I can't .

~34~

POV y/n: 

Carlos and I have been together for almost three years now, and we decided to move in together a year ago. At first, it was tough to be away from my parents, especially since my relationship with my dad has really improved over the last few years. But I'm getting used to it now.

"Mi amor, are you ready to go?" Carlos calls out as he finishes getting ready.

I quickly grab my coat. "Yes, I'm coming."

Today, we're going to visit Carlos' parents. Although I've met them before and they're always kind to me, it still feels a bit different from what I'm used to back home.

"My mom will be happy to see you again," Carlos says, smiling as we head to the car.

"Blanca and Ana will be there too?" I ask, already looking forward to seeing his sisters.

"Yep, they'll be there."

When we arrive, I'm greeted like family—like I belong here, and it always makes me feel both welcomed and a little out of my element. I sit down at the table next to Blanca, eager to catch up.

A little later, I see Carlos walking out with his father, something they often do when we visit. I've always wondered what they talk about, but I never ask.

"How are you, y/n?" Blanca asks, breaking my thoughts.

"Good. I'm finally starting to find my feet here in Madrid."

"Finally?" she teases. "You've been living here for a year!"

We both laugh. "I know. It's just, you all speak Spanish so quickly here! That's the part I'm struggling with the most."

Blanca grins knowingly. "Carlos will teach you, right?"

I nod. "He does, but it's hard to remember everything. It's a lot at once."

"Once you get the hang of it, it'll come naturally," she assures me with a warm smile.

I smile back at her, feeling a little more at home with each passing visit.

POV Carlos:

While the ladies are inside chatting, I step outside with my father, a habit we've formed over the years. It gives us a chance for a quiet conversation away from the bustling energy of the house.

"How are you, Dad?" I ask as we settle into a comfortable pace.

"I'm doing fine, as always. And how are you and y/n?" he responds, looking over at me with interest.

"We're good. Better than I expected, actually. At first, she struggled a bit with homesickness, especially since her relationship with her dad has improved so much over the years. It was hard for her, but she's settling in now. And even Toto is being a little nicer these days... remember how he was when we first met?" I give my father a playful glance, knowing he remembers those tense early days.

He chuckles. "Oh, I remember. But you weren't exactly making it easy for him either."

I smile sheepishly. "How was I supposed to know she was the daughter of the Mercedes team boss? She never told me her surname. I only found out much later."

My father laughs louder now, shaking his head. "You've always been one to enjoy a challenge."

"That's for sure," I agree, grinning. "And the biggest challenge right now is dealing with her father."

At this, he raises an eyebrow. "That sounds like something I might be able to help with."

I pause, unsure how to phrase it, but knowing this is the moment. The decision has been weighing on me for a while. "Actually, there's something I've been thinking about. I want to take y/n out to dinner, with her parents, and ask her to marry me. But... do you think I should ask Toto for permission first? I know it's old-fashioned, but..."