Page 188 of Before Dawn

“Thank you.” My voice steadied as I met her gaze. “I’m excited about the transition and looking forward to what’s next.”

Manuel nodded thoughtfully. “I admire your proactiveness in your decision to work straight out of school. I didn’t have the willpower to do that,” he joked, causing a laugh to ripple through the table. “Why real estate?”

My passion shone through my eyes. “I’ve always been drawn to spaces and how they reflect people’s lives. Real estate felt like the perfect fit, with great potential for growth and investment.”

Manuel smiled. “It’s a noble pursuit, making people feel at home.”

I smiled back, feeling the anxiety fade. “Everyone deserves a place where they feel safe and happy, and one day, I’ll be the one helping them find it.”

Valeria’s eyes brightened. “How’s working at the bookstore been?”

“It’s been a new experience, but I’ve come to appreciate it. I meet all kinds of people and learn new things every day.”

Mikkel squeezed my hand. “That’s an understatement; she’s been amazing.”

I blushed at his praise. “I’ve really come to love it since I’ve moved here.”

Valeria’s gaze softened. “You lived in San Francisco before, ¿no?”

“I did, but I moved because I needed a fresh start.”

She placed her hand over mine. “A change of scenery is always beneficial. I wish you all the best,querida.126”

I relaxed into the warmth of his parents’ company. Their genuine curiosity and acceptance made me feel valued, and my earlier anxieties melted away, replaced by a sense of belonging and happiness.

As dinner came to an end, the chatter quieted, and I started cleaning up. But Mikkel quickly stopped me, rolling up his sleeves. “I’ll do it,” he said, and I let him. Grateful for the reprieve, I stepped outside for a breather.

When I came back inside, feeling a bit more settled, I was about to head upstairs, but I paused at the wall, hearing Valeria say my name.

“Well,hijo127, this makes me so happy to see you so smitten,” she said, her voice full of affection. I heard Mikkel chuckle softly in response.

Valeria continued, “She’s educated, headstrong, and don’t get me started on how she looks at you,mi hijo.Ella te ama.128”

Mikkel’s voice was tender when he replied, “Yo también la amo.”129

I love her too.

My heart skipped at hearing him say that.

Then Manuel spoke up. “She’s a breath of fresh air,” he said, before continuing in rapid Spanish, words I didn’t fully catch.

Mikkel’s voice came again, teasing but affectionate. “You called hernuera130,Papá?”

Manuel chuckled, his voice warm. “I’m guessing within a year or so, we’ll be getting a call about your proposal. So, she’s my daughter-in-law... it’s inevitable.”

The words hit me like a sudden wave. It was one thing to feel the love, but hearing it aloud made it ten times more real.

I stood there for a moment, my thoughts swirling. When I decided I’d heard enough, I turned and made my way upstairs, my heart still racing.

I showered and slipped into bed, a contented smile on my lips. Meeting his parents had gone better than I expected, and his words still lingered, keeping me on a high. I relaxed into the quiet of the room, waiting for him to join me.

A moment later, he entered, his gaze fixed on mine as he crossed the room. I pulled him onto the bed, our lips meeting passionately. His shirt quickly came undone, and he paused, teasing, “You’re in a reallygood mood.”

I trailed slow kisses down his stomach, savoring the heat of his skin. Grabbing a scrunchie, I quickly secured my hair without breaking eye contact. Then, sinking to my knees, I met his gaze.

“Sit down,” I murmured, my voice low and sure. “Let me show you just how good a mood I’m in.”

His lips curled into a grin as he threw his head back. “I’m all yours,amor.131”

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