Page 102 of Worth the Fall

"She’s perfect," I say, my voice catching slightly.

He nods. "Yeah, she is."

The night of the rehearsal dinner, the restaurant is buzzing with energy as both of our families gather in one place for the first time. My brothers, Nate and Josh, are already causing trouble, hovering near Miguel with overly serious expressions.

"So, you’re the guy marrying our sister," Nate says, crossing his arms.

Miguel shifts slightly, glancing at me for help, but I’m across the room talking to my mom.

"That’s me," Miguel says, trying to sound confident.

Josh leans in, narrowing his eyes. "You know, we’re pretty protective of Mia. We don’t just let anyone into the family."

"Right," Nate adds. "And we’ve got rules."

"Rules?" Miguel repeats, looking increasingly panicked.

Before they can go any further, I rush over, sliding between them and taking Miguel’s arm. "Okay, that’s enough," I say, glaring at my brothers. "You two are not scaring my fiancé."

Nate and Josh burst out laughing, clapping Miguel on the back. "Relax," Nate says. "We’re just messing with you."

"You’re lucky I love you," I mutter, but I can’t help laughing as Miguel lets out a relieved sigh.

The rest of the night is filled with laughter, toasts, and stories from both sides of the family. By the end of the evening, my cheeks hurt from smiling, and I can see the same warmth reflected in Miguel’s eyes.

Later, back at the apartment, I sit on the edge of Felicity’s bed, tucking her in.

"Tomorrow’s the big day," I say softly, brushing a curl from her face.

"I know," she whispers, her eyes shining. "Are you excited?"

I nod, my throat tightening again. "More than anything."

She reaches up to take my hand, her little fingers curling around mine. "I’m happy you’re marrying Daddy. Now we’ll all be together forever."

Tears sting my eyes, and I lean down to kiss her forehead. "Me too, sweetheart. Me too."

As I turn off the light and head to my room, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed—not by stress, but by love. Tomorrow, everything changes.

And I’ve never been more ready.

CHAPTER 22

Miguel

The first thing I feel when I wake up is Mia curled against me, her breath warm and steady against my chest. The second thing I feel is the weight of the day ahead—a mix of excitement, nerves, and disbelief that this is really happening. Today, she becomes my wife.

I’m content to lie here for a few more minutes, soaking in the quiet, when the door bursts open with the kind of force only a five-year-old can muster.

"Daddy! Mia!"

Felicity’s voice is like a cannonball of joy, and before I can even sit up, she’s climbing onto the bed. Her flower girl dress is already on—wrinkled from being crammed into her toy chest overnight, no doubt—and her hair is still a wild halo of curls.

"You’re up early," I say, laughing as she bounces on the mattress.

"It’s wedding day!" she exclaims, throwing her hands in the air like it’s Christmas morning. "I’m ready to be the flower princess!"

Mia stirs beside me, her sleepy groan turning into a laugh as Felicity throws herself between us, snuggling under the covers."Flower princess, huh?" Mia says, her voice still husky with sleep.

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