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?"

he know on a future day in the delivery room, he'd be so traumatized that he'd swear off having a

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

be long. Once she was released, she would certainly stir up

Megan had coaxed Olina back into her good graces. Although Olina couldn't dictate Owen's marital choices, she was his mother. With her

could also remarry into the Martinez family

definitely be you.

in your business dealings, so I won't be much

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 always accompanies Stefan. You've never

"Don't

like Owen compared

comparing myself to him subconsiously. It's been over two decades, and I can't break the habit. Otherwise, how would do you think we have

wanted to point out that they were not "arch enemies"

swallowed

two men might not become best friends because of her and Lucy, but the tension between them was easing for

fading, she'd probably go green with envy. She had tried so hard to

seemed to do

I'll join you. But just so you know,

Cecilia tended to find Owen irresistibly attractive. She'd get handsy, and maybe even

embarrassing when drunk, quickly assured her, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone ply you with drinks. no one will get you drunk once they know you're

Cecilia was like when she was

it all. Hire more staff and promote the waitress to manager. She's

roll in. You'll also have more time to spend with me. You're going to be the lady of the Martinez family and

care about her

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