Penelope nodded and Luke took out his phone and put on speaker.
"Hi mijo, how are you?"
"I'm doing great abuela."
"Hi Flor."
"Penelope mija, how are you?"
"At the moment superb because Luke is here with me."
"We wanted to tell you some news" Luke said
"You're getting married!" Flor said. Luke and Penelope were in shocked silence. They looked at each other, Luke was the first to respond.
"The news that we have is that we'll be going to New York for vacation. To visit you and go to comic convention."
"Oh well, that's nice too. I'm still not giving up hope." Flor said. That comment caused Luke and Penelope to laugh.
"When should I be expecting both of you?"
"Next month from the 5th till the 10th. We'll arrive early and our return flight will be in the late afternoon" Penelope said.
"We're thinking about doing a little sightseeing. Abuela do you think you could teach us how to cook one of the family recipes?"
"I'd be more than happy too, this way I make sure they get passed down".
"That's sweet. I hope if I ever have kids that I'll be able to do that. Teach them how to cook family recipes."
"Mija I believe that you will get that chance". Flor secretly wanted to have great grandbabies.
"I also believe that too chica." Since Luke started dating Penelope he knew he wanted everything with her. Marriage, kids a family home and a life together.
"So the plan is visit you, sight see and the comic convention" Penelope said.
"Sounds like a great time. Do you need me to pick you up from the airport?"
"We were just going to get a taxi, so there is no need to go out of your way Flor."
"No I insist. Where are you staying?"
"The Renaissance suites in upper Manhattan."
"I've seen that hotel, it's very nice."
"I got a great deal on it since there was a cancellation and they just wanted to fill it. If you're picking us up then we'll get to start spending time with you since we can't check in till the afternoon." Penelope said
"Perfect."
"So you're aware beforehand abuela we'll take a taxi from your place to the hotel. You don't need to go more out of your way."
"It really isn't mijo but alright. Which airport are flying into?"
"LaGuardia, our flight lands at 8:35am" Penelope said
"Good thing I'm an early riser".
"So is that a family thing?" Penelope asked as she looked at Luke.
"You could say that, sometimes it hard for me to sleep in. Plus Roxy sometimes doesn't let me".
"You'll have to learn how to enjoy that luxury once in a while."
"You're going to have to teach me."
"With pleasure!"
"Definitely mija" Flor said and Luke blushed.
"Well abuela we'll let you go. We can't wait to see you."
"I can't wait to see you too Garvez."
"What?!" Both Luke and Penelope replied
"All great couples blend their last names. It's what's in right now."
"So ours would be Garvez?"
"Yes mijo."
"I love it!" Penelope said as she leaned in to kiss Luke's cheek.
"Bye abuela."
"Bye Flor."
"Have a great rest of the night and I'll see you soon Garvez."
Luke and Penelope laughed then all three hung up.
"Your grandmother is fabulous, I always have fun talking with her."
"She really is great. After my mom passed away it was just my dad and me. She was there when my dad had to work and I needed to be taken care of."
"What happened to your mom?"
"When I was eight she had a heart attack and shortly after that went into cardiac arrest."
"Aww Luke." She hugged him and held him. He kissed her on the head.
"I always have my memories of her."
"I'm glad that you do."
"So my grandmother dubbed us Garvez." She laughed and he continued.
"There is something I want to tell you mi amor… I see myself making a life with you, having family and loving you each and every day of my life. I want that and don't ever doubt that I want you." Penelope looked up at him.
"For the first time in my life I want all of that but only with you my handsome knight." She cupped his cheek.
"Can you imagine a little Alvez, growing and playing with Roxy."
"You mean a little Garvez, a great grandbaby for Flor." Luke kissed her hoping that she could feel the promise of that life together.
"That's a future to look forward to. Speaking of Roxy I better go because I have to go take her out.
"Okay." They both got up from the couch and walked to the door. Luke opened it then turned to look at Penelope.
"Goodnight Pen, love you."
"Goodnight, te quiero." Luke was surprised.
"Wait a minute, say that again."
"Te quiero."
"How did you?"
"Flor has helped me thru our many conversations to learn how to speak Spanish."
"Wow that's awesome! I have to go." Luke kissed her
"Bye."
"Bye, sweet dreams Luke."
She closed the door and started to get ready for bed. Luke made his way to his place and let Roxy out. As each went through their routine they thought about each other.