Page 64 of Faking It For Real

The drive to her parents' house took about forty minutes, during which Mia gave me a crash course on Three Kings Day traditions in her family.

"My dad will definitely try to out-macho you with his handshake," she warned. "And my mom will try to feed you until you explode. Just keep eating—it's how she shows love."

"Noted," I laughed. "What about your siblings?"

"Miguel will quiz you on hockey stats to see if you're worthy. Sophia will probably show you her rock collection within five minutes of meeting you. Oh, and my abuela will pinch your cheeks and tell you you're too skinny, even though you're clearly not."

"Sounds perfect," I said, and meant it.

Mia's family home was modest compared to my parents' house—a cheerful yellow two-story in a close-knit neighborhood where the homes nearly touched each other. Christmas lights still adorned the roofline, and a wreath with three crowns hung on the front door. The driveway and street were packed with cars, forcing us to park nearly a block away.

"Big family?" I asked as we walked back to the house, my arms laden with gift bags.

"The biggest," Mia confirmed. "My dad has four siblings, my mom has three, and they all have kids. Plus family friends who might as well be blood relatives. We don't do anything small."

As if to prove her point, the front door flew open before we even reached the porch, and a chorus of voices called out greetings. Mia's mother—a shorter, slightly rounder version of Mia with the same expressive eyes—enveloped her daughter in a fierce hug before turning her attention to me.

"You must be Ethan," she beamed, pulling me into an equally enthusiastic embrace. "I'm Elena. We've heard so much about you!"

"All good things, I hope," I smiled, returning her hug and inhaling the scent of cinnamon and something floral.

"Mostly," she winked, releasing me. "Come in, come in! Gabriel, Mia's boy is here!"

Mia squeezed my arm apologetically as we entered the house, which was alive with color, noise, and delicious smells. Christmas decorations still filled the space, but with additions—three crowns displayed prominently on the mantel, a nativity scene with the three kings positioned front and center.

Mia's father emerged from what appeared to be the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish towel. He was tall, with salt-and-pepper hair and Mia's warm brown eyes.

"So this is the famous hockey player," he said, extending his hand. As Mia had predicted, his handshake was firm to the point of discomfort. "Gabriel Navarro. Welcome to our home."

"Thank you for having me, sir," I replied, matching his grip strength. "Your home is beautiful."

He studied me for a moment, then nodded approvingly. "Good handshake. That means something, you know."

"Papá, please don't start with the handshake theory," Mia groaned, but she was smiling.

Before Gabriel could respond, two younger versions of Mia barreled into the room. The boy, who looked about fourteen, skidded to a stop in front of me, eyes wide with recognition.

"Holy sh—I mean, shoot," he caught himself with a quick glance at his mother. "You're Ethan Wright! I've seen all your games on the tv livestream!"

"Language, Miguel," Elena chided, though she didn't seem truly upset. "And give the poor boy some space to breathe."

"This is my brother, Miguel, hockey enthusiast extraordinaire," Mia introduced, ruffling her brother's hair affectionately. "And this is Sophia."

Sophia, who appeared to be around ten, regarded me with solemn eyes. "Do you want to see my rock collection? I have twenty-seven different types."

"I would love that," I replied seriously. "But maybe after I've said hello to everyone? I don't want to rush through such an important collection."

She nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "It took me three years to collect them all. I'll wait."

What followed was a whirlwind of introductions—aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends whose exact relationships I couldn't quite follow. Names blurred together, but everyone welcomed me warmly, many with hugs and kisses on both cheeks that would have made my own reserved family members deeply uncomfortable.

I loved it immediately.

"Are you overwhelmed yet?" Mia asked quietly as we finally found a moment to ourselves in the crowded living room.

"A little," I admitted. "But in the best way. Your family is amazing."

"They're a lot," she smiled, but I could see how much she loved them. "Just wait until the food comes out. That's when the real chaos begins."

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