Chapter Six: Lovers In Love

Los Angeles, CA, in 2011

The next night Stephanie and Ben snuggled up in bed again. "Sorry I fell asleep on you last night while you were telling me the story of Esteban, Zia, and Tao," Ben said. "I hope you weren't mad."

Stephanie smiled. "Not at all, Ben. Hey, I understand if flying a plane wears you out. Just staying on my toes keeping up with kindergartners five days a week is tiring for me!"

Ben laughed. "Oh, honey, you're so understanding. So do you want to continue reading the story of them? Will you read it out loud to me?"

"I love you, Ben," Stephanie said.

"I love you," Ben said, kissing his wife. Stephanie turned to the part of the book she had left off on. "Here we are."

Barcelona, Spain, in 1547

Juana comes over exactly when she agrees to. She knocks on the door, and Zia opens it. "Hello, Juana. It is nice to see you here. Come on in. I have a roast cooking."

Juana smiles. "Thank you, Zia. Thank you for inviting me here, Esteban. I was surprised when you invited me here."

"You're welcome. Juana, this is my very best friend and my best man, Tao. He was my best man when Zia and I got married," I say warmly.

Tao seems to think this is one beautiful woman. Zia and I watch him excitedly jump to his feet. He looks totally captivated by her. "Hello," he says, grasping her hand to shake it. But then he starts pulling her hand to his lips as if he will kiss it.

"Do it, Tao," I say very softly, under my breath.

But Tao is too shy. Juana looks disappointed.

Conchetta whispers to Miguel, "I think Uncle Tao is in love."

"I hope Uncle Tao and Juana get married and have babies!" Miguel suddenly blurts out.

I laugh a little nervously. "Where do these children get these wild ideas?" I can feel myself blushing.

"From you, Papa," Miguel replies.

"Miguel!" Zia hisses, annoyed.

Tao smiles at Miguel. "Miguel, Uncle Tao and Juana are just friends. We hardly know each other." Then he looks back at her. "But I'd like to get to know you better."

Juana smiles. "I would like that, too, Tao."

Tao turns to me and hugs me. "I know now this was your idea, Esteban. Thank you so much!"

"Anything for you, Tao," I say.

Zia looks at me and smiles. She puts her head on my shoulder. "This was so sweet of you, Esteban. I admit I had my doubts, but it looks like you've done a good thing," she whispers.

"Of course. I am a genius," I laugh softly. I kiss her on the forehead.

Los Angeles, CA, 2011

"Oh, isn't that romantic?" Stephanie marveled. "Zia had her doubts. Ben, do you remember when we met on Lionel and Alexis's ship? I had my doubts about us. I thought I could never fall for a guy who liked wearing polka dot shorts and a striped shirt who said corny things," she laughed.

"But you fell for me because you noticed we had matching bracelets that opened the doors to the Cities of Gold, something we have in common," Ben laughed.

Stephanie giggled, too. "Benjamin Garrison, you're still so corny, but you're my favorite guy!" She and Ben shared a long, passionate kiss.