to manager. She's been with you and Lucinda the longest and

bit, just wait for the money to roll in. You'll also have more time to spend with me. You're going to be the lady of the Martinez family and will need to attend many high

for Cecilia, he didn't care about her background; he

or facing ridicule, he wanted to use these business engagements as a learning