Chapter Four
“Areyoureadyto go? I don’t want to be late.”
“Almost. I’ll just text her and let her know we’ll be there closer to seven.”
“You will not. I’m not going to start off on the wrong foot with your mother.”
Isabel had spent most of the afternoon trying to avoid Micah and he had a feeling he knew why. She was very close with her mom and he was asking her to lie to her. It wasn’t fair, and he knew it, but something inside him liked the idea of being with Izzy and making her mom happy. Mrs. Diaz was convinced of it already, so what would it hurt to let a little old lady believe her daughter was in a happy, loving relationship? Even if it was temporary.
“Why are you taking this so seriously?”
“Why aren’t you?”
“I am, I mean as far as Mr. and Mrs. Morales are concerned I am, but I don’t understand why I have to involve my mom with this. She’s going to think it’s insane that I would date you.”
“I’m going to start taking it personally that the one person who knows me better than anyone in this world thinks the idea of being with me is repulsive.”
“Don’t put words in my mouth, I never said repulsive. It feels weird to lie to my mom.”
“Then don’t lie. I will tell her how I swept you off your feet and then we will enjoy dinner with her. It doesn’t need to be more complicated than that. Now grab your things. We need to get there on time. Like I said, I don’t want her waiting for us.”
Isabel insisted on driving separately to pick up her mother, which worked out fine because he wanted to drive them both to the restaurant. He made reservations at a high end steak house even though he would have preferred Sergio’s. It just didn’t feel right bringing his fake girlfriend’s mom out to a place they could go any day of the week. He wanted to treat her to something special, and as they walked into the darkened restaurant, Mrs. Diaz’s comments made it all worthwhile.
“Oh my, Isabel, look at this place. It’s so nice. Can you believe we are even here?”
“Yes mama, it’s very nice.”
“Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be asked to eat at a place this fancy. Is my dress okay?”
“Mrs. Diaz, you look beautiful,” Micah said as he placed his hand on Isabel’s back and ushered her through the restaurant.
“Is this room just for us?” Mrs. Diaz asked while looking around in the private tasting room Micah had reserved.
“Yes, I wanted to have privacy for tonight. Izzy and I have some very good news to share with you.”
The server came by and took their drink orders. As soon as she stepped away, he could see the eagerness in the older woman’s eyes.
“I was going to wait to make a toast, but I can tell you’re anxious to hear our news. Izzy secured the Morales deal we have been working on today. She was absolutely amazing, Mrs. Diaz. You should be very proud of her.”
Micah watched as the woman turned to her daughter, gushing over how amazing she was. He couldn’t argue with that. Isabel was perfect in nearly every way, which meant he needed to be very careful with how he handled the next couple weeks. She deserved the world and if he couldn’t give her that, then the least he could do was make sure she was well taken care of until she found the man she loved. Unfortunately, the thought of her with another man made his skin crawl. He had no claim on her and yet he still couldn’t reason with his heart, or maybe it was just his hormones. Anyone who took her away from him made him feel uneasy. Izzy spoiled him with her time and attention over the years. It may have been all work related, but they had grown close and he valued every moment she shared with him.
“I am very proud of the both of you. Micah, I should apologize for the other night. I was out of line and shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. You offered my daughter a new life when she needed it most. There were days in the beginning that I honestly feared that she wouldn’t make it through.”
“Mama, please,” Isabel said, trying to interrupt.
“No, you let me finish. She came out of hell all those years ago, and under your care she has turned into a confident, valued woman and I thank you for that. I suppose it’s just my hopeful heart that I saw something more between the two of you. Regardless of what the future brings, I want you to know I am thankful for the person you are to my daughter.”
The tears in her eyes made Micah question everything he knew about Isabel. What was Mrs. Diaz talking about? Make it through what? A glance over at Isabel told him she wasn’t wanting to discuss it. Her head was down and she avoided his gaze while she picked at the black cloth napkin in her lap. He reached over, placing his arm around her, and pulled her to his side.
“I appreciate the kind words, Mrs. Diaz, but all I provided Izzy was a place to work. She was always valued at my company and any confidence she gained was earned through her hard work.”
“That’s very kind of you to say. Most men would take all the glory,” she said with a little laugh.
“Izzy would never let me,” he said with a wink, “There is something else we’d like to share with you. I didn’t want to admit it the other night until I had spoken with Izzy, but it’s time we told you. You were right, I am crazy about your daughter and I’m lucky enough that she has agreed to be mine.”
Isabel looked up at Micah with what he could only interpret as a look of thanks. Her mother pushed herself up from her seat and made her way to their side of the table, reaching for them both.
“Bless the lord! I knew it. I mean, I’m happy for your business deal, of course, but hearing the news that your daughter has found the love of her life dims away the rest of the world, I am so happy for the both of you,” she pulled each of them into a hug then turned to face Isabel, “I can’t believe you have kept this from me for so long. Agreed to be his? What a beautiful blessing. Have you both picked a date yet? I need to call your grandmother. She will never believe she is going to live to see her little Izzy get married.”