Chapter 14

Lester's POV

Today is Tia Juliana's birthday. She doesn't know it yet, but she is getting an extra special surprise today since Carlos is bringing Lucia, Alex, and Stephanie to meet the family. I don't think that Carlos told Stephanie that it's his mother's birthday, which will blow up in his face. I only hope that he informs Steph on the way over here. If I know her like I think I do, she'll at least want to stop for a bouquet of flowers. Though she may be convinced that she doesn't need to give Tia anything, I know she'll want the twins to give their grandmother something.

I arrive at Tia's house a little before 1500. My cousins are all here, except Carlos, that is. I see my mom helping Tia and Abuela in the kitchen with Celia, Rosa, Anita, and Mariela, bringing the food and drinks outside.

"Feliz cumpleaños, tía Juliana." I say while kissing her on her cheek.

"Lester, I'm so glad you are here. Now that you are working in Trenton, I hope that I'll see you more often. Is Carlos coming with my grandchildren?"

"I'm not sure, Tia. I know he was going to ask Stephanie if it was okay with her."

"Oh, I hope he brings them. I can't believe that I have a granddaughter and a grandson that are almost ten! When I think about how I might never have known about them."

"I know, we were just as surprised as you were."

"I'm glad that Stephanie had help and support. I don't know if I would have kept the children if I were in her shoes. There's a good chance I would have put them up for adoption," Tia states.

"They are great kids. I've been helping Alex with his karate. It's crazy, but Alex is so much like Carlos when we were kids. He's quiet and observant. However, Lucia, though, she's a spitfire. They compliment each other."

"Well, hopefully someday soon, I'll get to meet them."

I finish saying hello to the rest of the women before I head outside. I'm glad that I managed not to give away Carlos' surprise. I get a beer from the cooler while walking to Tio Ricardo and my father, who are manning the barbeque. "Hola. How are you doing?"

"We're good, son, and you?"

"I'm doing great."

"When are you going to bring a woman home? You know, you're not getting any younger. Your mother and I would like some grandchildren while we can still enjoy them."

"Geez, Papa, you already have grandchildren. Anna has given you three already."

"She might have, but we need someone to carry on the Santos name. Tio has two grandsons from Javier and one from Carlos."

"Yes, but Carlos' son isn't a Manoso."

"Yet, mi nieto. I'm sure that both my grandchildren will be Manosos sooner rather than later."

About ten minutes later, everyone is outside, talking to each other and eating. The various kids are running around, playing. Soon, though, all talking stops. When I glance towards the deck, I see Carlos, Stephanie, and the twins standing there. I was right, Stephanie is holding a bouquet of flowers for Tia, and each of the twins has something for their grandmother. I watch as Tia runs over to Carlos.

"Carlos, I'm so glad you are here. Please, introduce me."

"Mama, this is Stephanie and our children, Alejandro Miguel and Lucia Michelle."

"Mi hijos, this is your Abuela."

"Feliz cumpleaños, Abuela." The twins say in unison while handing her their gifts.

"Gracias, mi amor," Tia responds while wrapping them both in a tight embrace. Then, she turns to Stephanie. "Stephanie, thank you for sharing your children with us. I know that the last ten years could not have been easy for you, and I am thrilled that you are giving Carlos and my family a chance to know Alejandro and Lucia. I'm sorry that my son wasn't a better man and father. He knows better."

I see the tension leave Stephanie as she realizes that my family holds no ill-will towards her. "We were both young and stupid. Even though it wasn't easy, I would change anything that happened. Alex and Lucia are my world, and I'm glad that their father is finally in it. Happy Birthday, Mrs. Manoso."

"Nonsense, none of that Mrs. Manoso formality. Please, call me Juliana or Mama, if you wish. You are the mother to my grandchildren. There is no reason to be so formal with each other."

Carlos brings Stephanie around, introducing her to everyone. Soon, Carlos' sisters and my sister corner Stephanie. I watch as Javier's wife, Kaylee, joins them. I hope they aren't too hard on Stephanie; their inquisitions can be brutal.

Carlos is stuck standing here unable to help Stephanie with us men. "Was Stephanie mad when you dropped the bomb on her that today was Tia's birthday?"

"No, I told her the other day. She spent Friday night making photo books for Mama from the twins, documenting their first nine years."

"You know she's completely in the family, regardless of what happens between you."

"I know, tell me about it. I was a little scared that Mama was going to be angry with her or think poorly of her, but she doesn't."

"I think she sees what Bobby, Tank, and I see now."

"What's that?"

"Carlos, you love Stephanie. It's so plain to see that you love her. You are happier when you are around her, and you are grumpy when you know she's spending time with Woody."

Carlos sighs. "You're right. I do love her. I'm not sure where she stands. There are times when it seems as though Stephanie feels the same way I do, then the moment gets interrupted, and we're back to being friends. However, I'm not sure things are going so well for her and Woody."

"I think you are the reason. Look, Carlos, I'm not going to tell you to interfere or to do anything to sabotage their relationship, but I think that if you just show Stephanie who you are when you are together, she'll end up with you. There is still that spark between the two of you."

"I hope you're right."

Not even a moment later, Tia Juliana is standing next to me and Carlos.

"Mi hijo, what is going on with you and Stephanie?"

"Nothing, Mama. We're just friends."

"Just friends? I don't think so. Carlos, I'm thrilled that Stephanie is allowing you to be a father to your children, but why don't they have your name? Why doesn't she? I understand that you were both young, and that the circumstances were crazy, but you should be a family. Those kids need to grow up with a mother and a father who are living together as husband and wife. I mean, she's dating another man. What kind of example does that set for Lucia? You know that our family is far from traditional, but you need to do what is right."

"Mama, you need to stop. Stephanie spent ten years trying to find me. She never expected me to be her boss. She started to date Wo…John before we reconnected. He's a good man, Mama, one of my employees. If he and Stephanie were to marry, he'd be an excellent step-father. I know it's not ideal, but it is what it is. That woman married someone she didn't love to give our children a 'normal' family life. Her husband cheated on her from before they were married. When she found out and divorced him, he refused to have anything to do with the kids. She spent the next six years alone, raising Lucia and Alex. In fact, she and John only started dating about a month before I moved to Trenton. He is the first man that she dated since her divorce. She hasn't even introduced him to the children as her boyfriend. They know he's a colleague and friend, but nothing more. Most of the time, she meets him at whatever they are going for their date. He stayed with her at the hospital when Lucia was sick, Mama. Please don't push. I understand how you feel, but Stephanie is a good woman and mother."

Tia Juliana sighs, then touches Carlos on the face. "Mi hijo, you seem so much happier today than you've been these last ten years. I watch you tracking her movements. I see how you crave to be near her, to touch her. Don't try to deny it; I know my son well. I also see her seeking you out and finding a reason to be near you. Women don't let 'friends' guide them into a room. Women don't allow friends to brush their hair away from their face. Your interactions are more of two lovers than two friends. Carlos, don't screw this up with your bullshit. That woman needs someone to love her with their being. You already do. Show her. She's waiting for some sign that you are in it for the long haul. Sobrino, have you been telling tales of your cousin's conquests?"

"No, Tia, but I wouldn't put it past others to tell tales, even if not to her directly."

"I told you, Ricardo Carlos, that one day, your games would backfire. You have children together; that's already a big step. You have something tangible that connects you. Make the most of the time you have with her that is, if you want her."

"Si, Mama, I do. I've wanted her for years. Now she's so close, but yet so far."

"Nonsense. Your sisters haven't scared her away yet. That's a huge plus."

I see Stephanie approaching us, so I change the subject to safer topics. "Tia, what did Abuela Rosa make for dessert? Tre Leches or flan?"

"Once she found out Carlos was coming, she made flan."

"Damn it. Abuela always makes flan when you're around."

"Don't you know I'm her favorite?"

"Who's favorite?" Stephanie asks.

"My Abuela Rosa. Every time I come to a family function, she always makes flan. It's the only dessert I eat."

"I don't think I've ever had flan. Is it good?"

"Babe, it's to die for. It's smooth, creamy, and the caramel flavoring practically melts on your tongue."

"Mmm, it sounds yummy. Then again, I haven't met a dessert that I haven't liked yet."

"You eat sweets?"

"Yes, Juliana. In fact, dessert is the base of my food pyramid. If it wasn't for setting a good example for Lucia and Alex, I'd probably eat cake for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

"What's your favorite, mi hija?"

"My mother's pineapple upside down cake was my favorite, but I haven't had it in about ten years."

"Mom, Isabella was telling me about this custard dessert. I think she said it's called flame? She said it's the best dessert. Can I have some, please, Mommy?" Lucia asked.

"Since it's your father's favorite, I think we should both try it."

"You eat dessert?"

"Yes, Lucia, I do."

"I don't think Alex will eat it, though. He hates all dessert. Mom, why is he so weird?"

"He's not weird. Not everyone has a sweet tooth."

Lucia rolls her eyes before responding, "all normal people have a sweet tooth. You know that's true."

"Querida, how would you like to help me bring out the desserts? Then you can sample some flan sooner."

"That's sounds great, Abuela."

We watch as Lucia walks off with her grandmother. "How are you surviving the Manoso inquisition?"

"It's not as bad as I was expecting. Your sister is a lot of fun, Lester. We were thinking of getting together for lunch one day."

"Great. That's all I need."

"Carlos, your sisters are scary, but I like them. They promised to tell me some stories about you, something about them putting you in a dress and braiding your hair. They said they have photographs."

"Babe, please don't encourage them."

Ten minutes later, the dessert was out, and we all sang happy birthday to Tia Juliana. Stephanie, Carlos, and Lucia all ate flan with Steph and Lucia, proclaiming it their new favorite dessert. Alex took one look at it and walked in the opposite direction. He had fruit for his dessert, which made Carlos laugh. By the time Carlos, Stephanie, and the kids left, I knew that they were on their way to becoming more than just friends.