- Your... corazón? Gabrielo repeats, raising his eyebrows and looking in my direction.

I pretend to look behind me for a moment. My glance goes from him to behind me a second time before I point out myself.

- Yes, you," Gabrielo retorts with a sneer. Stop pretending, you heard me right.

I take my friend in my arms while raising the eyebrows.

- And why not?

- Because she's my fiancée," says Steven. And I didn't know I had to be wary of the women around her too.

- Neither did I," agrees my husband. Meavy is definitely the one to watch out for right now.

They both look at us sideways before giving each other a confused look. We glance at each other before bursting into laughter.

- Sorry, but it was too tempting, exclaims Amber. You didn't tell me you got married, Alma.

- And you that you were engaged, I retorted. Everything happened quickly, so I didn't have much time.

- My parents still don't know that I'm back in New York," said Amber. I was going to announce it right before Mila's wedding.

We continue our discussion while heading towards the sofas in the middle of the room.

- Girls, interrupt Gabrielo and Steve, we would like an explanation.

- Alma," says Amber, pointing to me, "my cousin. Not my ex. Where was I?

We continue to discuss until I start to yawn. Gabrielo glances at me out of the corner of his eye and I discreetly shake my head. I don't want to go home yet.

- So, your family? Amber asks.

- We still get on so well. I am still going to Mila's wedding.

- I feel sorry for us for having to go to that ungrateful thing's wedding. After all you've done for her, the one thing she saw fit to do was steal your boyfriend.

- Amber, it's okay. I'm over it. Even more so now that I'm married and pregnant. Trust me on that.

- Pregnant? She says with a frown.

Her gaze moves from me to my belly without stopping. She holds up a finger in my direction and places it on my belly, applying a little pressure.

- For real? she asks.

- For real.

- And you're planning to travel to Spain like this?

- The gynecologist told me it's okay. We'll check again before we leave.

- We'd better go," said Gabrielo, coming up behind me. It is already 11 pm and we have things to do tomorrow.

I wave to Amber and Steven before going out to go back home. The journey is quiet and comfortable while I close the eyes some seconds. I feel the smell of Gabo near me and open my eyes. He smiles at me as he meets my gaze and continues to walk.

- Go back to sleep, sleeping beauty.

I don't answer anything and just observe him, my head resting against his chest. He takes me to our room and puts me on the bed. I remove my stilettos and remove my make-up quickly. This evening will have exhausted me. I hear the sound of water running in the bathtub and enter the bathroom.

- Stellina, you want to take a shower?

I nod, now fully awake. We both get into the bath and I throw a bath bomb inside. Gabrielo takes me in his arms and lets me go against his chest. I feel his hand go down my body and stop on my belly. He lays kisses along my face and in the hollow of my neck.

I hold myself against him, enjoying his touch. I make a half turn on myself to face him. I kiss him and he hugs me. I deepen our kiss and rest my forehead on his.

__________

In the shower, in the bath, on the bed. I think after that, I won't move for the next two weeks. Okay, I may be exaggerating a bit. Gabrielo is sleeping peacefully next to me on his stomach. He's really adorable when you see him like that. I run a hand through his hair before sitting on the bed.

It is 11:45 am. I rub my eyes when I see what time it is. We are late! I shake Gabrielo vigorously and he gets up with a jolt.

- What is it? He growls while lying down again.

- Get up, we are going to be late for the lunch with your parents, I say while getting up.

He grabs me by the waist and pulls me on the bed against him. I shake him off and release myself from his embrace. I take a quick shower and head to the dressing room. Gabrielo walks in five minutes later and grabs a pair of jeans and a shirt.

I think it's the first time I've seen him wearing jeans. He's always dressed up to go to work. Even when we were in India, he refused to wear jeans even when I got rid of the rest of his wardrobe.

- What's the matter? He asks with a smile. I know you like to admire me, but you better hurry up before we're even more late.

- Whose fault is that, huh? I told you we'd better get some sleep early.

- Be honest, you're the one who asked for more," he said, pressing my back against his chest. You even begged.

He kisses the back of my neck a few times and places his chin on the top of my head. His arms wrap around my belly and begin to caress it.

- You should think about getting a new wardrobe, he says thoughtfully. No heels today while I think about it.

- Think well because I am going to wear them.

- Alma, growls Gabrielo while tightening his hands against me.

- I don't have anything else, I exclaimed turning to him. I'm going to wear lower square heels so it's okay.

- If you say so. We'll go sneaker shopping after lunch with my mom.

- No problem. Now let me get dressed. I need to look decent.

He leaves the room in a hurry and I watch him without saying anything. I hurriedly put on a simple skirt and a top. It's getting hot and I want to feel comfortable.

I take one last look at myself in the car before I get out. Everything is going to be fine. I turn to Gabrielo at the wheel.

- What about the adoption? I asked. I was serious. I fell asleep so we couldn't talk about it last night.

- You really want to adopt this little boy ? I have nothing against the idea. It's just that it's a huge responsibility. If you feel like you're ready to take it, then go ahead. I'm with you.

- Seriously? I thought you'd say no so I could get some rest.

- I know staying home when everyone else is doing something is frustrating. You've been doing it for almost a week and it's really not for you. You look unhappy.

- So, can I go back to work?

- Still no, he counters, but nice try. I wanted to tell you that this child could brighten up the day. But I want you to think about it calmly and give me an answer in a few days.

- What if he gets adopted by then?

- Trust me on that. Just think about it and I'll take care of the rest.

The car stops and crosses a small alley before a huge building enters my field of vision. A rush of stress takes me and Gabrielo takes my hand.

- Relax, Gabrielo murmurs, taking me by the waist. That will do you only good. You are not not going to get eaten and I am with you.

I nod before he opens the door and enters the place.