Chapter 48

Beyond doubt, life remained blissful as Luis and Sabrina's bond flourished. Speaking daily, they joked about the kiss that'd changed their lives. But in a general way, it's how Sabrina made him feel and the power she possessed. In effect, Luis had wealth, prestige, and influence, but not even that'd won her heart. Moreover, despite the mutual adoration, lingering feelings for Karen remained. Gazing at the clock, it neared 5 am on a surprisingly warm Saturday. And despite fatigue, the previous night's conversation with Sabrina had gone well.

As the matter stands, she'd confessed many feelings, though remained sheltered about others. It is therefore, his mind raced with ideas, from the probable to the absurd. From there, Luis overheard his parents rustling in the kitchen, so he finished dressing and headed downstairs. The night prior, he'd hinted a surprise to Sabrina, but with her consistent inquiries, he'd revealed nothing. Whatever the case, they wouldn't again speak until after a coming church service, so he'd labor to finalize his plans.

“You're up early.” Jim greeted, moving into the living room.

Upon entering the kitchen, Luis noticed Caroline staring with a questionable grin.

“I hope you slept.” she proclaimed.

“Not much.” he replied, pouring coffee. “Though, I hoped to chat with you and Dad for a spell.”

“Should I guess?” she asked, accompanying Luis into the living room.

In stages, Jim lifted from the paper and glared.

“I'm getting ganged up on, aren't I?”

There and then, Caroline placed a hand on Luis's shoulder.

“That's your cue.”

Steadily more, Luis displayed an anxious expression. (Another disposition he often showed when feeling nervous). Though, following the latest talk with Sabrina, everything had changed.

“I know that look.” Jim began, pitching forth.

Sitting, Caroline blushed.

“Sabrina?”

Just like that, his sultry grin confirmed what words couldn't. Then again, Jim knew him well, and despite a positive outlook, he remained reserved.

“Something's formulating in your mind, so let's hear it.” Jim declared.

It goes without saying, Luis relished the indulgence because Jim didn't entertain such talks often. Likewise, his father wasn't known to renegotiate, so he heeded the rare opportunity.

“I have to go to her.” Luis whispered, gazing.

Instantly, Jim glanced at Caroline, grasping the seriousness of the moment.

“Why?”

“I love her; isn't that enough?”

Sharply, his father scowled.

“She asked you to stay away.”

“Yes.”

Anxiously, Jim rose and roamed to the window.

“Are you going to defy her wishes?”

“I have too.”

“It's not wise.”

At once, Caroline stood and joined Jim.

“If he doesn't try, he'll regret it.”

Gradually, Jim nodded.

“I trust your judgment." he asserted, gazing upon Luis. "Albeit, if she rejects the sentiment, you must let go.”

“I know it'll work.” Luis insisted.

“I guess you have to do this?” Jim inquired, closing.

“I do.”

That said, Caroline received his hands.

“I remember how your father felt, so if Sabrina means that much, follow your heart.”

Smiling, Luis grinned.

“Thank you.”

Naturally enough, Jim groaned.

“You're not going alone.”

Surprised, Luis sneered.

“Are you sure?”

“Besides, it's time we had a holiday.” Jim added as Caroline nodded.

Initially, Luis felt overcome by the support and need to share the burden. But, it's what they'd done since the beginning, and he expected no less.

“I don't know what to say.” Luis remarked, embracing his mother.

Drawing close, Caroline snuggled.

“Go; make arrangements.”