Jason Weiser

You're still young.

Yes, you think you love that attractive young man who would do anything for you, but who knows?

The rich, well-connected, noble guy in his 60s who's looking for his third wife might spark even deeper feelings.

The dad grimaced.

Doña fumed and left the room before she made it even worse.

Okay, good talk.

We'll table this.

Put a pin in this marriage business.

But they were glad they could all agree that whatever rich, well-connected noble she wedded, it wouldn't be Don Pedro because he wasn't rich or well-connected.

The father called out after her.

The mother rolled her eyes when she heard the door slam.

That went great.

Just fantastic job.

Tanya didn't leave her room the rest of the day, skipping dinner and waiting until the sunset.

Every night, Pedro came to her window after her parents were asleep, and he would sing for her.

It started a few months back.

One night, her childhood friend just started singing, putting words to what had gone unspoken for so long.

Alongside the spring chirping of the birds, on that cool night, he confessed everything he felt.

And, as she laid in bed, her heart quickening, she knew she felt the same way.

She had come to the window as he waited there, looking up, as if his whole life, his whole being, hinged on how she responded.