Six months later …

Ariana wrinkled her nose as she looked across the table at Rennen and Ace. “You sure this is a good idea?”

Ace hooted, his voice taking on an exaggerated Mexican accent. “Yeah, wedo, you should listen to your woman. I don’t think your delicate stomach can handle more than a couple of these tamales.”

“We’ll see about that, amigo,” Rennen snorted. He patted his stomach, a cocky smile sliding over his lips. “I’ve got a gut of steel, and I’m about to prove it.”

Ace chuckled. “That’s what you said last week, when I roasted your butt in sprints.”

Rennen pulled a face. “That was luck. Besides, my body’s worn-out from the Titan’s season.” His eyes sparkled, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. “You know, winning the Championship Game was tough, man.”

Ace scowled. “Yeah, you keep telling yourself that, wedo. Whatever helps you sleep at night.” He looked at Ariana. “You sure you wanna marry this guy? His ego’s the size of Texas.”

A smile played on Ariana’s lips as she looked down at the humongous rock on her finger. “Well, I guess I could hock this thing and make a small fortune.”

Rennen clutched his chest. “Ouch. Now that hurt.”

“Just teasing. I guess I have to keep him.” Her eyes locked with Rennen’s as a surge of electricity raced through her. Then came the wave of tenderness.

The past six months had been a whirlwind with the renovations at the gym and Rennen’s winning season. But they had also been glorious. Ariana was so in love with Rennen she could hardly breathe. They were getting married in the spring. Her mother was overjoyed to be able to plan the wedding, but her ideas were so grand, they bordered on outlandish, reminding Ariana of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. While it was a constant battle to make sure the wedding would be tasteful and elegant, Ariana was glad her family was so excited about the event. Everyone had welcomed Rennen into the family with open arms. And despite the fact that Rennen and Ace were always competing for the top-dog position, Ariana could tell they were close.

Delphine purchased a condo in Ft. Worth so she would have a place to stay during her frequent visits. Thomas accompanied her on her trips. Delphine and Thomas were so close that Ariana was starting to think Thomas was more than just her chauffeur. They’d not brought their relationship out in the open yet, but Ariana suspected that was coming in the near future. She chuckled inwardly. If Fabiana had anything to do with it, Delphine and Thomas would be married by the summer. She had taken one look at them and deemed them two, timid souls in need of a helping hand to bring them together as a couple.

Now that Rennen’s season was over, he and Ariana were planning a trip to the Hamptons to visit Delphine. Rennen asked his mother who his father was, but she told him some things were better left in the past. Ariana knew Rennen well enough to know that he wouldn’t be satisfied with that answer forever; but for now, he was willing to let it ride while he strengthened his relationship with Delphine. The change that had taken place in Rennen was remarkable. He seemed more complete and settled.

Silver put a hand on Ariana’s arm. “You might as well sit back and relax.” She pointed to the large platter of tamales in the center of the table. “Those two aren’t going anywhere.”

“I know, and Mom’s in the kitchen making more tamales,” Ariana said.

It was comical how fast Rennen and Ace’s eyes bulged.

“Seriously?” Ace asked. “I thought Mom was watching Gracie and little Ace.”

“Yeah, they’re in the kitchen, but Dad’s watching them while Mom’s cooking,” Ariana said straight-faced, but then couldn’t hold back the laugh. “Just teasing,” she quipped.

Rennen sighed in relief.

Silver pushed back her chair. “Speaking of the kids, I’d better check on them.” She chuckled. “You know how much Gracie loves fried ice cream. She’ll eat Fabiana out of house and home.”

“I doubt that very seriously,” Ariana said. “Mom has enough food in that kitchen to feed ten armies.”

Silver just shook her head and smiled as she walked away.

It was fun to see Ace and Silver with two children, now that Silver’d had her baby. Fabiana was tickled pink to have another grandchild and kept hinting to Ariana and Rennen that they should start their family right after they were married, so she could have another grandchild.

Rennen rubbed his hands together. “Let the eating begin.”

“You’re going down, wedo,” Ace said.

They looked at Ariana.

“Give us the signal to start,” Ace prompted. “And remember, you’re the moderator.” He glanced at Rennen. “But don’t be giving your man any preferential treatment.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” Ariana said, her gaze locking with Rennen’s.

Rennen’s eyes danced with adventure. “She’s telling the truth. She won’t cut me an ounce of slack.”

A bubble of sheer happiness broke in her chest, spreading warmth through her. “Someone has to keep you in line.”

A smile tugged at Rennen’s lips, his eyes caressing hers. “And you’re the perfect one for the job.”

“Absolutely.”

A full smile broke over his lips. “I love you, babe.”

She smiled back. Life was good! Oh, so good. “I love you too.” She leaned forward, excitement trickling down her spine. “Ready, set … go!”