"That's right, Julian. Apparently, your sudden infatuation has pleased your daughter... and your mother," my father replied.
Nothing more was needed. That tone, barely laced with irony, said it all. It was the same one he used whenever he thought I was acting impulsively.
I took a sip from my glass. The amber liquid went down my throat, but it did nothing to quell the heat that had settled beneath my skin.
"Dad, are you implying something?" I asked directly.
"No, son, not at all," he raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Actually, Zara seems like a very nice woman."
I smiled discreetly at his mention. I couldn't help it. It was a reflex, a small concession my pride hated to make.
"Yes, Dad, she is. I told you I'd found the right woman."
"Son, and when do you plan to get ma
