Dolores and Isabela had left the bridal store. Isabela had also helped Dolores pick out some lingerie for the wedding night. They also picked up some pajamas for the morning of the wedding. Dolores got a white set, and Isabela got a rose gold one. They matched the color both of them were wearing to the wedding.
Dolores had been on edge for the entire appointment. She was used to men staring when she was with Isabela. She was okay with that since all the admires were for Isabela. Isabela never seemed to get uncomfortable as long as they just looked. Now that she was out of her engagement, she was free to play the field and find someone she loved. However, Dolores knew this whistle was for her. She had heard Mariano's reaction after. He seemed to handle the situation, so that brought her some ease.
"You want white roses for your bouquet, right?" Isabela asked. "I've been so busy with the decorations, I've barely had time to work on those."
"That is correct," Dolores confirmed. "But I want to talk to you about something. I appreciate you putting yourself into helping with the wedding planning. However, you're also my maid of honor. I want you to be able to enjoy the wedding. Why don't you let Maria handle the bouquets?"
"I just want your wedding to be perfect," Isabela sighed.
"I'm going to marry the man of my dreams," Dolores stated. "I'm going to marry him with my best friend by my side. I don't see how things can get more perfect."
"If that's what you want, okay," Isabela said. "You heading back to the Casita?"
"Not yet," Dolores said. "I have some of Tia Julieta's arepas. They were leftovers from lunch. He's been working all day. I'm going to surprise him with dinner. I'll catch up in a little bit."
"Okay," Isabela said. She walked in the direction of the casita. Dolores walked in the direction of her fiance's work. Suddenly, an arm wrapped around her elbow. She was slammed into the side of a building. A man she didn't recognize was the one responsible.
"Where are you going, sweetheart?" he asked.
"Going to get my fiance," Dolores retorted. "I'd gladly show him to you. He's been working with a hammer all day. I'm sure he'd be happy to show you how it works."
"No need for that, bebé," the man whispered. He leaned into her neck. He began to bite down and kiss her neck. Dolores screamed, sending her knee straight for his crotch. He bent over. He held where he had been hit, moaning in pain. Dolores ran off.
Dolores kept running until she ran into a chest. The chest belonged to Mariano. "What's wrong, mi Mujer novia?" Mariano whispered. Dolores couldn't say anything. She just cried into her fiance's chest. Mariano wrapped his arms around the woman he adored. It was rare for her to have such an outburst. The questions flooding his mind could wait for later.
Once she calmed down, she told Mariano and her family what happened. Abuela sent out a search group for the man Dolores's described. For the rest of the week, they didn't find anything. Mariano didn't leave Dolores's side for the rest of the week.
Mariano even stayed with her at night. It took some convincing to let him stay. Abuela eventually agreed, wishing to protect her granddaughter. They didn't take advantage of the situation. They both wanted to save their virginities for the night they became man and wife. Instead, the nights were spent with Mariano curled around Dolores. His arms were wrapped around his fiance. Dolores also held him close.
The only night Dolores would be alone was the night before they'd wed. However, Isabela would be staying with her that night. No one would try anything with her there, right?
