Page 83 of Worth the Fall

"It will," I promise her. "We’ll make it work, one step at a time."

She pulls back just enough to look at me, her smile radiant despite the tears still glistening in her eyes. "One step at a time," she echoes.

And in that moment, I know we’re taking the first of many steps toward the life we both dream of.

The morning sunlight streams through the jeweler’s storefront, casting a golden glow on rows of rings that sparkle like tiny constellations. Normally, I’d appreciate the artistry in this moment—each gem meticulously crafted to symbolize a love story—but today, all I feel is pressure. My stomach churns as I scan the display, searching for something that feels right. That feels Mia.

"Bro," Hector whispers beside me, loud enough that the jeweler looks over, her smile faltering. "You can’t overthink this. You gotta go with your gut. Which one makes you feel like,Bam! That’s the one?"

I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. "Did you just say ‘bam’ to describe picking out an engagement ring?"

Hector nods solemnly. "Absolutely. This is the bam moment of your life, man. Don’t screw it up."

I shoot him a glare. "That’s really helpful. Thanks."

He grins, completely unbothered by my tone. "Hey, you’re the one dragging your feet. You know what Mia’s like—sweet, smart, beautiful. She deserves the perfect ring. And you deserve to stop looking like you’re about to throw up."

I want to argue, but he’s not wrong. My nerves are shot. This isn’t just about a ring. It’s about Mia, about the future I want to build with her and Felicity, about getting it right this time.My chest tightens at the thought of my last proposal—to Celine, years ago. That was supposed to be perfect too.

And look how that turned out.

The jeweler steps forward, her kind eyes scanning my expression. "Are you shopping for someone special?"

"Very," I manage, my voice tight. I don’t elaborate, because how do I explain that this isn’t just a ring? It’s a promise. A second chance.

Before she can respond, the sound of running footsteps echoes through the shop.

"Daddy!" Felicity’s voice rings out, and I turn just in time to see her barrel through the door, her curly hair bouncing and her sparkly shoes lighting up with every step.

Behind her, Becca strides in with a confident smirk, holding up her hands in mock surrender. "Surprise! Hector said you might need reinforcements."

I glance at Hector, who’s suddenly very interested in the display case.

"Reinforcements?" I ask, arching a brow.

Becca shrugs. "Well, Felicity insisted on being here to help. And I figured you could use a second opinion."

"Princess jewelry!" Felicity declares, pressing her nose against the glass. "We have to find the perfect one for Mia."

I groan softly. "This is a terrible idea."

The jeweler’s shop is quiet except for the occasional clink of jewelry trays being rearranged and the unmistakable sight of Felicity’s sparkly shoes lighting up as she bounces from display to display. Every few seconds, her voice rings out, loud and excited, as she discovers yet another contender for "the perfect ring."

"Daddy! Look at this one!" she squeals, pointing to a ring that’s more gemstone than band. The centerpiece is a diamond the size of a sugar cube, surrounded by so many smaller stones itcould double as a disco ball. "It has sparkles and diamonds and… more sparkles!"

I crouch beside her, biting back a laugh. "Sweetheart, remember what I said? Mia’s not really into sparkles. She likes things that are simple and meaningful."

Felicity tilts her head dramatically, her curls bouncing as she taps her chin like a seasoned jeweler deep in thought. "So… not a princess ring?"

"Not a princess ring," I confirm, tugging gently at one of her wild curls.

"Well," she says, straightening up and clasping her hands like she’s delivering a royal decree, "maybe Mia needs to be more into sparkles."

Becca snorts, barely concealing her laughter behind her hand. Hector, on the other hand, doesn’t even bother to hold back.

"Kid’s got a point," Hector says, crossing his arms and smirking. "Maybe you’re underestimating Mia’s sparkle potential."

I give him a flat look. "You’re not helping."

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