‘DO I NEED to curtsey or anything?’ The prospect of meeting her in-laws for the first time was nerve-racking, not least because she’d come to learn how much of a big deal the Valdez family was in Spain. Rafael had almost been embarrassed by the column inches they’d taken up over the years in the Spanish glossy magazines when she’d done some research over the internet.
He was noticeably absent from the photographs of glitzy parties they’d thrown and attended over the years, but it was understandable when the man she knew was a world away from that kind of flashy lifestyle. She was nervous about meeting them when she was just a normal working woman and wondered if they’d consider her up to scratch for their son, and their family.
Rafael rolled his eyes at her as he loaded the cases into the car. ‘I’ve told you, this is going to be all very low-key. They’ve been warned we don’t want any fuss, especially for Gracie’s sake.’
He was trying to downplay the significance of this but she knew it was an important step for him, introducing them to Gracie. Even though they’d been video-calling over the internet these past few months at her insistence, she could tell he was still worried that they might not accept their granddaughter.
‘I suppose we have Christina to thank for this belated honeymoon.’ She threw her arms around her husband’s neck and kissed him, safe in the knowledge she’d never tire of kissing this gorgeous man for the rest of her days.
‘We’ll send her a postcard,’ he said, and hugged her close.
Although they’d imagined a long engagement, things had kind of fallen into place when they’d realised what was important in their lives and both had come to the conclusion it was each other and a particular little girl.
They’d travelled back to Boston to get married in a private ceremony and surprised everyone with the news on their return. Life with Rafael and Gracie was chaotic and wonderful and she loved every moment of it. Since Christina had decided to stay on the island too, they had shared custody and it gave Summer and Rafael plenty of quality time together alone, making everyone happy.
The clinic had hired travelling nurse Stacey Ryder, who was softening Cody’s hard shell with her arrival, so there was enough staff to cover their leave for a while. The only thing missing had been Rafael’s family in Spain and, with Christina having already opened a dialogue, Summer had persuaded him to get in touch with them again.
He’d been surprised how emotional they’d been to hear from him and she thought perhaps a little sad at the time he’d lost with them. She understood that because of the half of her family she knew she’d probably never see again. However, she’d been making inroads into reconnecting with her mother, who doted on Rafael and Gracie almost as much as she did. She’d never expected to end up with such an extensive family but it was doing them all good to get to know one another again.
‘We mightn’t get time. After all, this trip is technically our honeymoon and Gracie’s grandparents are very keen to babysit...’ She trailed a finger down his chest and flicked open one of the buttons with her nail.
Rafael groaned and stilled her hand with his before she could tease him any more. ‘It’s a long flight, you know, and saying and doing things like that are going to make it very uncomfortable.’
‘Sorry. I’m just looking forward to some alone time with you.’ Although they’d packed everything they could think of to keep Gracie entertained on the journey, they both knew it was going to be challenging so she was already thinking ahead to the good part.
‘I thought you might want to do some sightseeing and touristy stuff?’
‘We could do that or we could get some baby-making practice in,’ she said, biting her lip. They hadn’t discussed the idea of having children of their own but she thought having a sibling for Gracie would make their little family complete.
Thankfully Rafael looked delighted at the idea. ‘Really? You want us to have a baby?’
Summer nodded.
‘In that case, what are we waiting for? Let’s hit the road!’ He hurried her into the car, a great big smile plastered over his face, and the love she had for him almost bubbled over. She already knew what a great husband and father he was and another baby would be the icing on the cake for her perfect little family.
Coming to Maple Island had been the best move she’d ever made.
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