“I think we should’ve chosen our words carefully when we said how bored we were. This is going to be anything but boring.”

Chapter Twenty-five

Two weeks later, the Jatibon–Montgomery wedding date had arrived, and Cain got dressed at Remi’s place along with Mano, Katlin, and Finley. They’d been thrown out of the house so the girls could have the Casey home to themselves. Their house was transformed, along with the weather. The last week had been nothing but rain and cold, but last night the clouds had parted, and the temperatures had gone up to a comfortable cool.

“This is it, my friend,” Cain said, lifting a glass of aged Cuban rum. Ramon had dropped it off the night before, and he’d opened it for the celebration before the celebration.

“It is,” Remi said and tugged on her bow tie.

“I remember the day you were born,” Ramon said. He handed Remi a glass and held up his. “Your mother was holding you when they let me in. Your brother was sleeping in your abuela’s arms, and both of you were beautiful. I swore that day to be the best father I could be—to teach you and guide you until my time with you was done.” Ramon raised his glass higher. “Like your brother, you’ve found a new confidant, and a new best friend. Love her, and always treat her like the most precious thing in your life. If you do, your life will be as blessed as mine.”

“I will, Papi,” she said hugging her father.

“Then to money, luck, health, happiness, and love. May you have a lifetime of all these things, but most of all, may you be well-loved.”

“Salud,” the group said before drinking.

“Let’s get you over there, now that you look pretty,” Mano said. Remi slapped the back of his head, but they were all laughing.

“Congratulations, Remi,” Cain said as they got in the limo Emma had ordered. “All I can tell you is that marriage is at times rocky, but do what your father said. Just love her, and you’ll be a happy camper. That and have children. There’s nothing like it.”

“I’m glad you’re happy. You and Emma deserve it, and I owe you so much for all the help you gave us with Dallas and Kristen. I don’t often say it, but I love you like I love Mano.”

“I love you too, and there are never debts between family. Dallas has been a good friend to Emma, and Kristen has been Muriel’s salvation. If anyone has a debt, it’s me. The Montgomery sisters have been a good find.”