Carlos nodded and with his unwavering voice, he replied, "Yes, Dad. We're engaged."
Iris's mother gasped audibly, her hand flying to her mouth.
"Engaged? But... you're both so young."
Carlos and Iris expected the initial shock, but they had hoped for understanding. They glanced at each other, squeezing each other's hands for reassurance.
Iris wasn't ready to take a no for an answer.
To her, she wasn't too young. After all, Kiera had married before and was about to get married again. It only felt like in her parents' eyes they'd be nothing more than children.
She spoke up, her eyes filled with determination.
"We understand that it might be unexpected, but we've thought long and hard about this. We love each other deeply, and we want to build a life together."
Luis's stern expression softened, and he exchanged a knowing look with Maria.
"Well, I'll be damned," he muttered, his surprise giving way to a reluctant smile.
"Kids, you certainly know how to keep us on our toes."
