Page 75 of Worth the Fall

"Mommy, Daddy’s always mushy with Miss Mia," Felicity chimes in without looking up from her masterpiece.

I glance at Mia, and we both burst out laughing.

Once the pizzas are topped—Felicity’s looking more like a pepperoni explosion than anything else—we slide them into the oven and get started on cleaning up. But somehow, "cleaning up" turns into a flour fight when Felicity, giggling uncontrollably, smacks a handful of flour onto my shoulder.

"Oh, you’re in trouble now," I say, grabbing a pinch of flour and tossing it lightly toward her.

Felicity shrieks with laughter and runs behind Celine for cover. "Save me, Mommy!"

Celine shakes her head, laughing. "I don’t think so. You’re on your own."

Mia joins in, flicking a bit of flour at me before attempting to duck behind the counter. "Traitor," I say, lunging after her.

By the time the pizzas are ready, we’re all a mess—flour streaked across our clothes and faces, but no one cares. We sit around the table eating, Felicity chattering happily about her day and how Princess Waddles would probably love pizza if penguins could eat it.

As the evening winds down, Felicity’s energy starts to fade. She’s curled up on the couch, her eyes half-closed, Princess Waddles tucked under her arm.

"Looks like someone’s ready for bed," I say softly, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.

Celine stands and stretches. "I’ll put her down," she offers.

"Are you sure?" I ask.

She nods, smiling down at Felicity. "Absolutely. You and Mia can handle the kitchen."

Celine scoops Felicity up, and she sleepily murmurs, "Good night, Daddy. Good night, Miss Mia."

Mia leans down to kiss her forehead. "Good night, sweetheart."

I do the same, watching as Celine carries her down the hall and out of sight.

Mia and I work quietly in the kitchen, washing dishes and wiping down counters. The comfortable silence between us feels like home.

"Are you really okay with all of this?" Mia asks suddenly, glancing at me.

I pause, setting a plate in the drying rack. "Yeah. I think I am."

She raises an eyebrow, waiting for me to elaborate.

"I’ve been carrying so much anger and bitterness for so long," I admit. "But tonight… all of us laughing together, it felt good. I think I’m finally ready to let it go."

Mia smiles softly, leaning against the counter. "That’s a big step."

"What about you?" I ask, turning to face her. "You’re the one walking into this dramatic family dynamic. Are you okay with all of it?"

She laughs, shaking her head. "It’s worth it. I couldn’t imagine loving you or Felicity more than I do."

I step closer, pulling her into my arms. "You’re incredible, you know that?"

She grins up at me. "Tell me something I don’t know."

I laugh, leaning down to kiss her. But just as things start to heat up, the sound of footsteps pulls us apart.

Celine steps into the kitchen, stopping mid-step when she sees us. "Oh, don’t stop on my account," she says with a smirk.

Mia laughs nervously, stepping out of my arms. "We were just…"

"Cleaning," I finish quickly, earning a pointed look from Celine.

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