Broken Together (15 page)

“
Obrigada
,”
I repeated when she offered me a bowl.

“
Você
é bem-vindo.
” She adjusted her tray and handed a bowl to the officer
sitting next to me.

The
cinnamon laced pudding was surprisingly good. “Are we staying for the midnight
mass?”

 “You
might enjoy the service here more than the one at the Igreja de Sta Maria,”
Rafael said, his head crooked thoughtfully.

I
nodded my agreement.

“Will
you be staying for the
Missa do Galo?”
Benjamim inquired from across the
table.

“Yes,”
Rafael and I replied as one.

Benjamim
laughed.

Rafael
and the other officers sliced the
Bolo Rei
. Eva, Benjamim, and I helped distribute
the cake. Excited squeals and audible groans sounded when the children cut into
their cake. A few of the children held tiny objects in the air for all to see.

“The
Bolo Rei
holds two objects,” Rafael explained, “a large bean and a small
gift. The person whose slice includes the gift gets to keep the gift. The
person whose slice includes the bean is supposed to purchase the
Bolo Rei
next Christmas.”

“No
way!” I exclaimed. “That sounds just like the King Cakes we serve for Mardi
Gras in the United States, only the King Cake contains a plastic baby that is
meant to signify the baby Jesus. The person who finds the baby Jesus is
considered lucky, but he also has to buy the cake the following year.”

Rafael
smiled. “Maybe our traditions aren’t so different after all.”

We
returned to our table once the children and staff were served. I was anxious to
try the
Bolo Rei
. “
Obrigada
,” I purred when a staff member delivered
coffee.

Senhora
Medeiros educated us about their program while the children prepared for
church. We toured the campus while we waited for the service to begin.

We
joined the children in the sanctuary shortly before midnight. There were no
frescoes or stained glass windows adorning this building. Stone walls, arched
windows, wooden pews, and kneelers defined this church. A large crucifix hung at
the front of the church. Hundreds of votive candles were lit along the altar,
at the base of the statues of the Virgin Mary and the saints, and upon the
window sills. The candles bathed the dark, cavernous sanctuary in a soft, warm
light. Heated wax and frankincense scented the musky air.

Rafael
translated the sermon as best he could without appearing rude. For the most
part, the service was structured the same as the Christmas Eve masses I’d
attended in the United States, but that changed after communion.

After
communion, the priest lifted a swaddled doll from the manger that had been
sitting in front of the altar. Everyone lined up to kiss the doll. I didn’t
want to kiss the doll, but I relented because I didn’t want to offend anyone.
While they sang worship songs, I calculated how many of us would end up with
the flu. With hundreds of people sharing the same wine goblet and kissing the
same doll smack dab in the middle of cold and flu season, it was bound to
happen.

The
service was fascinating. I truly enjoyed praying while kneeling; it helped me
stay focused. The music was nice, even if I couldn’t sing along, and I loved
the benediction at the end; but that wasn’t the best part. The best part was
celebrating Christmas with all those children. That was truly awesome.

Senhora
Medeiros invited us to see the children open their gifts. Miraculously, the
swaddled doll beat us to the recreation room. He was, in fact, the baby Jesus
who had been missing from the nativity set. Rafael explained that the children
in Portugal do not receive their gifts until baby Jesus appears in the manger.
No one knows how he gets from the churches where the masses are held into the
homes where the children live. I liked the fact that their Christmas gifts were
tied directly to Jesus.

I
curled up next to Rafael. We were sitting on the floor since there weren’t a
lot of chairs to be had. There wasn’t a dry eye to be counted among the
grownups when the children opened their gifts. They couldn’t comprehend owning
their own books. They tried giving the books to the staff, assuming they were
for the library. While they were encouraged to share, they were also encouraged
to record their names inside the books. Only then would they trust the books
truly belong to them. I’d never seen a child prize a book so much.

We
laughed when they opened the board games. They were beyond ecstatic. The
younger children shoved their games toward the older kids, demanding to be
taught how to play. The older kids turned to the adults for help. Before long,
we were all sprawled out on the floor playing board games.

We
didn’t leave until three o’clock in the morning. I hugged Rafael long and hard
when we got to his car. “That was, hands down, the best Christmas I’ve ever
had.”

“Me
too,” he whispered.

“Our
first Christmas together,” I noted with some surprise.

“Our
first Christmas,” he marveled. “
Feliz Natal
.”

*
* * * *

“What’s
this?” Rafael asked.

“A
present.” I’d woken up early so I could make him breakfast in bed. Only he
wasn’t in bed. He was standing in front of the breakfast bar eying the gift
sitting on the breakfast tray next to his eggs.

“But
you said you didn’t want to exchange gifts.” He plucked the coffee cup off the
tray.

My
hands fisted on my hips. “Would you get back in bed? I didn’t wake up early so
you could eat in the kitchen.”

He
hid a smile behind his coffee cup before sauntering into the bedroom.

I
followed with the tray. “You gave me your mother’s pearls, and you purchased
books for more than four thousand children at my request. I think I’m entitled
to buy you a gift.”

He
set his coffee cup on the nightstand before climbing back into bed. “Can I open
it now?”

I
set the tray on his lap, retrieved my tray, and climbed in next to him. “Sure,
why not?”

Rafael
ripped the green and silver foil from the box. His eyes widened when he lifted
the lid.

I
pulled the gray leather bracelet from the box. “I know you don’t typically wear
jewelry, but I thought this was masculine and casual enough that you might like
it.” I showed him the inscription on the back of the silver medallion.

He
smiled. “Mine.”

I
wrapped the leather strap around his wrist three times before cinching the
clasp. “You’re always telling me I’m yours. I thought it was about time you
heard you were mine.”

“It’s
perfect. Thank you.” He dropped a quick kiss on my lips before opening the
nightstand. “I have a gift for you.”

“So
much for not exchanging gifts,” I laughed.

“Merry
Christmas, love.” He handed me a small wooden box.

I
opened the lid. “A Viana’s heart necklace.” I’d been admiring the filigree heart
necklaces at the open market.

His
lips sought mine in a kiss so tender it brought tears to my eyes. “So you’ll
remember you hold my heart.”

I
fought to keep my emotions in check. “When are we heading back?”

He
cut into the French toast. “The day after tomorrow. I need to go over a few
things with Ethan since he’ll be managing the security firm while I’m away.”

I
took a deep, steadying breath. We’d been in Portugal for nine days. Still, it
wasn’t enough. “What do you want to do on our last day?”

He
licked maple syrup from his fingers. “I was debating between the City of Tomar
and Cascais.”

I
peeked at him from over the top of my coffee. “A relaxing day at the beach
sounds nice.”

Rafael
nodded. “Cascais it is then. Is there anything special you’d like to do today?”

I
shrugged. “Not really.”

He
set our trays aside. “I want to make a baby.”

“Oh,
I’d like a baby,” I admitted playfully.

“Then
let’s make one,” Rafael suggested huskily.

I
buried my hands in his hair and pulled his lips toward mine.

*
* * * *

Rafael
and I spent our final day in Portugal on a sandy beach in Cascais, savoring a
thermos of Portuguese coffee and a bag full of decadent pastries under a
brilliant blue sky. The weather was cool, so there were very few people on the
beach. We were wearing sweaters and blue jeans. Still, we kicked our boots off
so we could dig our toes into the sand. The sunshine, the salty sea air, and
the sound of gently lapping waves helped loosen the vise on my heart.

The
clock was ticking. Loudly. We were flying back home tomorrow. We’d have six
days together in Virginia before being parted for five months.
Five months
.
Half a year suddenly felt like an eternity. I hated the thought of being
separated from Rafael. I wanted to stay in Lisbon with him, but I’d soaked so
much time and money into my degree, I couldn’t bear to throw it all away.

My
graduate program wasn’t the only commitment forcing my hand. Oni was moving to
Virginia in fifteen days. I helped her get admitted to the Institute for
Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Oni would be safer in the United States, but
she didn’t have a support system in Virginia. I wanted to help her through that
transition, see her settled into her new life.

I
rested my head on Rafael’s shoulder with a dejected sigh. His responsibilities
were even more daunting than mine. Destroying an international pedophile ring,
especially one that involved influential individuals, was no small undertaking.
Rafael was personally vested in the case. I doubted he’d ever forgive himself
for allowing that child to be violated while he stood guard over the
perpetrator, even though he’d done so unknowingly. Still, if he could ensure
that every last monster in that pedophile ring was taken off the streets, he might
find peace.

“How
are you holding up?” Rafael asked. He’d been quiet while grappling with his own
thoughts.

“I
miss you already,” I admitted tearfully.

He
pulled me close. “Me too.”

The
waves lulled us back into a tumultuous silence. We gathered our strength while
seeking refuge from the impending storm.

I
turned a slow circle in the mirror while admiring the sumptuous gown. Large
chunks of jeweled confetti trickled down the nearly transparent bodice and a
single sleeve. The heavily jeweled bodice was slanted, so my left arm was bare.
Liquid gold poured from my hips all the way down to my toes. A deep slit along
the side revealed strappy gold sandals and artfully painted toes in black and
metallic gold. My hands shook as I smoothed the gown over my hips.

I
sank onto the edge of the bed. That image of a daring, confident woman couldn’t
have felt more wrong. Beneath the perfect hair, the glittering nails, and dress;
I was a mess. I didn’t feel like celebrating, not with Rafael leaving in three
days. I was also worried about Kadyn. He was invited because he remained one of
my most cherished friends. I was shocked he was actually attending the party. I
still loved him, and I couldn’t bear to see him hurt. Still, Rafael deserved a
fiancé who celebrated the fact she was marrying him. I hadn’t a clue how to
soothe both their egos, how to honor one without hurting the other. With a
deep, shuddering breath, I grabbed the faux fur wrap and walked downstairs.

I’d
banished Rafael from the bedroom so he wouldn’t see the dress before I was ready.
I discovered him standing inside the kitchen with a San Pellegrino in his hand.
I froze just inside the entrance. I couldn’t grasp how he managed to look so
refined with all that raw power rolling off his lethal frame.

Rafael’s
eyes widened. He muttered something in Portuguese… a benediction, a few choice curse
words, or something in between. In three long strides, he stood before me. He
caressed my arm while studying the bodice. “Those jewels best cover all the
important parts.”

“They
do.” A chill ran down my spine.

He
stepped a little closer. His hand slid beneath the slit in the dress. His
fingers skimmed my hip before curling around the gold lace thong.

“We’ll
be late,” I objected. This was the PSP charity ball all over again.

His
lips grazed my shoulder. “Perhaps we should stay home.”

My
eyes slid closed. “We should be there to greet everyone.”

“I’ll
take a rain check,” he grudgingly conceded, “but consider yourself warned. I’ll
be collecting within the hour.” He linked his fingers in mine before tugging me
out the door. We were walking since the pier was less than two blocks away from
the house.

Rafael
spoke with a crew member before we boarded the yacht. The captain greeted us
when we stepped onto the deck. “Welcome aboard.”

Ethan
and his wife, Dakota, joined us a few minutes later.

Rafael
shook Ethan’s hand. “You clean up nice, my friend.”

“Yeah,
right.” Ethan tugged at his collar. I suspected his wasn’t the only bow tie
that would be tossed aside before the end of the night.

“You
look gorgeous.” I hugged Dakota carefully so the jewels on my dress wouldn’t
snag her silky taupe gown. Dakota’s pale blond hair was pulled back into an
elegant twist that mimicked the ruched design of her dress.

“Congratulations
on your engagement,” Dakota gushed.

Rafael
kissed her cheek when Ethan pulled me in for a hug.

We
gave them a quick tour of the saloon before returning to the deck. Brady and
Chance were boarding the yacht with their dates. Brady shook Rafael’s hand. He
gave me a hug while introducing his date. “Heidi, these are my friends, Rafael
and Kristine. Heidi has graciously agreed to be my date this evening.”

Rafael
and I shook Heidi’s hand. She was wearing a crushed velvet gown in midnight
blue that looked gorgeous against her porcelain skin. Her dark blond hair was
piled on top of her head in a messy but sexy upsweep. She looked flushed, and her
blue eyes sparkled, which left me questioning what she and Brady had been up to
before boarding the yacht.

Chance
planted a quick kiss on my cheek. He shook Rafael’s hand before introducing his
date. “Jessica, I’d like you to meet my friends, Rafael and Kristine.”

She
smiled. “Congratulations. I understand you two were recently engaged.”

Rafael
drew me closer. “Yes. Thank you for celebrating with us.”

“Jessica
looks an awful lot like Shae,” I noted when they walked away. Both women had
warm skin tones that made it difficult to pinpoint their ethnicity. They were
both petite but curvy enough to cause men whiplash. Their hair tumbled down
their backs in soft brown, auburn, and gold waves. The most noticeable
difference appeared to be in their eyes. Shae had warm brown eyes and an even
warmer personality. Jessica’s eyes were an impossible shade of green. The color
was so improbable I suspected she was wearing tinted contacts. Still, her eyes
were captivating, especially when paired with that emerald green dress.

“I
don’t think Chance has gotten over Shae.” Rafael stepped in front of me. He bent
to kiss me but paused millimeters away when his eyes snagged on something.
“Your colleagues have arrived.”

I
grasped his face with both hands. “Don’t you dare renege on that kiss.”

A
smile tugged at his lips. Slowly, he fit his lips to mine. He took his time relishing
the kiss until my toes curled against the deck.

I
stared at him, speechless.

“Your
friends…” He nodded toward Sammi and Cory.

Sammi’s
silver sequined gown glittered in the moonlight. The silver vest and necktie Cory
was wearing complemented her gown and his dark skin tone perfectly.

Sammi
stepped forward to give me a hug. “Congratulations, Kri.” She grasped my hand.
“Wow. What a beautiful ring!”

“Thanks.”
My pulse fluttered. I loved the sense of belonging that fell over me every time
I caught sight of that ring.

Cory
pulled me in for a hug. “You’re literally glowing, Kri.” He shook Rafael’s
hand. “Congratulations. Truly, we couldn’t be happier for you.”

Cenia,
Roger, Phil, and Marie arrived together. Cenia was wearing a red satin gown
that looked striking with her long dark hair. Marie was wearing a black lace
evening gown that offered tiny glimpses of skin along her shoulders, waist, and
hips. Her light brown hair was pulled into an elegant upsweep that showcased
her long, delicate neck. Phil and Roger looked surprisingly comfortable in
their tuxes. We spent a few minutes exchanging hugs.

Shae
arrived on Konstantin’s arm. She was wearing a silk champagne gown that draped
around her shoulders before plunging dangerously low across her back. Konstantin
looked handsome in his tux.

Jase
stepped onto the yacht with his date, Emma. Silver sequins and crystal clear jewels
formed the straps, cinched the waist, and glittered along the back of her stark
white dress. She looked angelic in the white evening gown, especially when
standing next to Jase. His daunting frame was in no way tempered by the tux.
With his short cropped hair and piercing blue eyes, the man still screamed
special ops.

Kadyn
was the last to arrive. His RSVP had indicated a “plus one,” so I knew he was
bringing a date. Still, my breath caught when I saw the woman on his arm. Rafael
watched me while I observed them.

Kadyn’s
date was wearing a deep merlot gown. In all reality, she was the polar opposite
of me. My skin was pale. Hers was dark. My eyes were blue. Hers were chocolate
brown. Light blond hair tumbled down my back in waves. Her straight brown hair
was cut in a stylish A-line that fell just below her chin. I forced myself to
ignore the ache in my chest, my roiling stomach, and all of the objections bubbling
up inside of me so I could welcome them to the party.

Rafael
squeezed my hand encouragingly. “You got this.” He kissed me just above my temple.

I
nodded, took a deep breath, and slowly blew it out. Kadyn’s eyes grudgingly met
mine. I was fumbling with a greeting when Rafael shook his hand. “Thanks for
coming, Kadyn.”

I
didn’t want to make Kadyn uncomfortable by hugging him in front of his date. He
pulled me in for a hug anyway. “Welcome back, Kri. How was Portugal?”

I
smiled gratefully. “Portugal was beautiful, especially Sintra. I could have
spent months exploring those palaces.”

Kadyn
reached for his date. “Brianna, this is Rafael and Kristine, the friends I was
telling you about.”

I
shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Brianna.”

“How
do you know Kadyn?” Rafael asked, grasping her hand.

“We’re
collaborating on a project for CBP. Kadyn’s overseeing the project and managing
the purse strings.” She nudged his shoulder with hers. “This man has made my
life difficult the past few months. I think he’s trying to make amends by
inviting me to your party.”

Kadyn
chuckled. “You’re a contractor. I’m supposed to make your life difficult.”

The
captain cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Mr. Garcia, Ms. Stone. Are
you expecting anymore guests?”

Rafael
tucked me under his arm. “No. Everyone is here.”

The
captain nodded toward a couple of crew members who were eying us expectantly. They
began casting off the lines. “Please, make yourselves comfortable. We’ll be
departing shortly.” He spoke to one of the crew members before returning to the
bridge.

“Shall
we?” Rafael ushered us inside the saloon. We joined Konstantin and Shae at the
bar. “Brianna, what would you like to drink?”

“Pinot
Grigio, please.” She studied the saloon with her hand tucked inside the crook
of Kadyn’s arm. The room was richly appointed with glossy mahogany paneling,
tables, and chairs. Ivory and gold upholstery softened the chairs. The lights
had been turned down low. Candles cast a romantic glow around all five tables.

The
band was singing a lively rendition of Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” near
the dance floor. The bar, where we were standing, was tucked in a corner
against the back wall. A chocolate fountain was churning above an impressive
display of strawberries, shortbread cookies, homemade marshmallows, and pretzel
rods dipped in caramel in the opposite corner.

The
saloon had a long bank of windows on all four sides, so we could see the
monuments and the fireworks igniting against the night sky when the clock
struck midnight. Still, I suspected we’d wander outside to watch the display.

Rafael
glanced at Kadyn. “The usual?”

Kadyn
nodded. He waved at Cenia and Roger.

“Chianti?”
Rafael asked, smiling at me.

“Yes,
please.” I kissed his cheek. “Brianna, I’d like you to meet our friends, Konstantin
and Shae.”

She
shook their hands. “Pleased to meet you.”

Kadyn
hugged Shae. “How was your Christmas? Are you enjoying the time off?”

She
smiled. “Christmas was nice. Konstantin purchased a condo in Arlington, so
we’ve been shopping for furniture and getting him settled into his new place.”

Kadyn
grasped Konstantin’s hand. “How are things at the embassy?”

“A
bit too civilized for my blood,” he admitted with a wry smile.

Shae
laughed. “You’ve only been working there for a couple of weeks. Give it time.”

His
eyes narrowed on my ring. “Does Maxim know that you’ve agreed to marry Rafael?”

Kadyn
stilled. His gaze grew intense as he awaited my response.

I
averted my eyes. “Maxim will be arriving with Oni on the tenth. I plan to
inform him then.” My heart stalled when an ominous growl rolled through Konstantin’s
chest. I backed into Rafael.

Konstantin
glared at Chance.

He’d
been admiring Shae from a few feet away. Chance’s gaze turned scathingly as his
eyes slid toward Konstantin.

Konstantin
tensed.

Kadyn
edged between the two men.

Rafael
handed Brianna their drinks. “Excuse me.” He spoke discreetly with Chance.

Chance
tensed, but he steered Jessica toward the table where Jase was sitting with his
date.

Konstantin
and Shae joined Sammi and Cory at a table on the opposite side of the room.
Kadyn introduced Brianna to Cenia and Roger when Rafael returned.

“Crisis
averted.” Rafael retrieved our drinks from the bar and escorted me to our
table. He draped my wrap on one of the chairs before leading me onto the dance
floor. He waited for the song to end before retrieving the microphone from the
band.

The
room quieted.

Kadyn
and Brianna settled in at our table.

Rafael
pulled me close. “I’d like to thank everyone for coming. We’re pleased to be
celebrating our engagement and ringing in the New Year with friends both old
and new. The staff will be serving dinner shortly. Please enjoy the music, the
dance floor, and the bar. There will be a champagne toast at midnight. Until
then, I’d like to offer a toast to my future bride.” He gazed down at me.

My
cheeks heated.

Rafael’s
eyes softened. “Every single one of you has come into my life because of her…”