A Diamond for Del Rio's Housekeeper

She hardly dared to ask. ‘What have you done?’

‘We’re sailing there now,’ he said, ‘so you’ll see for yourself. The islanders are planning a fiesta in our honour to celebrate our marriage. They want us to have a proper celebration, amongst friends.’

‘Tell me about your plans first,’ Rosie insisted.

‘Okay. I’m going to create a kids’ centre on the island in honour of my aunt. She always wanted me to do something useful with my money. At the time I was too busy amassing a fortune to work out what she meant. I was so desperate not to end up like my parents—always with their hands in someone els

e’s pocket—so money meant everything to me then. But this is going to be a non-profit-making scheme. It will be the perfect tribute to a woman I neglected in life, and am determined to honour in death. How do you feel about going in with me on that?’

‘Are you serious?’ Rosie was stunned. ‘I’d love to. What changed your mind?’

‘You did,’ Xavier admitted. ‘When I went back to the island yesterday, I saw everything through your eyes, and then I understood what the island really needed, and what I could bring to it.’

Reaching out, he drew her close. Her face and her body tingled. Staring into her eyes, he dipped his head and kissed her long and slow. When he pulled back, he said, ‘I love you, Rosie. I’d do anything to make you happy. I’ve loved you from the moment I first saw you on that beach—I just didn’t know what those feelings were.’

‘You only knew I annoyed the hell out of you?’ she suggested, starting to smile.

Xavier laughed. A bolt of sheer happiness lit up his face. ‘No one had ever held me at bay before,’ he admitted. ‘I hadn’t felt that angry for years. I hadn’t felt anything for years. I was furious at being dragged back to an island that made me remember my childhood and my parents, and all my mixed-up feelings. And then there was the indignity of having to share the island with my aunt’s housekeeper. How ridiculous,’ he said, embracing her warmly. ‘How arrogant I was. My only thought was to drive you away as fast as I could.’

‘And now?’ she whispered.

‘And now I have to keep you by any means possible. What would it take to do that, Rosie? What would it take to make ours a real marriage?’

She looked at him. ‘Just love me.’

* * *

As they arrived at Isla Del Rey a crowd was waiting for them on the dock. It was entirely different from the formal gathering of dignitaries who had attended their wedding in the cathedral. These were people Rosie knew and loved. Everyone had dressed up for the occasion. It was party night on Isla Del Rey. There was nothing the islanders loved more than a celebration, and they must have pooled their limited resources to give them a welcome like this. She was touched by the effort they’d gone to, and so very happy to be back on the island she loved. This was special, she thought as she walked down the gangplank hand in hand with Xavier.

An even bigger surprise awaited her as Xavier had organised a blessing of their vows. Taking hold of both her hands in his, he searched her eyes. A yearning grew inside him as they stared at each other, and he knew in that moment that his life and everything in it depended on the answer Rosie would give him.

‘Are you happy to renew your vows?’ Xavier asked.

‘Oh, yes,’ she said, smiling deep into his eyes.

A happy grin spread across his face.

‘Are you sure about this?’ she asked him discreetly. ‘Are you sure you want me to renew our vows with me barefoot in a sundress with a rose in my hair?’

‘I’ve never seen you looking more beautiful, or more Rosie-like.’ He squeezed her hand to reassure her as a notary halted in front of them.

‘Do you have the ring you spoke of?’ the notary asked him.

‘I have it,’ Xavier confirmed, pulling the piece of string out of his pocket. ‘Will this do?’

‘Very nicely,’ the man agreed with a warm smile for Rosie.

* * *

The simple renewal of their wedding vows meant so much to Rosie, it was her dream come true: standing next to the man she loved, the man who had just told her how much he loved her, in front of people who genuinely cared for both of them. If she had ever needed proof that her optimistic take on life was justified, this was it. She only had to look around to see that their happiness was infectious. Even with all the money in the world to spend on a celebration, nothing could be better than this. It was the happiest night of her life.

The party afterwards was the best fun ever. And as they came together for the last dance of the night the islanders formed a circle around them. They weren’t looking for sensation or gossip, they just wanted to join in and wish them well. No one on Isla Del Rey was ever afraid to show their feelings and Rosie would never be frightened to do so again.

They spent the night at the hacienda with the windows open so they could hear the night sounds: owls hooting, cicadas chirruping, as they made love in time to the surf.

‘I’ve got another surprise for you,’ Xavier murmured.

‘What is it?’ she demanded, a smile spreading across her face.