The succulent aroma of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and gravy filled the kitchen as the men filed in for supper, pausing at the door long enough to hang up their hats and jackets. Maria greeted them warmly, all except Alejandro, who received the same icy welcome he had been getting since his failed marriage proposal.

It cooled the atmosphere in the kitchen and made everyone uneasy. The hands looked forward to the evening meal as a time to relax at the end of a long, hard day. Kade wanted his men happy. Ellie wasn’t sure how much longer he was going to put up with the impasse.

She caught the look he flashed her way as he walked in with his men. Apparently, time was up.

Kade started to move toward the front of the group, but he had only taken a few steps before Alejandro stepped forward. Apparently the handsome Latino was as tired of the situation as Kade. He climbed up on the one of the benches at the dining table, his gaze sweeping the room for Maria, then his attention returned to the men.

“You all know me,” he said. “You know the kind of man I am. Does anyone here believe I’m a liar?”

The men shifted uneasily. “Hell, no,” Riley shouted, and the rest of the men chimed in.

“So if I say I’m in love with Maria Sanchez, do you believe me?”

There was laughter and someone cheered. “Yes!” The men were grinning, beginning to see where this was going, and their answer rang across the kitchen.

“I love her,” Alejandro continued. “I’ve loved her for years. She told me she loves me too, so I’m asking you, my friends, to help me convince this woman I love to marry me and end the misery I’ve been suffering since I lost her.”

“He loves you, Maria!” Turtle shouted. “You have to marry him so the rest of us don’t have to put up with him moping around anymore.”

“Take pity on him, Maria!” Riley chimed in.

Ellie’s gaze went to the young woman, who stood at the kitchen counter, tears trailing down her cheeks. Alejandro strode toward her, went down on one knee in front of her.

“I love you, querida. Please say you will do me the great honor of becoming my wife.”

“Oh, Alejandro.” Maria threw her arms around his neck. “I love you so much.”

He whispered something in Spanish meant just for her. “Will you marry me?”

A watery smile broke over her beautiful face. “Sí, mi amor, I’ll marry you.”

A cheer went up from the men, and Ellie’s throat closed up.

“About damn time,” Kade grumbled. Striding out of the kitchen, he went to the wine cellar in the dining room and returned with bottles of champagne. Glasses were retrieved. Turtle helped him pour, and toasts were made to the happy couple.