Arianna squeezes me against her fit and toned body when we arrive at the house this morning. The family is gathered in the living room except for Mom—she’s in the kitchen, but she’s aware I’m coming home, and the other kids are in school, except for Mira and Martin, the younger ones are playing in their room.
“Wow.” Ari studies me from head to toe, although I’m sure there’s not much difference in my appearance from the day I left three days ago. “You look… beautiful. Happy.”
I grin. “Thank you.”
“Brandon.” Arianna smiles at my fiancé as well and greets him. “Congratulations to both of you.”
“Thank you, Arianna.” Brandon tenses up behind me, then greets Jason next with a shoulder pat but already eyeing Chris.
“Well.” C opens his arms, and I embrace him as well. I feel a soft squash in his arms before he releases me. “Welcome home, Laynie.”
“Thank you for waiting for me, C.”
“I only have three prominent women in the world. I wouldn’t miss your announcement.” He beams.
“Yeah, thank you. Oh, you haven’t properly met yet.” I cling to Brandon’s arm. “This is Chris, our eldest, and Chris, this is Brandon. My fiancé.” I lift my hand and show everyone my ring.
Both men exchange a firm handshake without saying a word. Eventually, Chris speaks. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Lucien.”
“I can say the same, Mr. Valentine,” Brandon answers.
“Please, just call me Chris.”
Brandon’s eyes narrow slightly. “Brandon, then.”
“Oh, that’s beautiful!” Arianna squeals and her eyes flutter at the sight of my engagement ring.
“Seriously, congrats, sis.” Jason hugs me, then shakes hands with Brandon. “I know she’s in good hands.”
A clearing of the throat interjects behind us, which makes us halt. Mom is carrying a tray of hot food, wearing hand gloves. Her eyes are expressionless.
“Mom,” I call out, then walk close to her and hug her from behind. “I’m sorry, I didn’t make it to our dinner.”
She clears her throat again, louder now. She cocks her head in Brandon’s direction. “Well, aren’t you going to formallyI chuckle in delight. “Of course.” I go back to Brandon and tug his hand gently. “Come on.”
“Mrs. Hart,” Brandon greets with a brief head bow.
“Come here, dear. Let me look at you.” Mom puts the tray down and takes off her gloves.
Brandon glances at me first, and I nod, smiling. My fiancé fleetingly moves to my mother.
Mom raises her hands and reaches for his face. She stares at my man’s perfect face side by side. “What a handsome young man you are,” Mom says.
A little confused, Brandon responds. “Uh, thank you, Mrs. Hart.”
“Call me, Elizabeth.” She releases him but still looks at his face. “Alayna told me everything you’ve been through. You had a rough childhood. I saw hatred in those eyes.”
“Mom,” I whisper.
“But it’s gone now,” she finishes.
I move to Brandon’s side and hold his hand, entwining my fingers with his. Mom stares at both of us before speaking again.
“You two are adults, and at some point, both of you made wrong judgments. But I will not doubt your decisions. I hope those experiences stand as lessons.”
Silence. Then my tears fall on my cheek, and I’m crying again.
“Come here, my dear.” She spread her arms wide, opting to hug Brandon and I.
“Oh, Mom.” I go to her again and embrace her. Brandon comes to hold my mother too. His embrace lasts longer than I expected, but he steps back after a few more seconds.
“Thank you for giving us your blessing, Elizabeth,” he tells my mother politely. “I know I can’t promise anything to you because I haven’t proven myself yet. But I’ve already made those promises to your daughter.”
Mom smiles. “That’s all that matters, Brandon.”
Brandon lets out a pleased smile.
“So, why don’t we all gather for a snack and talk about your union?” Mom invites and glances at the Valentine siblings as well.
“I’ll call the kids,” Arianna volunteers.
“Ah, no, they’ve already drained the ice cream,” Mom says, waving her hand. “Let’s just sit, children.” She opens the lid and shows us what’s on the tray. “I made lasagna.”
“Smells good,” I compliment. “Come on.” I lead Brandon to the table and pull out a chair for him before I sit in one next to it.
“I should be the one doing that,” Brandon says.
“There’s no gender to being courteous.” I wink at him, and he chuckles.
Brandon perches next to me, and the Valentine boys settle across from us.
“That worked out well,” J comments. “I thought I was going to witness flying saucers“J? Behave.” Arianna scolds while helping Mom with the serving.
Jason rests his chin on his palm and stares at me. “You look good. Pleasant vacation?”
I blink. I feel my cheeks flare. “I can’t believe that actually came from you.”
“All is well, Jason, please,” Brandon says. “She was already nervous before coming here,” Brandon says.
“I’ll take that as hot,Chris shrugs. “What matters most is that she had fun.”
“I’ll pretend that I didn’t hear all that,” Mom says, and everyone laughs.
Ugh, boys. I shake my head, chuckling. “By the way, I’ve got some souvenirs for everyone. It’s in the car. Could you help us get it, J?”
“That’s nice,” Arianna remarks after she’s done putting plates on the table, then she sits on my other side. Mom perches at the head of the table.
“Let’s dig!” I invite heartily, and we all start putting food on our plates. After a few minutes of silence, Mom speaks.
“Chris, when are you leaving?”
“Right after this meal,” he answers. He seems to enjoy our mother’s cooking, he must’ve missed it so much.
“Already?” She sighs. “Is everything alright with your job?”
“Everything is fine, mother. I have some important matters I need to attend to.” He eats his food delightfully.
“And when are you coming back?” Mom asks.
“Saturday, I guess. I already told Alayna I’m clearing my schedule so I can stay longer.”
I nod, remembering I was supposed to announce Brandon and I’s engagement this weekend. “That’d be great timing, C.”
He looks at me. “What is?”
“Okay, um…” I wipe my mouth, then look at everyone. “We also want to tell you we’re having a formal engagement party for both our families to meet. Brandon is inviting his grandfather and some close relatives from Greece. We can make it on Sunday. What do you think, Brandon?” I ask, holding his arm.
“Sunday is fine, darling,” he approves.
“Is everyone okay with Sunday?” I ask everyone again.
“I’m fine with Sunday,” Jason confirms. “But isn’t this early?”
“It’s not because we want the wedding next month.” I grin in excitement. “We just wanted to tell you first.”
“Oh wow,” Jason reacts. “Congratulations… Again. I guess.”
“Laynie, don’t you think you’re rushing this?” Chris questions. “Preparing for a wedding takes time. So many things to do. Trust me.”
I look curiously at him. “Sounds like you know a lot about weddings.”
He finishes his food to the last portion, then wipes his mouth, but doesn’t respond.
“Well?” I prompt.
“Laynie, Chris had a wife… Once.” Arianna bites her bottom lip, and Chris shoots her a don’t you dareI gape at them. Mom is surprised, too.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mom inquires. “Chris?”
Chris hurls a sigh. “You all know her, actually. Felicity.”
“Your best friend?” my voice raises incredulously. “I thought you had a girlfriend for three years?”
“Yes, but that’s another case.” Chris’s jaw clenches. “I’m not sure if this is the right time to talk about this, please.”
“But I want to know. Why has no one mentioned this?” Mom insists, looking at J and A.
“Felicity left him,” Arianna says. “Now, I said it. Today is supposed to be for Laynie and Brandon, so I’m sorry for bringing this up.”
I notice Brandon’s fist clench and his expression changes. His brows are knit together, his jaw rigid, and his eyes fixated on Chris. I shift my gaze toward Chris, who’s actually looking at me.
I’m not sure what’s going on, but there’s something wrong with the atmosphere. It is Chris who moves up first.
“Okay, I need to get ready,” he says, dropping the napkin on his plate, then he leaves the table.
“What just happened?” I query. Everyone remains silent, still surprised at Chris’s action.
“We’ll talk about this again, Laynie,” Arianna says.
“No, I need to make sure he’ll come to my engagement. He has to be there.”
“I’m sure he’ll come. I’ll talk to him,” my sister assures. “I’m sorry, I ruined this day.”
“No, you didn’t. It’s okay.”
Brandon grabs my wrist, leans to my ear, and whispers, “Is it necessary?”
“What is?”
“His presence to our engagement.”
“It’d be weird if all his siblings were there and he wasn’t.”
“But that’s up to him, right?”
I sigh. “Brandon. What is going on?”
“He couldn’t take his eyes off you,” he says gruffly. “I just don’t have a good feeling about it.”
“I honestly don’t know what to say to that,” I whisper back. Chris has indeed changed since I last saw him. He’s not usually this quiet. He typically shares everything about his life with his family.
“So, guys!” Arianna breaks the silence, clasping her hands tightly. “Why don’t we do an engagement with a theme!”
I frown. “A theme?”
“I’m sure this is a formal party,” she continues.
“It has to be,” Brandon confirms.
“So we should have a theme. How about a ball?”
“Don’t you think that’s too grand for an engagement?” Mom joins in.
“No, it doesn’t have to be. It’s the wedding that should be grand,” Arianna says dreamily. “I always imagined our weddings like that, Laynie.”
I have to admit that I love her enthusiasm over this. “Okay, what’s in your mind?”
“How about a masquerade? The couple should wear matching outfits for that matter,” she suggests.
Jason smirks. “This is all based on your fantasy.”
Arianna pout. “Is that bad?”
“Let them do what they want,” Jason points.
“Fine,” I interject. “I think it’s fun. What about you, Brandon?”
Brandon laughs. “Then should I be wearing theI giggle at his reference, and another idea sparks. “Because that’s how I met you, right? I mean this not to offend, but I have loved you even then.”
“You didn’t offend me, love.” He winks at me.
“Aw!” Arianna bites her bottom lip. “That’s actually very sweet. So are we good? We need to prepare as early as today. I’ll help.”
“I’ll get someone to organize this, Arianna, so you don’t have to. You’re Alayna’s family.”
“But there’s no rule that family can’t help, right? Just let me, please?” she insists, twinkling her eyes.
I laugh. “But he’s right, A.”
She pouts. “I’m sure Casey would like to help too.”
“How about you, me, Casey, and Mom go to the spa?”
Arianna’s expression brightens. “Oh right! Of course. We’ve never done that together before.”
“I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to the spa,” Mom inserts. “It’s probably when my back ached. I refuse to let anyone touch my back, but I am doing much better now. Thank you, dear. The medications are working.”
“Oh, Mom, that’s great to hear, but you still have to be careful with doing heavy activities.”
She grins. “I know. I’m very cautious.”
“I actually have a spa branch in Seattle,” Brandon offers. “I’ll have John take you there in the afternoon.”
“I love the services they did for me before. Thank you, Brandon,” I say.
He kisses my cheek. “Always for you.”
“Hey!” Arianna pats my arm, then moves her mouth close to my ear. “I have something to tell you, but later.”
“Sounds serious.”
She presses her mouth. “It is.”
I peer through my lashes. “Let me guess. Cassius?”
“Shh!”
I chuckle. “Okay, okay. We’ll talk later.”
She moves away, but Jason’s suspicious face studies us. “What are you two whispering about?”
I giggle. “It’s a girl thing. Don’t be too nosy, J.”
Brandon’s eyes narrow, and he brings his mouth to my other ear. “Why do I get the feeling I know what that is?”
I eye him up. “So, you know? What do you know?”
“Well, that cousin of mine accidentally said something over the phone. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I think he’s talking to your sister.”
“Oh, that’s juicy.” I laugh, then shift my attention back to everyone. “Guys, if you’re finished, Brandon and I are getting the souvenirs from the car.”
“Yes, sure, I’m done. I’ll help Mom clean,” Arianna says.
“I’ll come with you,” Jason tells me.
“Sure.” I wipe my mouth, then stand up. “Excuse us, for a moment, please.”
Chris suddenly returns from upstairs, fully dressed in a casual Burberry brown coat, jeans, and boots.
“C, you’re leaving already? I was just getting the souvenirs,” I say.
“Sorry, Laynie. I’ll get it next time. Mom, Ari“You’re coming to the party?”
“I’ll be there.” He kisses me on my cheek, then calls his brother. “Jason, I’ll be going. I’ll call you.”
Jason salutes.
“Brandon. Congratulations.” Chris offers another handshake.
Brandon is hesitant, but he eventually takes his hand. “Thank you.”
“Laynie. Take care, okay?” Chris says.
“I will.”
He embraces me one more time before he marches to the door and leaves.
“What’s with your behavior, Brandon?” I ask in a low voice.
His mouth twitches sourly. “He still has feelings for you.”
“Please, Brandon. I don’t want this to be more awkward than it already is.”
He raises his eyebrow. “He kissed you.”
“He kissed everyone.” I sigh. “Is this your way of saying you’re jealous?”
He rolls his eyes. “Fine. Maybe I am.” He hugs me tight, then plants a kiss on my hair, never minding our audience in the background.
“That’s cute.” I embrace him back. “Come on, let’s get the gifts.”