Chapter 13: Mia's Sixth Birthday
Spring returned to the Navarro estate, bringing with it a joyful, chaotic celebration for Mia’s sixth birthday.
The rear garden was filled with colorful ribbons, a massive bounce castle shaped like a fairytale castle, and dozens of children from the harbor foundation’s preschool laughing and playing in the wildflower meadows.
Mia wore a bright yellow sundress and a crown of woven daisies. She ran through the grass with Barnaby, the golden retriever, her laughter echoing up toward the sun.
Diego sat on the stone patio, watching the children with Dr. Alvarez, who was enjoying a slice of homemade strawberry shortcake.
""You look ten years younger, Diego,"" Dr. Alvarez remarked with a warm smile. ""Fatherhood suits you far better than board meetings.""
""Board meetings never taught me how to make daisy crowns, Doctor,"" Diego laughed, holding up a crooked chain of flowers Mia had given him.
Elena walked over, setting down a tray of fresh iced tea. She was glowing, her hand resting with unconscious grace over her abdomen, where a new life was quietly growing—a secret they planned to share with Mia that evening.
Diego looked up at his wife, his dark eyes brimming with a depth of love that only grew richer with each passing day. He stood up, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin against her hair.
""Are you happy, Elena?""
May you like
Elena turned in his arms, smiling as she placed her hands over his chest, feeling the steady, dependable beat of his heart. ""I am completely, entirely whole.""
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