She stood back and looked at him from top to bottom. Her face glowed with pride. “Bello, mijo. I have waited for this day for many years. You have done many things in your life. You have achieved success and riches. You have found not one but two people who love you and to share your life with. It gives me great pleasure to know that you have found happiness.” She embraced him in a hug. “O te quiero mucho.”
It was one of the few times he heard her voice waiver. Angel swore he wasn’t going to cry today, but his mother’s gracious words brought his emotions to the surface, and he fought to keep that promise. He wiped the corner of his eye. “I love you too, Mamá.”
When they broke their embrace, Tommy was standing next to them. “You look beautiful, Angelita.” He kissed her cheek, and she smiled at him warmly.
“Gracias, mijo. You are very kindhearted.” She smoothed down the length of Tommy’s hair. “Always so handsome.”
“Mrs. G!” Jimmy flashed her an enigmatic smile as he approached them and gave her a quick hug.
“Ah, the newly-married man. You look very happy. Where is that adorable son of yours?”
“He’s right—–” Jimmy looked around the room for Mason. “Where’d that kid run off to now? He was right here a minute ago. Mason?”
Her hand went to her cheek, and a musical laugh flowed from her mouth. “Dios mio! Look at his hair!”
Mason was standing in front of the bathroom door holding Damien’s hand. His hair was slicked down on the sides with the center spiked up into a mohawk just like Damien’s, except Mason’s wasn’t blue.
“Oh, man. What did you do to the kid’s hair?” Jimmy knelt beside his son and inspected the new do.
“Sorry, dude. Hope it’s okay. The kid begged me, and you know I can’t say no to him.”
“Damien.” Angel’s mom went to him and patted his cheek with affection. “How are you, mijo? You look very elegant today for my son’s wedding.”
“Thanks, but these clothes don’t really fit my image.”
“What image? You are a sweet man. Look how this little one looks up to you.” She smiled down at Mason, then leaned over and squeezed his cheeks between her thumb and forefinger. “You are such a cute boy. I have a little present for you after the ceremony.”
“You spoil him, Mrs. G.” Jimmy flashed her another brilliant smile.
“A little remote control airplane won’t spoil the child. Today will be filled with adults. He needs something to keep him busy.” She winked at Mason.
Mason promptly responded by bouncing on the balls of his feet, excited about the new toy. “Thanks, Mrs. G!”
A soft laugh escaped Angel’s lips. That little boy was so precious.
“I must leave now and check on the girls. I can only imagine how beautiful Jessi will be in her wedding-day gown.” Angel’s mom turned to him with a sentimental hue in her eyes. “I have a little gift for Jessi, also. It is your abuela’s ring.”
Angel’s hand went to his chest, stunned at the gift, but his grandmother’s ring should rightfully go to his sister, and he didn’t want any animosity. “Shouldn’t Abuela’s ring go to Maria?”
“Her wedding rings, yes. I am giving Jessi her jade ring.”
“Angelita . . .” Tommy was floored at the gift. He had heard Angel’s family refer to the jade ring in the past as some kind of sentimental family heirloom. “That’s beyond generous. Jessi will love it. Thank you.”
She smiled at Tommy and patted his chest. “You are welcome. My husband has something for you as well.”
“Where is Papá?” Angel asked.
“Where is he always?” His mother waved her hand. “The kitchen. Always in the kitchen.”
“I hope he’s not cooking. He’s a guest today. The staff at the restaurant was supposed to cater everything.”
“Yes, but when does your father not oversee every last detail? Every morsel needs to be perfect.” She gave Angel and Tommy a kiss on the cheek. “I will see you at the ceremony.” She stared at Angel with a soft smile, and a watery sheen slowly covered her eyes. “Mijo,” she whispered. “You have made me a very proud mother. You have brought nothing but happiness to my life. I could not have asked for a better son.”
It was as if her hand reached inside Angel’s chest and squeezed it, for the second time today. She had always stood by him, proudly. She had always supported him, whether or not she agreed with his choices. She was the matriarch of their family. Elegant and beautiful. Oh, God. The tears were back and emotion stole his voice. “Mamá . . .”