“Can we do this?”
AJ eyed the white and pink carriage with disdain. I guess the fact the overhanging had pink fringe didn’t help matters. “Seriously?”
“Please.”
“I’m going to look like a fucking pansy tourist in that thing.”
I poked my bottom lip out. “Do it for me and Bella.”
He snorted. “Like she gives two shits about a Pepto Bismol covered carriage ride.” But even as he was arguing, he was getting his wallet out. He stepped forward and spoke to the driver. Taking my hand, he helped me inside before hopping in to sit beside me. On the back of the carriage, there were two heart-shaped cut-outs for windows. I nestled closer to him before jerking my head back. “Oh, look. It’s all romantic.”
AJ shifted in his seat. “Let’s not mention romantic shit, okay?”
My anxiety at his comment kicked into overdrive. “But I thought we could use a little romance.”
He grinned. “I’m all for romance, but considering I won’t get to have sex with you as long as we’re at Abuela’s, I think we need to nix anything that might make me even more sexually frustrated.”
Relief flooded me at his real reason for shooting down my romantic vibe. As I gazed out the carriage, I peered at the surroundings. “Then I think we better find a hotel that we can duck into from time to time.”
He arched his eyebrows in surprise. “Really?”
“Mmm, hmm. Pregnancy makes you really horny—or at least it has me.”
He laughed. “Let me guess. You need a stud like me to take care of your needs?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Fuck yeah,” he muttered before kissing me on the lips. Considering we kept making out, I didn’t see much of the ride before AJ called the driver to stop and let us get out in the city center. AJ helped me down, and then proceeded to give me an official tour, including historical information.
As I gazed around at the architecture, I said, “This is really beautiful—it reminds me a little of Italy.”
“A lot of the design is in the similar neoclassic style.”
An imposing cathedral caught my eye. “Wow, that is breathtaking.”
“That’s the Catedral de Guadalajara or Catedral de la Asunción de María Santísima.”
“I want to go to mass there.”
“Sure, we can come back any day you want.”
“Thank you.”
He nudged me playfully. “You’ll make a big impression on Abuela waning to go to mass.”
“Really?”
“Yep. She goes every day. Usually to a smaller church close to the house.”
A tug pulled at my heart. “She sounds just like Mama Sofia. She went every day, too. She’d give me such grief when I only made it on Sunday.” I smiled at the memory.
As if sensing my grief, AJ wrapped an arm around my waist. “Speaking your Italian heritage, I bet you’d like the Degollado Theater.” He motioned across the plaza.
“Yes, I do,” I murmured as my gaze took in the intricate details of the building that looked somewhat like a replica of the Parthenon. “Do they have operas?”
He winced. “You like opera, huh?”
I grinned. “I’m Italian. The great tenors are a part of my heritage.”
“Yeah, they do. Maybe we’ll go one night we’re here.”
My brows rose in surprise. “You in a tux?”
“Hell yeah.”
“Very tempting, Resendiz. Very, very tempting.”
He laughed. “I’ll have my Tio Diego to get us some tickets.”
“That would be very sweet of him.”
“I can’t wait to introduce you to him at the Quincea?era.”
“I look forward to it.” Deep down, my feelings betrayed the enthusiasm in my voice. Although I was used to a huge family, it was a little overwhelming meeting all of AJ’s, especially since most of them here didn’t speak English. So far, even with the language barrier, they’d all been so nice and welcoming. It made me grateful that Bella would have so many people to love her.