Isabel smiled as she watched them.
John stood and held out his hand. "Care to dance, Isabel?"
"Oh… but I don't know how to dance to this. They're singing in Spanish."
"You don't need to know what they're saying. Just move with me in my arms and you'll do fine."
She went with him and they embraced, dancing to the music in a slow waltz. Isabel rested her cheek against the side of his neck. She was softer than anything he'd ever held and smelled like floral bathing salts. John savored the moment and let it embed into his memory for eternity.
"What are they saying?" Isabel asked, her breath warm next to his ear.
The band's lilting song with its accordion and guitar was a romantic ballad.
"Amor… quieres que te acompañe?"
John translated. "Love… may I walk with you?"
"Amor… eres tan bonita."
"Love… you are so beautiful."
"Suspiro por ti."
"I yearn for you."
"Sueño con tus besos."
"I dream of your kisses."
"Ven a mis brazos."
"Come to my arms."
"Amor… deseo de mi corazon."
"Love… my heart's desire."
"Angel de mi amor."
"My angel love."
His cheek came next to hers as the ballad continued without words. The song said everything he felt in his heart Could Isabel tell when he'd spoken the words… he'd been saying them to her?
Their dance ended just as several waiters brought a meal to the table—a feast was more like it. John escorted Isabel back and they explored the plates of seafood and salads with slices of avocado. All the while, they traded glances… smiles… no words other than the ones spoken from their eyes.
The third course was halibut with carrots. Then a bowl of baby lima beans in a peppery broth of milk and butter and fried potato slices. For desert, they had a choice from the tray of Mexican pastries. Isabel chose strawberries and cream. John picked the flan. They traded bites, leaning across the table with spoons lifted to the other's mouth.
When the meal was over, they drank cafe con leche and listened to the music as the moon rose.
John hated to bring op the contest, but he did because Isabel was so certain they had to win. "Isabel… we can collect berries and then ride back to town. We could be there by morning. I bought a lantern and blankets. They're on the beach with the rest of my gear. I'll get my horse, if you want."
She exhaled a long sigh of contentment. "I don't want to. Can't we stay here a little while longer?"
"Sure___sure."
Her lashes lowered, and she whispered, "Ask me to walk with you. Like the song."
John's heart thundered. "Amor… quieres que te acompañe?"