Page 48 of When Love Changes Everything

He chuckles, but his gaze turns thoughtful. "I’m keeping my house in Mérida," he says. "We can vacation there throughout the year. It’s beautiful—right on the beach. You’ll love it."

I close the distance between us, wrapping my arms around his neck. My voice dips as I tilt my head to meet his gaze. "You’re not planning to take me there for our honeymoon?"

His arms encircle my waist, pulling me close. He brushes a kiss against my neck, his breath warm against my skin. "No," he murmurs, his lips trailing upward to meet mine in a tender kiss, before adding. "I’m taking you to Spain."

"Spain?" I exclaim, unable to hide my excitement. "Ooh! Do I get to meet your family?"

His smile deepens. "Yes. I want you to meet my parents, my brothers, their wives, and all my nieces and nephews. They’ll adore you."

Curiosity flickers in my chest. "Why isn't Lily close to your side of the family?" I ask, tilting my head.

Mateo’s expression shifts, a shadow crossing his features. "She met them a few times when she was little," he says, his tone softer now. "But once she started school, Sophia and her parents became... protective. They wanted her focused on academics, and they controlled her time tightly. I saw her during the holidays, but after the divorce..." He pauses, the memory evident in his voice. "Sophia never let me take her out of the country again, except for Mérida. My mother sent her birthday and Christmas gifts for the first few years. At some point, the distance was enough for everyone to forget we were a family.”

“I’m sorry for bringing it up,” I say, guilt twisting in my chest.

Mateo shakes his head, his gaze distant. “You don’t have to apologize,” he murmurs, the weight of his own guilt evident inevery word. “If anyone’s to blame, it’s me.” He exhales sharply. “I allowed it to happen. I should have tried harder. Done better.”

The pain etched into his face tells me he's been carrying this regret for years. I reach up to cup his cheek, my thumb brushing against the faint stubble on his jaw. "You have the power to close the distance," I whisper. "I think we should plan a family trip to Spain next summer."

His hand covers mine, his fingers warm. "I'm so lucky," he says softly. "They're going to love you."

***

Lily and I are at the new house today, decorating the guest room. Something in me still hopes that my father will show up for my wedding and I know he would want to stay here.

“Are you sure you don’t mind watching Davey while I go to my doctor’s appointment?” Lily asks, tucking in the corner of the sheet on the bed.

“Of course I don’t mind,” I reply, as I smooth the comforter. “Davey’s promised to teach me some Spanish. I’m counting on him to help me impress my in-laws.”

Lily pauses, her hands lingering on the pillow she’s fluffing. “I spoke to Dad,” she says, glancing at me with a spark of excitement in her eyes. “He told me about your suggestion. Noahand I talked it over, and... we’d love to go to Spain next summer. I want to reconnect with my family and have them meet Noah, Davey, and Charlotte!”

"Charlotte?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

"Charlotte Sophia Linder," she says, her face lighting up.

"It has a nice ring to it," I say with a smile, picturing baby Charlotte in my mind now that she has a name. My heart swells at the thought. "I can’t wait to meet her."

Lily’s expression shifts, her eyes alight with something unsaid. It’s the kind of look that hints at news she’s been holding onto.

"What is it?" I ask.

"Marian left a couple of days ago," she says, trying to hide a smile. "She told Noah she’d stay until after Christmas, but then she showed up unexpectedly—like she always does—and said goodbye to Davey."

The news leaves me momentarily stunned.

"Are you kidding me?!" I exclaim, matching her grin, "It sounds like Christmas came a little early."

"Davey was disappointed," Lily says, her voice tinged with sympathy. "He really wanted her to see him in his tux on your wedding day."

I nod. "I’m sad for him too," I admit. "But honestly, I’m relieved she won’t be here. At least now I don’t have to worry about her trying to ruin my wedding."

Lily tilts her head, her expression curious. "Speaking of the wedding, have you asked Aaron to walk you down the aisle?"

A smile spreads across my face. "We had dinner with him and Loren the night before Mateo left for Mérida," I say. "I asked him, and he said yes."

"I'm so happy for you!" Lily exclaims.

"Aaron has been so much more than a friend to me since the day we met," I say, my voice filled with gratitude. "He and Loren have been there every step of the way, supporting and encouraging me with every goal I’ve set for myself—first school, then my business. I don’t think I could’ve done it without them."

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