Page 163 of Before Dawn

He wasn’t finished, though. His voice was a little hushed as he spoke again.

“Seeing you like this is a reward for living, a reason for breathing. It’s inexplicable, but it’s everything. And it’s something I’d die for, because it just makes the world make sense.”

I blinked, overwhelmed by him. “I’m so glad I’m here with you.”

He leaned in and kissed me softly. “Eres mi todo.86Always will be.”

His phone then buzzed on the dashboard, vibrating incessantly, and he groaned as he reached for it, glancing at the screen.

“It’s my Mamá,87” he said, his expression softening as he swiped to answer the FaceTime.

“Mi hijo, ¿cómo estás?88” Her voice was warm and her smile evident even through the screen.

“I’m good, Mamá. How are you and Papa?”

“We’refine, busy as usual. And Abigail? How is she?”

Mikkel turned the phone toward me, his hand resting on my thigh. “She’s right here.”

“Hi, Mrs. Suarez.” I waved awkwardly, smiling as her face lit up.

“Abigail, it’s so nice to see you!Estás radiante,89” she said warmly.

I laughed softly. “Thank you. It’s nice to see you, too.”

She looked back at Mikkel. “We’re coming to New York at the end of month.”

Oh.

He blinked, caught off guard. “Actually?”

“Yes,” she confirmed. “Once we book the flight, I’ll send you and Emmy the details.”

“Don’t book a flight, I’ll have the jet ready instead,” he promised, running a hand through his hair.

“Lovely. We’ll see you both soon.Nos vemos pronto.”90

“Goodnight,” I managed, my smile polite as the call ended.

As soon as the screen went dark, the realization of her announcement settled over me.

They’re coming at the end of this month.

“Are you okay?” His voice was gentle as he rubbed my thigh.

“Meeting your parents in person for the first time.” I exhaled, twisting my fingers nervously. “It’s a big deal.”

He shifted closer, his warmth steadying me. “You’ve talked to them before and they already love you.”

“It’s different now,” I admitted. “What if I s—”

He cut me off, his hand tilting my chin, so I could look into his eyes. “They’re going to love you, Abigail,” he assured me. “And if they don’t, you’re mine, not theirs.”

A small laugh escaped me despite my nerves. “That’s not how it works,Mikkel.”

“It is for me.” His smile was so confident, so sure, I felt a little steadier. “I’m always going to be sure of you, Red.Siempre.”91

I nodded, leaning into him. “Okay.”

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