Page 194 of Before Dawn

“Of course,” I said, setting aside the neatly folded shirt in my hands.

She crossed the room, handing me the box.

“I meant to give you this earlier but it slipped my mind,” she said. “It’s something I made for you.”

Surprised, I took the box, untied the ribbon, and revealed a stunning Larimar pendant on a silver chain. Its pale blue stone shimmered like sunlight on water, making my eyes water at the beauty.

“You made this?” I asked, my voice soft with awe.

She nodded, her smile widening. “Jewelry making is a hobby of mine. When Mikkel first mentioned you, I thought of Larimar because hedescribed you as the ocean: calm, strong, and beautiful in ways words can’t capture. After seeing you on that video chat—and every call since—I understood exactly what he meant. Spending this week with you only confirmed it.”

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I ran my fingers over the pendant. “It’s absolutely gorgeous,” I whispered. “This means so much to me.”

“It’s my pleasure,” she said warmly. “Truly.”

She glanced at the open suitcases. “Do you need any help packing?”

“Oh, no, I couldn’t—”

“Nonsense,” she said, already reaching for a sweater to fold.

I laughed softly and nodded. “Thank you, Valeria.”

As we worked together to organize my suitcase, I found myself speaking without thinking.

“I was so nervous to meet you in person,” I admitted, keeping my gaze on the neatly folded jeans in my hands.

Valeria paused and looked at me, surprised. “Really? Why?”

“Well…” I hesitated, trying to find the right words. “I’ve been judged before. People assumed I wasn’t good enough or that I didn’t belong. I thought maybe you’d feel that no one could be good enough for Mikkel.”

Her expression softened, and she set the sweater aside, giving me her full attention. “Oh, Abigail,” she said gently. “I’m so sorry you’ve experienced that. People can be so cruel, and their judgments often say more about them than about you.”

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.

Valeria continued, “Mikkel’s love life is none of mine or Manuel’s business. I love my son dearly, but he’s a grown man who makes his own decisions. My only concern is that he’s truly happy and that he treats whoever he’s with kindness, respect, and care.”

Her words felt like rays of sunshine on a warm summer day, easing the knot of nerves in my chest.

“Thank you for saying that,” I murmured. “I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear it.”

Valeria smiled, gently running a hand through her hair. “Abigail, you’re a wonderful young woman. I’m so glad he found you becausemi hijo150has never been happier or more at peace, and I have you to thank for that.”

I hugged her impulsively, and she wrapped her arms around me without hesitation.

As we pulled apart, she rested a hand on mine. “And,querida151, if you ever need anything, call me.”

The sincerity in her voice nearly brought tears to my eyes again. “I will,” I said softly. Valeria’s acceptance and kindness were a gift as precious as the beautiful larimar necklace now resting on the dresser, waiting to be worn.

Chapter Forty-four

Abigail-Ann

“Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.”

~ Peter Ustinov

“You okay, Red?” Mikkel asked, his voice soft as it cut through the hum of the jet engines. His dark eyes searched mine, flickering with concern.

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