CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO –FAMILY BUSINESS

Karina felt Miguel's hand tighten on her knee. She placed her own hand over his, a gesture meant to calm him but also to ground herself. "Mom, we just want to enjoy being engaged for a while. There's no need to rush, right?" Before Elena could respond, Karina's sister, Sophia, burst into the room, her arms laden with fabric swatches. "Karina! I found the most amazing designer for your wedding dress. You have to see these samples!" Karina suppressed a groan. "Sophia, please. We haven't even-" "Oh, let me see!" Elena interrupted, moving to examine the swatches. "Oh, this ivory would look stunning with your complexion, dear." As the two women fawned over the fabric samples, Karina leaned closer to Miguel. "I'm so sorry about this," she whispered. Miguel's lips quirked in a small smile. "It's fine. They're just excited for you." "For us," Karina corrected automatically, then felt a blush creep up her cheeks at the implication. Their moment was interrupted by Elena's excited squeal.