Chapter 85
Theo and Daphne
Daphne sank deeper into the plush cushions of Emma and Nate's living room sofa, the gentle crackle of the fireplace filling the quiet space. The warmth of the room wrapped around her, soft and inviting, a stark contrast to the winter chill outside. She curled her fingers around the edge of the knitted throw draped over her lap, but her focus wasn't on the cozy surroundings.
It was on Theo.
He sat cross-legged on the floor, Sara perched comfortably in his lap, her tiny hands gripping a small doll as she babbled excitedly. Theo listened, nodding along like whatever she was saying was the most important thing in the world. His large hands, always so controlled, so precise, guided Sara's as she made the doll dance along the carpet.
Daphne watched, unable to look away from the softness in his expression, the quiet patience in the way he interacted with the little girl. He wasn't barking orders, wasn't sharp-edged or cruel. He was warm. Gentle. The way he smiled at Saraâreal and unguardedâmade something deep in Daphne's chest ache.
How could he be so tender with her and yet so cutting with his own brothers? With Mason?
She thought of the sharp words he often threw at Mason, the way his patience thinned around him as if Mason's mere presence was a test of his control. The difference was jarring. Here, with Sara, Theo was careful and kind, his touch featherlight, his voice softer than she'd ever heard it.
Daphne wasn't sure if it fascinated or frustrated her more.
Sara giggled, pressing the doll against Theo's cheek, and he humored her with a dramatic sigh, pretending to faint onto the carpet. The little girl squealed in delight, clapping her hands before tugging at his sweater, demanding he play along again.
Theo chuckled, the sound low and rich, and something in Daphne's chest squeezed.
He had it in him to be this way. To be soft. To be good.
So why did he make it so difficult for everyone else beside her?
"He's already yours, you know," Emma teased as she peered at Daphne watching Theo.
Daphne laughed as she looked away, shaking her head, but Emma's words lingered.
He's already yours.
Her heart stuttered at the thought, and as if on cue, she felt Theo's gaze shift toward her. The warmth in her cheeks deepened. She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes, not yet. The tension from their argument the night before still clung to her like a stubborn weight.
She had called him outâagainâon the way he treated Mason. How he was always so quick to criticize, to push, to demand more from him in ways he never did with Levi. It had started with a simple comment, something small, but Theo had bristled instantly, his tone turning clipped, his patience thinning before she even finished her sentence.
"That's just how Mason is," he had said, as if that excused everything. "He doesn't take anything seriously unless you force him to."
Daphne had frowned. "You don't have to force him, Theo. You could justâ"
"What? Coddle him? Let him coast through life without consequences?" His voice had been sharper than she'd expected, his frustration bleeding through. "He already gets away with everything. Someone has to keep him in check."
Daphne had wanted to argue, had wanted to say that Mason wasn't some reckless child in need of constant policing, that maybe Theo should try seeing him as a person instead of a problem to manage. But the look in his eyes, that hardened resolve, had made her stop. He was impossible to reach when he got like thatâwhen his walls were up so high she could barely see over them.
She hadn't pushed after that. She had just sighed, rolling onto her side in bed, her back to him.
Now, sitting here, watching him with Sara, watching the effortless warmth he was capable of, she felt that ache again.
"How's wedding planning coming along?" Emma asked, taking sip of her tea.
"Not that difficult now that we've decided to down size," Daphne sighed as she stretched her legs.
"I still can't believe you guys are ditching the big fat wedding," Emma said. "That is so unlike you two."
"The engagement party was enough of a circus," Daphne said. "And with everything going on, it feels better to have a small wedding. It's more intimate."
Daphne reached up, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, only to let it fall again as she absentmindedly smoothed it between her fingers. She could feel Theo's eyes on herâsteady, unwavering. It sent a flutter through her chest, distracting her from the conversation.
Emma smirked, clearly noticing.
"Have you found your dress yet?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement.
Daphne dropped her hand from her hair, only to fidget with the small earring dangling from her lobe instead. "I've selected a few, but I'm waiting for my mom and Lily to come with me."
Theo was still watching her. She could feel it, the weight of his gaze brushing over her skin like a touch.
Emma tilted her head. "You're blushing."
Daphne scoffed, tugging lightly at her earring before crossing her arms to stop herself from fidgeting. "I am not."
Emma grinned knowingly. "You always do when he looks at you like that."
Daphne refused to turn her head, refused to meet Theo's gaze, but she could picture the way he was watching herâlazy, intent, like he saw straight through her. A warm flush crept up her neck.
Theo chuckled from across the room, as if he knew exactly what Emma had just said.
Daphne rolled her eyes and took a sip of her tea, trying to ignore the way her pulse betrayed her as Nate walked down the stairs. His large hand rested on Reed's back, who was still groggy from his nap. The four-year-old rubbed his eyes with a tiny fist, his other hand clutching onto his dad's fingers as they stepped into the living room. His blond hair stuck up in soft tufts, and his lips were slightly parted in the way only a freshly woken child's could be.
The moment Reed spotted Daphne, his sleepy expression brightened just a fraction, and without hesitation, he let go of Nate's hand and padded toward her on sock-clad feet.
"Daffy..." he mumbled, his voice drowsy as he reached her.
Daphne smiled, immediately opening her arms for him. "Hey, baby," she cooed, gathering him up as he climbed onto her lap.
Reed curled into her without a second thought, tucking his small body against her chest. She smoothed her hand over his messy hair, her fingers lightly scratching against his scalp in slow, soothing motions.
"Sleep well?" She murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of his head.
Reed nodded sleepily, his body growing heavier as he melted against her. "Mhm," he hummed. "You're warm."
Daphne chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around him more securely. "So are you, lovebug."
Across the room, Theo leaned back against the arm of the couch, watching them. He didn't say anythingâjust observed, his expression thoughtful as Daphne absentmindedly rocked Reed in her arms, her fingers tracing comforting shapes along his back.
Theo exhaled slowly, his fingers drumming against his thigh as he watched her. There was an ache in his chest, a restless kind of impatience that he wasn't used to feeling. He had never been one to long for thingsâwhen he wanted something, he took it. But this... this was different.
Daphne wasn't even aware of the effect she had on him. The way she held Reed so effortlessly, the way she soothed him without a second thought, it stirred something deep inside Theo. He could already see itâDaphne with their own child, holding them just as tenderly, humming a song under her breath, her touch soft and sure. The image was so vivid in his mind that it almost knocked the air from his lungs.
His jaw tightened as Reed sighed against her, his small fingers curling into the fabric of her sweater. Theo wanted that. Not in some distant future, not as some far-off dreamâhe wanted it now. The thought of waiting, of delaying the life he could already picture so clearly, made something hot and insistent coil in his chest.
Daphne shifted slightly, adjusting Reed's weight against her, and the sight of herâso nurturing, so naturalâmade his grip flex against the couch. She had no idea, absolutely no idea, how hard it was for him to just sit here and watch.
He wanted to reach for her, to pull her into him and tell her exactly what was on his mind. That he was done waiting. That he wanted all of it with herâthe late nights, the small hands reaching for him, the sleepy murmurs of "Daddy" in the early hours of the morning.
"Mommy told me you got fitted for your tux last week," Daphne whispered to Reed. "I can't wait to see how handsome you look at the wedding."
"I got a bow tie," Reed said. "It's ..... What color is it, Mommy?"
"Eggshell white," Emma laughed, smoothing down her son's hair.
Theo's chest tightened as he listened to them, the warmth of the moment seeping into his bones. Daphne's voice was soft, filled with affection, and when she smiled down at Reed, Theo's world stopped spinning.
She was already so good at thisâat loving, at caring, at making people feel safe.
Reed lifted his head from Daphne's shoulder, his sleepy eyes blinking up at her. "What color is your dress?" he asked.
Daphne's lips curved as she tucked a stray curl behind his ear. "That's a secret," she teased, tapping his nose.
Reed huffed, clearly displeased, and Theo found himself smirking at the interaction. His fingers itched to reach for Daphne, to pull her into his lap and keep her there, wrapped up in his arms where she belonged.
The thought of seeing Daphne in her wedding dress, of watching her walk toward him, of calling her his wifeâit set something fierce and possessive alight in his chest. His gaze flickered to her, to the way she was still cradling Reed with such ease, and the words nearly tumbled from his lips.
I do, he thought. A million times, I do.
_________________________
Lily and Gabriel
Lily groaned as a soft buzzing pulled her from the depths of sleep. She shifted, burying her face deeper into the pillow, hoping the sound would stop. But it didn't. With a frustrated sigh, she reached under her pillow and fished out her phone, squinting against the dim glow of the screen.
Alexa.
Her stomach clenched. It was too early for whatever drama Alexa had planned.
Rolling her eyes, Lily accepted the call and brought the phone to her ear, keeping her voice low.
"What?" she whispered, glancing over her shoulder. Gabriel was still fast asleep beside her, his bare shoulder rising and falling steadily with each breath.
Alexa's voice, sharp and ice-cold, cut through the quiet. "Don't 'what' me. I know what you did, you little shit."
Lily frowned, propping herself up on one elbow. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Alexa snapped. "Jake got called in by Jacob last night because you told him he slashed your tires."
"That's why you're calling me?" Lily sighed, rubbing her eyes.
"I know you set him up."
Lily's irritation flared instantly. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, gripping the phone tighter. "Are you seriously accusing me?" she hissed.
"Well, it's convenient, isn't it?" Alexa continued, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You had every reason to do it. You were pissed at me, you wanted to make a sceneâ"
Lily's jaw clenched, her heart hammering in frustration."Oh, screw you, Alexa. You think I care enough to frame Jake? He came after me."
Alexa let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Oh, right. The victim act. Classic Lily."
Lily clenched her jaw, her grip on the phone tightening. Her patience was running dangerously thin.
"Jake was harassing me. He cornered me outside and wouldn't leave me alone. He was saying disgusting things to meâhorrible things. But I guess that doesn't matter to you, does it?"
There was a brief pause, just long enough for Lily to hear Alexa breathing on the other end. Then, Alexa scoffed.
"You act like such a baby about everything," she said. "So fuckin' dramatic. He was just speaking the truth."
Lily's stomach twisted. A slow, sinking feeling settled in her chest. She inhaled sharply.
"You were there," Lily whispered.
Alexa didn't answer right away.
Lily's blood ran cold. "You were there when he was saying all of that to me, weren't you?" Her voice was quieter now, but it carried a weight that made Alexa's silence even louder.
Alexa clicked her tongue. "Jake's my boyfriend now. What do you expect me to do? Take your side every time you cry about something?"
Lily pressed a hand to her forehead, exhaling shakily.
"How can you be with someone like him?" Lily asked, her voice breaking slightly despite her best efforts. "How can you hear him talk to me like that and still stand next to him?"
"Because I don't care about your stupid little feelings," Alexa said. "Not everything is about you, Lily."
Lily blinked. A sharp, searing pain settled behind her ribs.
"Alex," she spoke slowly. "Why are you being like this? You deserve so much better. You were such a good friend, we were so good toâ"
"Oh, spare me the sentimental bullshit," Alexa cut her off, her voice laced with venom. "You're so fucking annoying, Lily. Always acting like you're better than everyone with you ugly as nose up in the air, like you know what's best for me."
Lily's throat tightened. "That's not what I'm doing," she said, her voice softer now. "I justâAlex, you don't have to be this person. I know you. You're notâ"
"I'm not what?" Alexa sneered. "Not some sad, little princess like you? Not a pathetic, whiny victim?"
Lily flinched.
"God, you're exhausting," Alexa continued, her words hitting like a slap. "You think I give a shit about what you think I deserve? I don't need saving, and I sure as hell don't need you trying to act like you're still my friend."
Lily's chest ached, a deep, hollow pain spreading through her. There's no coming back from this.
She had hoped there was still something left to salvage between them. That Alexa still had a heart buried under all the anger, all the bitterness. But she wasn't reaching for Lily's handâshe was slapping it away.
Lily swallowed hard. Her hands were shaking.
"Okay," she whispered.
Alexa scoffed. "Oh, what? You're gonna cry now? Go ahead, Lil. Go run to Gabriel or Wendy or whoever the hell else will pity you this time."
Lily squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself not to let Alexa see how much it hurt.
She exhaled, steadying herself and hung up.
The silence that followed was deafening.
Lily stared at her phone, her fingers still gripping it like a lifeline. But there was no saving this.
Something inside her cracked, but this time, she wasn't sure she had the strength to piece it back together.
_________________________
Theo and Daphne
"Are you sure you two can't stay for lunch?" Nate frowned as he balanced Sara in his arms.
"Sorry," Theo said. "Nancy wants us to take a quick look at this venue before the end of the day."
"I don't understand what the rush it, Theo," Emma clicked her tongue. "I understand you want a small wedding, but why are you rushing it?"
"I'm not," Theo said laughing.
Emma didn't look convinced, but she let it go with a shake of her head. "Fine, fine. Go look at your venue."
Daphne hugged her tightly before turning to Nate, who wrapped an arm around her shoulders in a brotherly squeeze.
"Drive safe," he said.
Theo had already opened the car door for her, waiting with an impatient tilt of his head. Daphne gave Reed one last hug, smoothing his hair before sliding into the passenger seat. Theo shut the door behind her and rounded the car, waving at Emma and Nate as he climbed in.
The car ride was quiet at first, the hum of the engine filling the silence between them. Theo tapped his fingers against the steering wheel before finally speaking.
"Are you still mad about last night?" His voice was quieter than usual, almost hesitant.
Daphne glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "No," she said after a moment.
Theo exhaled, relievedâuntil she added, "But I'm disappointed."
His fingers tightened around the wheel. That was worse.
He sighed, dragging a hand through his hair before shifting his gaze to her. "I know I was an ass. I should have handled it better." He paused. "I'm sorry."
Daphne studied him for a long moment, then looked away, gazing out the window. The tension lingered, not entirely gone, but something in her posture softened.
"I know," she murmured.
That wasn't a full forgivenessânot yet. But it was a start.
As Theo navigated the long, winding driveway, Daphne's gaze roamed over the estate before them. The house looked like something out of a bygone era, its aristocratic charm undeniable. The colonial-style home stood tall and proud, with whitewashed brick that had aged into a soft, timeless shade of ivory. Ivy crawled up the side of the building, weaving through the shutters, which were painted a deep, dark green, perfectly complementing the mature trees lining the perimeter of the property. The expansive front lawn, with its perfectly manicured grass, stretched out like a lush green carpet beneath towering oak trees, their branches creating a canopy overhead.
The estate had an air of peace about itârefined, understated, and untouched by the modern world. The tall, wrought-iron gates at the entrance gave the whole place a sense of exclusivity, as if it had been sealed off from the rest of the world for generations. The gravel crunching beneath the tires added a layer of history to the scene, as if every inch of the grounds had witnessed decades of secrets and stories.
Daphne's eyes were wide with appreciation, but also confusion. It was beautiful, no doubtâso much history in one placeâbut it didn't scream wedding venue. The estate looked like something she'd expect to see on the cover of a classic novel, or in an art gallery, not a place for a modern celebration.
"I don't get it," Daphne said softly, her eyes still on the house as they drew closer. "It's stunning, but... this doesn't exactly look like a wedding venue."
Theo glanced at the address on his phone, then back at the house. "This is the address Nancy gave me." He said, bringing the car to a stop at the end of the drive way.
As they stepped out of the car, the soft rustle of the wind against the trees and the distant chirp of birds filled the air. Theo paused when he noticed Daphne lingering behind, still lost in her thoughts. He turned to face her, his expression softening as he looked at her.
"Daphne," he said, his voice low, almost tentative. "About what we talked about... the way I've been with my brothers, especially Mason."
Daphne blinked in surprise, her attention snapping back to him. She hadn't expected him to bring it up now, standing here in front of a house that was both beautiful and confusing. There was a softness in his gazeâa vulnerability she hadn't expected.
"I've been harsh with them," Theo continued, taking a step closer. "I know it. And I haven't been fair to you, either. I'll be kinder to them. I promise. You've been right, and I need to do better."
Daphne's heart fluttered at his words. She had known he was stubborn, but hearing him admit it so openlyâseeing him willing to change for the people around him, for herâit made the tightness in her chest loosen just a little. She'd seen the harsh side of Theo so many times before, but this... this was different. It was him being real, and it was a side of him she could only imagine seeing more often.
She swallowed, looking at him with a small smile, "Thank you."
With a slow exhale, her smile spread, the weight of her disappointment melting away, replaced with a renewed warmth.
"I forgive you," she said softly, stepping closer to him. Her voice was steady, but her heart was beating faster now, the tension between them evaporating. "I know you'll do better."
Theo reached for her hand, his fingers gently brushing hers before pulling her into him. The cool air between them vanished as he wrapped his arms around her, his lips brushing the top of her head in a silent affirmation. The moment felt full, perfect in its simplicity.
Daphne leaned into him, her chest rising and falling with a deep, relieved breath.
"Now," Theo said, his voice low and teasing as he pulled back slightly to look at her, "are you ready to see what this place has to offer?"
Daphne nodded, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. "I think I am."
Hand in hand, they walked toward the entrance.
"I didn't want to be doing tis with you being upset with me," Theo said, kissing Daphen hand. "Thank you for forgiving me."
"Thank you for thinking about what I said," Daphne leaned in closer.
As they reached the door, Theo stopped just a moment before knocking. He turned to Daphne, his eyes searching hers, his expression softening. Without a word, he leaned in and pressed a quick, tender kiss to her lips. It was brief but full of quiet reassurance.
Daphne smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly at the unexpected sweetness of the gesture. She pulled back, a spark of warmth flickering between them as they continued toward the door. Theo knocked gently, but before either of them could even wait for an answer, the door creaked open, the hinges groaning slightly.
Daphne's brow furrowed in surprise as she glanced at Theo. "I thought Nancy was going to meet us here," she murmured, her voice tinged with confusion.
Theo's gaze shifted between the empty doorway and the stillness of the house, equally perplexed. "I don't know... she said she'd be here to give us the tour."
The silence stretched between them for a moment, both of them caught in the unexpectedness of the situation. Without another word, Theo stepped forward, crossing the threshold and pulling Daphne gently along with him. As they moved further into the house, Daphne's eyes widened in awe.
The grand entryway opened up before them, its soaring ceilings lined with intricate moldings that spoke of a time long past. The marble floors, gleaming and cool underfoot, were polished to perfection. Daphne's breath caught in her chest as she took in the roomâthe rich, warm tones of the wood paneling, the heavy velvet curtains framing tall windows that let in a muted, golden light. It was old-world elegance in the truest sense, the kind of place that felt steeped in history, like a place where stories were woven into the very walls.
"This is..." she started, her words trailing off as she drank in every detail. It felt like they had stepped into a dream.
Daphne's unease faded as she walked further into the space, her fingers trailing along the banister of a sweeping staircase that curved upward, leading to a hallway that seemed to go on forever. There was something about it that made her heart raceâsomething that felt like it was calling her.
Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment as she took in the scent of aged wood and faint lavender, a fragrance that seemed to fill the entire house. It was perfect, in a way she hadn't expected, and she could already imagine herself hereâwalking down the grand staircase, her wedding dress sweeping behind her, a sense of timelessness hanging in the air.
"This is incredible," she whispered, her voice filled with awe.
Theo, who had been watching her closely, smiled at the wonder in her eyes. "Yeah," he said softly, "I thought you might like it."
Daphne's gaze swept around the space again, the pieces of her thoughts beginning to fall into place. She had envisioned something sleek and modern, but thisâthis was something entirely different. There was something magical about it, something that felt like home in a way she hadn't imagined.
"I can see it now," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I really can. I think... I think this could be it."
Theo's expression softened as he squeezed her hand. "I'm glad."
As they moved deeper into the house, Daphne's heart swelled with a feeling she hadn't expected. Maybe it was the space itself, or the way the house seemed to wrap her in its elegance, but she could already see herself walking down that staircase toward Theo. She could picture their friends and family gathered in the garden, their laughter filling the air.
"Theo, this isâ" Daphne turned to look over her shoulder but Theo was gone. "Theo?"
"Daphne, come see this."
Theo's voice called out to her from the back of the house.
Curious, she followed the sound of his voice, her steps quick as she made her way through the house. She stepped through an arched doorway at the back and was immediately greeted by the sight of a breathtaking garden stretching out before her. The garden was a daydream with rose bushes and winding stone pathways that led deeper into the landscape. At the center of it all was a large, elegant water fountain, its soft trickle of water adding a serene hum to the atmosphere.
The garden seemed to spill into the grand lawn beyond, a perfect canvas for what Daphne had always dreamed her wedding would be. The lawn sloped gently down to the edge of a serene lake, its surface reflecting the bright blue sky above. The scene before her was nothing short of magicalâlush, tranquil, and romantic.
Daphne's breath caught in her chest as she walked further out onto the lawn, her heart soaring with joy. She could already see itâthe tented reception, the long tables adorned with candles and flowers, the soft glow of the evening light casting its warm glow over the scene. Her wedding. Here, in this very spot.
Her feet moved faster as she ran, a light laugh escaping her lips. She twirled once, imagining her dress swirling around her as she basked in the joy of it all. It was perfect. Exactly what she had wantedâno, more than she had ever imagined. The lake in the distance, the fountain in the center of the garden, the sprawling lawnsâit was all so beautiful.
"Theo, this isâ" she turned toward the house. "This is perfect! I can see us getting married here."
Theo smiled, "Can you see us living here?"
Daphne's words faltered as she looked at Theo, standing in the doorway of the house with a look of quiet admiration in his eyes. There was a softness in his expression that she hadn't noticed before, something tender, almost vulnerable, that made her heart skip a beat.
Theo stepped forward, his voice steady but full of emotion. "This isn't a wedding venue," he said, his eyes not leaving her as he took a step closer. "My agent is waiting to hear back from me. If you say yes, this place is ours."
Daphne froze, the words catching in her throat. Her mind raced to catch up with the weight of his statement.
"I want us to start our family here," Theo said.
The fountain's gentle trickle seemed to fade into the background as Daphne absorbed the gravity of what he was offering. She looked at Theo, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, the way he was watching her with such raw vulnerability, as if he was waiting for her to choose them.
Her breath caught in her chest, a mixture of surprise and something deeper rising inside her.
A family.
The thought of it, of this house becoming a home for them, was both thrilling and overwhelming.
Theo smiled at her, that same tender expression on his face. "If you say yes, this is where we'll build our life together. It's all yours, all ours."
For a long moment, Daphne was silent, her heart pounding in her chest. She glanced around the garden again, the space feeling so much more than just a wedding venue now. It was home.
The vision of their family, of their future, suddenly became so vivid. The laughter of children, the smell of fresh-cut grass, the quiet moments they would share by the lake.
She stepped toward him, her lips curving into a soft, uncertain smile. "Theo," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "This is... I never expected this."
He moved closer, his eyes never leaving hers, "What do you say, Sunshine?"
"Yes..." Daphne's eyes shimmered with happiness. "Yes! Yes!"
She launched herself into Theo's arms, laughing with pure joy. Theo caught her effortlessly, his hands securing her waist as she clung to him.
"I can't believe this," she breathed, her face buried in the crook of his neck, her body shaking with excitement. "Our own home... we're going to get married here. Our family... this is perfect!"
Theo chuckled, his arms tightening around her as he swayed them both gently. His heart was racing, but the tenderness in his expression said everythingâhe had never been more sure of anything in his life than the woman in his arms and the life they were about to build together.
"You're sure, Sunshine?" he asked softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his voice thick with emotion.
Daphne pulled back slightly, her eyes shimmering with uncontainable happiness. "Yes! Yes! Yes!" she exclaimed.
Theo grinned, the love he felt for her and the joy of the moment flooding through him.
____________________________
Mason and Wendy
Wendy sat alone at a small iron table in Verve's outdoor garden, the late afternoon sun casting dappled shadows through the vines curling around the pergola above. Her phone buzzed insistently against the tabletop, her mother's name flashing across the screen. She let it ring, absentmindedly stirring the melting ice in her matcha latte.
Just as the call went to voicemail, a bright, familiar laugh rang through the entrance. Wendy's head snapped up, her gaze landing on Sophia and Mason strolling past the garden's gate.
Sophia's eyes sparkled as she gazed up at Mason, utterly smitten. Her lips curved into a soft, delighted smile, hanging onto every word he spoke as if it were the most fascinating thing she had ever heard.
Wendy, from her spot at the small iron table, felt her grip tighten around her cup. Mason said something that made Sophia laugh again, the sound light and airy, and then she reached out, fingers brushing against his arm in a fleeting but unmistakably flirtatious touch.
Wendy's gaze darkened, her jaw clenching as an all-too-familiar burn of irritation coiled within her.
Mason caught sight of Wendy first, and in an instant, something shifted. His easygoing expression brightened, but not in the polite, distracted way he'd been smiling at Sophiaâit was different, more genuine, more alive. His gaze locked onto Wendy, and a grin tugged at his lips, his entire body angling instinctively toward her.
"I'll catch you later," he said to Sophia, his words rushed, almost dismissive, his focus already elsewhere.
Sophia, however, lingered. Her manicured fingers trailed down Mason's arm again, a deliberate touch meant to reclaim his attention.
"Thanks for the ice cream," she said, her voice soft and sweet, eyes gleaming up at him as if he had hung the moon.
But Mason's smile had faded, his nod absent, his attention still drawn toward Wendy.
From her seat at the small iron table, Wendy's grip on her cup tightened. A slow, simmering burn ignited in her chest as she watched the way Sophia pressed closer, her perfectly glossed lips curving into something coy. And worseâMason wasn't pulling away fast enough.
Mason barely spared Sophia another glance as he stepped away, already making his way toward Wendy.
"See you around," he said over his shoulder, his tone casual, dismissive.
Sophia hesitated, clearly expecting more, but when Mason didn't turn back, she huffed softly and walked off.
Mason slid into the seat next to Wendy, stretching his arm over the back of her chair as if he belonged there.
"Hello, my firecracker," he said, flashing her an easy grin. "What are you doing here all by yourself?"
Wendy, however, wasn't smiling. She set her cup down with a sharp clink and turned to face him, her expression unreadableâbut her eyes? They were burning.
"You bought her ice cream?" she asked, voice deceptively calm, but the edge beneath it was razor-sharp.
Mason blinked, caught off guard by the accusation.
"Uh... yeah?" He tilted his head, studying her like she was speaking another language. "Her ice cream fell. She looked all sad about it, so I got her another one."
"Aren't you such a knight in shining armour," Wendy's eyes narrowed. "Thank god you were there to help her through such a traumatic experience."
"Are you mad about this?" Mason's lips quirked, amusement flickering in his eyes, like he was waiting for her to admit she was being ridiculous.
Wendy scoffed, pushing her chair back abruptly as she stood. "Forget it."
She turned to leave, but Mason was faster. He shot up from his seat, stepping in front of her before she could storm off.
His gaze searched hers, confused but unwavering. "Why are you suddenly so angry?" His voice had softened, losing the teasing edge. "It's just ice cream, Wendy Darling."
Wendy folded her arms, her jaw clenched. She wasn't sure what frustrated her moreâSophia fawning over Mason, or the fact that she was bothered by it.
Mason studied her for a moment, the corner of his mouth twitching up.
"Fine," he said, voice light, teasing. "I'll buy you ice cream, then."
"No," Wendy shot back, stubborn as ever, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
Mason huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "Alright, then take mine."
He held out the cone toward her, the ice cream already beginning to melt under the warmth of the afternoon sun, a glossy milk trail slipping down his fingers.
Wendy's eyes flickered to the mess, watching as the sticky sweetness dripped onto his hand. For a moment, she just stared, her lips pressing into a thin line. Then, before she could second-guess herself, she reached out, catching his wrist in her fingers.
Mason stilled as Wendy leaned in, her eyes never leaving his. Slowly, deliberately, she brought his hand closer, her lips parting just enough before her tongue flicked over the melting ice cream on his skin, warm against the cold.
A jolt of something electric shot through Mason's spine. He froze, his grip tightening around the cone as he watched her, stunned into silence.
Wendy barely acknowledged his reaction, her expression unreadable as she licked another stray drop from his finger before finally pulling back. Her lips curled slightly as if tasting something sweeter than just ice cream.
Mason swallowed hard, his pulse hammering in his ears. Whatever he'd expected from herâanger, irritation, a snappy remarkâthis wasn't it.
His voice came out lower than he intended. "Oh, fuck me..."
But she just smirked, stepping past him, leaving him standing thereâice cream forgotten, his thoughts completely wrecked.
Okay, bye, hubby is taking me out for ice cream after I break my fast :)