Page 103 of Worth the Fall

"Yup!" Felicity beams, clutching her stuffed bunny in one hand. "And you’re going to be a queen, Mia! A wedding queen!"

"Well, that sounds like a promotion," Mia says, smiling as she wraps an arm around Felicity.

I reach over, brushing a curl out of Felicity’s face. "You look beautiful, baby girl, but we’re going to have to steam that dress again."

Felicity looks down at the crumpled fabric with a frown, then back up at me with wide eyes. "But it’s still princess-y, right?"

"Very princess-y," I assure her, ruffling her hair.

Mia laughs, running her fingers over Felicity’s dress. "It’s nothing we can’t fix. But first, how about we cuddle for a little while longer?"

Felicity doesn’t need to be asked twice. She burrows under the blanket, squeezing herself between us like it’s her rightful place, and for a few precious moments, the three of us just lie there, wrapped up in each other.

"I love you both," Mia whispers, her hand finding mine beneath the blanket.

"Love you too, Mommy Mia," Felicity says, her voice muffled against the pillow.

The words hit me square in the chest, and I can’t help but smile. "Love you more," I say, leaning over to kiss Mia’s temple and then Felicity’s forehead.

Felicity giggles. "Okay, but now we really have to fix my dress! I can’t be a crumpled princess!"

Mia and I burst out laughing, and just like that, the day begins.

The morning hums with energy, and the apartment feels alive in a way that only happens on days like this. Felicity sits on a kitchen stool, her legs swinging back and forth as Celine,her mom, carefully arranges the last of her curls. The soft light streaming in through the windows catches the glittery accents on her flower girl dress, making her look even more princess-like than usual.

"Hold still, sweetheart," Celine says gently, her hands steady as she secures a small white bow in Felicity’s hair.

"I’m trying," Felicity says, giggling as her legs continue to swing. "But it’s hard to be still when I’m this excited!"

Celine laughs, a soft, melodic sound that makes Felicity smile even wider. "I know, but if you keep wiggling, your bow’s going to end up sideways."

Felicity gasps, immediately freezing. "Okay. I’m still. See? Like a statue."

Celine kisses the top of her head. "You’re perfect."

"Are you going to cry again?" Felicity asks, peering up at her with wide eyes. "You cried when I tried on my dress the first time."

Celine chuckles, dabbing at her eyes with her free hand. "I might. But only because I’m so proud of you."

Felicity beams, reaching out to take her hand. "I like it when you’re proud of me."

"Oh, sweetheart," Celine says, squeezing her hand. "I’m always proud of you."

Across the room, Mia sits at the kitchen table with my mom, both of them cradling mugs of coffee as they talk and laugh like old friends. The sight of them together, so at ease, makes my chest tighten in the best way.

"So let me get this straight," Mia says, grinning. "He fell out of the tree, broke his arm, and the first thing he said was, ‘Don’t tell Mom.’"

"Exactly," my mom replies, shaking her head. "As if I wouldn’t notice my son walking around with his arm in a sling."

"Classic Miguel," Mia says, shooting me a teasing look.

I hold up my hands in defense. "I was ten! My priorities weren’t exactly in order."

My mom chuckles, her eyes twinkling. "That’s putting it mildly. He was always getting into trouble, always testing limits. But he had the biggest heart."

Mia’s smile softens as she looks at me. "He still does."

My mom reaches across the table to pat Mia’s hand. "And you see that. That’s why I’m so glad he found you."

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