Dad’s hand goes to his heart as he closes his eyes.
“Did you just say what I think you said?” she whispers, like saying it too loudly might make it real.
“Yeah, Ma. I’m getting married.”
I keep my eyes on Dad; his breathing is slow, and pain twists his face.
I hate this.
Either way—whether I marry Easton or let Dad lose the company—my family will break.
Tears threaten to spill, but I force myself to take a steadying breath before they can.
“Oh, Penny Bean.” She reaches for my hand. “I know you’re an adult and your choices are your own, but if this is because you’re pregnant and worried about what people might say, don’t do it.”
Warmth spreads through me as her fingers squeeze mine. I feel her love surrounding me as I tell her the biggest lie of my life.
“No, I’m not pregnant. I always use protection.” I force a smile, though I know it doesn’t reach my eyes. “I’m happy about getting married. Everything’s just happening so fast. I wish I’d had more time to share things with you.”
“I don’t understand why you’re in a rush then?”
The air fryer beeps, and she lifts a finger for me to wait while she stands.
“Anything to say, Dad?” My question comes with more bite than I intended. But I hope he knows I’m doing this for him.
“I’m just… taken aback by the news,” he says while rubbing his chest. “I just thought marriage wasn’t in your plans.”
“Dad?” I lean forward. “Are you okay?”
“Of course.” He offers me a reassuring smile, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
The words I was about to say die in my throat.
A moment later, Mami returns carrying a plate piled high with empanadas. The smell alone makes my mouth water.
“Alright,” I say, bracing myself. “I’ll start from the beginning. I reconnected with Easton a couple of months ago.”
Her entire face lights up at the mention of his name. She’s always had a soft spot for him.
“That’s right. His mother told me he was back.” She smiles warmly. “Isn’t that wonderful? He finally came home to put down roots where he belongs.”
“Yeah.” I force a small smile. “So… we’ve seen each other a few times here and there. I guess our friendship turned into something more.”
Mami slowly places her empanada back onto her plate before dabbing delicately at the corners of her mouth with a napkin.
“I know I’m going to sound like a broken record,” she says, lifting one shoulder in a helpless shrug, “but aren’t you living with Miles? How are you marrying Easton? Do they know about each other?”
There’s no judgment in her tone. Just honest curiosity.
I release a deep breath, my appetite disappearing completely.
“Easton knows I’m staying at Miles’s house. He understands it’s something I had to do while I work on the ice rink.” I close my eyes briefly, hating how much I’m keeping from her. “And Miles… he doesn’t know. We’re not a couple, Ma.”
“Are you sure about that?” she presses gently.
I nod, unable to meet her gaze.
“But then why the rush? I understand you’ve known each other since you were little, but if anything, that should make this even more special.”
