CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY TWO – JOIN THE FAMILY

The rest of the day passed in a blur of quiet conversations and tender moments. They ordered in dinner, neither wanting to leave the bubble of reconciliation they had created. As they sat at the dining table, picking at their food, Karina broached another subject that had been weighing on her mind. "Miguel," she began hesitantly, "what are we going to do about my family?" Miguel set down his fork, giving her his full attention. "What do you want to do?" Karina sighed, pushing her food around her plate. "I don't know. I love them, but their disapproval... it's hard. And after last night..." "I'm sorry about that," Miguel said quickly. "I shouldn't have lost my temper with your mother." Karina shook her head. "No, you had every right to defend yourself. My mother was out of line." "Still," Miguel insisted, "I could have handled it better. Your family is important to you, and I want them to be a part of our lives." Karina looked at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "You do?" M