Santa Fe Fortune & How to Marry a Matador

First, Fernando was married; then Jessica was pregnant. Next, neither of them was either. Suddenly, again they were together, but her son had nearly died in the process. Ana María sighed heavily, praying the drama was over.
    Jessica’s cheeks went dusty rose as she turned beseeching blue eyes on Ana María.
    “I know it started out kind of messy, Señora Garcia de la Vega. But the truth is, I really do love your son. I really hope you believe it, and that one day soon…maybe not right away…but over time…you’ll come to accept me into your family.
    Ana María flagged a palm in her direction. Fernando studied his mother with concern, protectively wrapping an arm around his bride.
    “First,” she said sternly, “I think we should dispense with that Señora Garcia de la Vega business. After all,” she said, rising, “someday, in the not-too-distant future, I hope, you’ll make me a grandmother.”
    Her lips drew into a smile as she welcomed her children with arms extended.
    “Jessica. Fernando,” she told them, hugging them together tightly. “My blessings on your union.”
    They hugged her back, Jessica unexpectedly releasing a few tears.
    While Gustavo went for Consuelo and the champagne, Ana María took Jessica’s hand in hers. “You can’t possibly be married without a ring, my dear.”
    “I was planning to take care of it,” Fernando rushed in. “I would have done so sooner if I’d known she was coming back.”
    “I’m sorry I didn’t give you any warning,” Jessica offered sincerely.
    “No apologies necessary,” Fernando said. “I’m just glad that you’re here.”
    “That’s makes all of us,” Ana María said with a warm smile. She turned toward her son. “Now Fernando,” she said, “about that ring…”

    Fernando approached Jess on the patio, where she sat drinking her morning café con leche. He was devilishly handsome in his crisply pressed chinos and deep red polo, lending him that sexy matador edge. How Jess had ever second-guessed her gut instinct to marry him, she’d never know. She certainly wasn’t doubting him now.
    “Good morning, darling,” he said, strolling over and stunning her with a whopping kiss.
    “ Buenos días ,” she replied, dabbing her moist lips with a napkin. He’d nearly scorched her with his lips. Not that she minded.
    “Ah, Jessica,” he said, taking her hands in his. “You look especially bride-like this morning.”
    Jess laughed, looking down, realizing she’d once more worn white. Naturally, it was summertime, but she couldn’t help but think there was something subliminal to her dressing that way all the time.
    “I own other color clothes, you know,” she said with a smug little pout.
    “And I’ll get you some more,” he assured her. “As many as you’d like. Though, in truth, I don’t think a lot of clothing is necessary. Not given our plans for the immediate future.”
    “Plans?”
    “I know you’ve always wanted to see Paris, but it’s murder to visit the city in June. Too much heat, so many tourists. April is better. We can plan for next year.”
    “Fernando,” she teased him lightly. “Just what are you getting at?”
    His eyes twinkled with delight. “How does Fiji sound? A private honeymoon hut on the water, overlooking the fish through a window in the floor?”
    Jess nearly spilled her coffee setting it down. “Really?” she asked with delight.
    “You will need a bathing suit, of course.”
    Jess smiled up at him, thinking she’d honeymoon anywhere with this man. Even right here in La Esperanza del Corazón.
    “But first,” he said, surprising her by kneeling before her, “I think we should have a proper wedding, don’t you?”
    The truth was, she’d thought of nothing else since the moment she’d posted that package. Jess was bursting with joy and wanted the people she loved to share in it. Her mother and Evie…
    “It doesn’t have to be a big ceremony,” she said, feeling the moisture in her eyes.
    “Well, at least tell me I can invite Brother Emilio.”
    “How about Tía Margarita?”
    He grinned, pulling a gorgeous antique ring from his pocket, an enormous diamond offset by rubies all around.
    “Oh, Fernando,” Jess gasped as tears sprang from her eyes. “It’s beautiful.”
    “It belonged to my grandmother, given to her by my Grandfather Garcia de la Vega, the greatest bullfighter of the twentieth century.” He shot her a sly wink. “Rubies are the sign of a matador, you