Chapter 88
Lily
The airport was buzzing with the usual chaosâannouncements over the intercom, hurried footsteps, and the hum of conversationâbut for Lily, it all faded into the background. All she could focus on was Gabriel, his arms wrapped around her, holding her close. Her forehead rested against his, her deep frown betraying the ache she already felt in her chest.
Gabriel sighed softly, his hands resting on her lower back as he gently swayed her from side to side, as if he could lull away the sadness weighing her down.
"Baby," he murmured, a small smirk tugging at his lips, "you're acting like you're never coming back."
Lily pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her eyes filled with something unbearably tender. "It feels like forever," she admitted, her voice quiet,
Gabriel chuckled under his breath, shaking his head slightly. "It's just a few weeks, angel." He tilted his head, brushing his nose against hers. "You'll survive."
Lily huffed, but her fingers clung tighter to the fabric of his hoodie. "I don't want to survive. I want to stay."
His expression softened, his smirk fading into something gentler. His thumb rubbed slow, soothing circles against her back.
"I know," he said, voice lower now, more serious. "The days will go by quick."
Lily swallowed hard, her lips pressing into a stubborn pout. "I'm still going to miss you."
Gabriel exhaled a quiet laugh, nudging her nose playfully before pressing a light, lingering kiss to her forehead.
"Good," he teased. "I'd be offended if you didn't."
Lily gave him a weak glare, but it didn't last. The warmth of his embrace, the way he held her so effortlessly, so securely, made it impossible to stay upset.
"Text me the second you land," Gabriel mumbled against her shoulder, his voice muffled but firm.
Lily smiled. "I'm going to send you dramatic 'I miss you' texts every hour."
Gabriel chuckled, shaking his head as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I expect nothing less." His hands settled on her waist, his thumbs still tracing slow, lazy circles against her. "Be good at your Theodore's wedding. Try not to get into too much trouble." His voice was teasing, but there was a quiet sincerity beneath it.
Lily sighed, rolling her eyes. "I'm not you. I don't go looking for trouble."
Gabriel smirked, his fingers giving her waist a gentle squeeze. "No, but trouble seems to find you anyway." His tone softened, his gaze lingering on her face like he was committing every detail to memory. "Have fun. Enjoy it."
Lily's pout deepened, but before she could say anything else, an exaggerated clearing of a throat interrupted them.
"Oh my God," Wendy groaned, arms crossed as she stared at the pair with mock impatience. "Break up the love bubble already. Some of us would like to board our flights today."
Mason stood beside her, smirking as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, you two are making the rest of us look emotionally stunted."
Lily huffed, reluctantly pulling back, though her fingers still lingered on Gabriel's hoodie like she wasn't quite ready to let go. "You guys are just bitter."
Wendy raised an eyebrow. "No, I just don't want to stand here for another twenty minutes while you guys whisper sweet nothings to each other."
Gabriel chuckled, his hand sliding down Lily's arm before squeezing her fingers. "Guess that's my cue."
Lily sighed dramatically, finallyâreluctantlyâstepping back. "Fine, fine. I'll go."
Gabriel smirked, leaning down one last time to press a kiss to her temple.
"Have fun. Don't miss me too much, and wish your parents a Marry Christmas from me," he murmured.
"Will do," Lily said as she sighed and pulled away. She gave him one last longing look before turning toward Wendy and Mason, who both wore smug expressions.
"Oh, shut up," she muttered, grabbing her bag and marching forward. "You two get to spend Christmas together. You don't get to comment about my lovebubble."
Gabriel just stood there, watching her go, hands tucked into his pockets. And as much as he teased her, he already knewâhe was going to miss her just as much.
______________________
Theo and Daphne
Daphne stood before the full-length mirror, her breath catching as she took in her own reflection.
The dress was perfectâdelicate lace tracing the bodice, hugging her slender frame before flowing into a soft, ethereal skirt that pooled like a whisper around her feet. Tiny pearl buttons lined the back, each one carefully fastened, while sheer sleeves dusted her skin like a fleeting touch. The color was a shade of ivory so warm it seemed to glow in the soft light filtering through the window.
Her hair cascaded in gentle waves, a few strands pinned back with a silver comb adorned with tiny crystals that caught the light. She looked beautiful. More than thatâshe felt beautiful. A sensation so foreign yet so effortlessly natural, as if this dress had been made just for her. A rare, precious kind of magic.
Then, just as a soft smile curled at her lips a knock sounded at the door.
Daphne's heart nearly leaped out of her chest.
"Daphne?" Theo's deep voice rumbled through the door, the sound of it stealing the breath from her lungs.
Oh no. Shit.
Panic surged through her veins as she whirled toward the door.
"You can't be here!" she called out, scrambling to gather the long layers of her skirt, as if he could somehow see through the wood.
"Relax, Sunshine," Theo said, amusement laced in his voice. "I'm not barging in." A pause. "But I needed to see you."
Daphne pressed a hand to her chest, her heart hammering. "You can't see me," she insisted, pressing herself against the wall as if it would somehow keep fate from betraying her. "It's bad luck!"
Silence. Then a quiet chuckle. "What? What do you mean?"
"You can't see me in my wedding dress before the wedding!" she hissed. "Go away!"
Another pause. Then softer, "Are you wearing your wedding dress right now?"
Daphne clenched her jaw, realizing her mistake. "No," she lied, though the fabric of her gown was bunched in her fists, the lace brushing against her arms like a traitorous whisper.
Theo hummed, unconvinced. "Babe," he said, voice low and knowing, "Are you lying to me?"
She groaned, pressing her forehead against the door. "That's not the point. The point is, you need to go."
Instead of leaving, Theo leaned against the other side of the door. She could practically feel his presence, even without seeing him.
"Fine," he said. "But I'll only leave after you tell me how you look?"
Daphne blinked. "What?"
"Your dress." His voice was softer now, almost coaxing. "If I can't see you, I want to picture you. So, tell meâwhat do you look like right now?"
Her throat tightened. "Theoâ"
"Please," he murmured.
Something in her melted at the quiet plea. She hesitated, then exhaled slowly, closing her eyes.
"It's... ivory," she admitted, fingers smoothing over the fabric as if to confirm it. "Soft, with lace along the bodice. The skirt flows down to the floor, likeâlike a cloud."
Theo hummed again, and this time, she swore she heard something almost reverent in the sound. "And your hair?"
Daphne swallowed. "Loose. Just a few pieces pinned back."
A pause. Then, "You're so beautiful."
Her breath hitched.
"You can't even see me," she whispered.
"I don't have to." His voice was warm, wrapping around her like a slow-burning flame. "I know you. And I know you look breathtaking."
Daphne squeezed her eyes shut, her chest tight with something too big to name.
"Theo..."
He exhaled a quiet laugh. "Don't worry, Sunshine," he said, his voice teasing again. "I'll act surprised when I see you."
And with that, he stepped away, his footsteps fading down the hall.
"Just a few more days, Mrs. Silvano," he called from the end of the hall. "Then it's forever."
Daphne stayed frozen against the door, her fingers pressed to the wood, her heart an unsteady drum in her chest. She smiled as she listened to his words, feeling her cheeks warm.
_________________________
Mason and Wendy
"I just don't understand you," Amanda said. "Are we that bad, Wendy? Are we that horrible to you that you have to go and leave us during the Holidays?"
Wendy gripped the phone tightly, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip to keep herself from crying, "It's just for a few days, mom. And Mason's brother is getting married. Daphne asked me to be a bridesmaid."
"Do you even know these people?"
"Yes!" Wendy said.
"Don't raise your tone with me," Amanda said. "I'm trying to keep this family together but you and your dad are hell bent on destroying us. Of course you would take after him. You are his blood after all."
Wendy's throat tightened as she pressed the phone closer to her ear, her free hand curling into a fist at her side. "Mom, that's not fair."
"Oh, isn't it?" Amanda let out a bitter laugh. "You don't even see it, do you? The way you're pulling away? First, it was little thingsâmissing dinners, spending more time with that boy. Now you're ditching your own family for Christmas."
Wendy swallowed the lump in her throat. "I'm not ditching you."
"That's exactly what you're doing," Amanda shot back. "You're choosing him over us."
Wendy squeezed her eyes shut, the familiar weight of guilt settling deep in her chest. "It's just a few days. I'll be back before New Year's."
"Don't bother." Amanda's voice was cold now, sharp enough to cut. "If you don't want to be part of this family, then fine. Go play house with his family. See how long that lasts."
Tears burned Wendy's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. "Why are you doing this?"
Amanda exhaled harshly. "Because I love you, Wendy. But you and your fatherâ" She broke off, her voice shaking with restrained anger. "You don't get to just walk away and pretend we don't exist."
"I'm notâ"
"You are."
Silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating.
Then Amanda spoke again, softer but no less cutting. "You are his daughter, through and through."
Wendy flinched as if she'd been slapped.
The line went dead before she could say another word.
Wendy took a deep breath, forcing down the ache in her throat as she wiped the tears from her eyes. She pressed her palms against her cheeks, willing away the redness before straightening her shoulders. Her mother's words still echoed in her head, but she pushed them down, locked them away. She wouldn't ruin thisâwouldn't let Amanda's guilt seep into something good.
With one last steadying breath, she turned and walked back inside, the warmth of the house wrapping around her like a soft embrace. The scent of cinnamon and fresh flowers filled the air, a stark contrast to the cold weight still sitting heavy in her chest.
Daisy stood in the kitchen, rinsing a dish in the sink, but the moment she saw Wendy, she paused. Her eyes softened, and she gave a gentle smile. "Hey, sweetheart. You okay?"
Wendy forced a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Daisy dried her hands on a dish towel, her gaze lingering on Wendy's face as if she could see past the forced ease in her expression. She didn't press, didn't pry. Instead, she simply walked around the counter, closing the space between them, and pulled Wendy into a warm, steady hug.
Wendy stiffened for half a second before exhaling, melting into the unexpected comfort. Daisy smelled like vanilla and something soft, something safe.
"I'm so glad you are here, Wendy" Daisy murmured, her voice gentle, "It's like I'm getting two new daughters this week. Daphne and you are so special to me."
Wendy's throat tightened, the warmth of Daisy's embrace settling deep in her chest. She hadn't expected thisâhadn't expected the way Daisy's words would wrap around her like a safety net, catching all the fragile pieces she was trying so hard to hold together.
For a moment, she couldn't speak. She just stood there, absorbing the quiet kindness, the unconditional acceptance Daisy offered so freely.
When she finally pulled back, Daisy gave her a soft, knowing smile and smoothed a hand over Wendy's hair like she'd done it a thousand times before.
"Come on," she said, her voice full of quiet affection. "I was just about to make some hot chocolate. Can you help me?"
Wendy nodded, a real, genuine smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah," she murmured. "I'd like that."
Daisy patted Wendy's arm before stepping back toward the stove. "Why don't you grab the mugs and the cocoa mix," she said with an easy smile.
Wendy nodded, moving to the cabinets. She found the mugsâbig, ceramic ones, clearly well-lovedâand set them on the counter. Then she reached for the cocoa mix, grabbing the little tin of cinnamon Daisy had set aside as well.
As Wendy scooped cocoa into each mug, Daisy warmed the milk over the stove, stirring gently. The kitchen was cozy, filled with the rich scent of chocolate and the soft clinking of utensils. It felt... nice. Like something familiar, something she hadn't realized she'd missed.
She was just reaching for the whipped cream when a warm, solid presence suddenly wrapped around her from behind. Strong arms looped around her waist, pulling her back against a broad chest.
Wendy startled, but Mason's voice was low and teasing against her ear. "Mom, really? You've got my beautiful firecracker doing manual labor now?"
Daisy rolled her eyes, turning down the heat on the stove. "She offered to help."
Mason hummed, resting his chin on Wendy's shoulder. "That doesn't sound like her."
Wendy scoffed, reaching back to swat at his arm. "You're the worst."
Mason only grinned, tightening his hold around her. "Please," he said easily. "I'm the best. You're just slow to admit it."
Daisy shook her head with a fond smile. "Alright, lovebirds. If you two are done, someone still needs to pour the milk."
Mason smirked down at Wendy. "Guess that's your job, babe."
Wendy narrowed her eyes. "You are entirely too comfortable right now."
Mason just grinned wider, his grip still firm around her waist. "Of course I am. I've got my girl and hot chocolate. What more could a man need?"
Wendy rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched at the corners as she reached for the warm milk Daisy had just taken off the stove. Carefully, she poured it into each mug, the rich scent of cocoa filling the air.
Mason, still wrapped around her, hummed in satisfaction. "Smells good," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear.
Wendy elbowed him lightly. "Let me work."
"You're doing great, babe," Mason said, completely unbothered, his arms still locked around her waist.
Daisy chuckled, shaking her head. "Alright, Romeo, at least make yourself useful and grab the whipped cream."
Mason perked up. "Now that, I can do."
Reluctantly, he let go of Wendy, stepping toward the fridge. Wendy felt the loss of his warmth immediately but chose to ignore it, focusing on stirring the cocoa instead.
The second Mason retrieved the can of whipped cream, he flipped off the cap and aimed it directly into his mouth.
"Mason!" Daisy scolded, though her voice carried more amusement than real annoyance.
Wendy turned just in time to see Mason tilt his head back, dispensing a ridiculous amount of whipped cream onto his tongue. His eyes flickered to her as he swallowed, a slow grin stretching across his face.
"What?" he said, all innocence. "Taste test."
Wendy scoffed. "Oh my God, you're a child."
Mason smirked and, before she could react, he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to the corner of her mouthâexcept his lips were still covered in whipped cream.
Wendy jerked back with a gasp. "Mason!"
He just grinned wider. "Oh, look at that. Now you get a taste test, too."
Daisy laughed, shaking her head and flicking the back of Mason's head. "Why are you like this?"
Mason simply grabbed the can again and took another generous mouthful. "Genetics, probably," he said, his words slightly muffled.
Wendy wiped at the corner of her mouth, glaring at him. "You're so lucky I love hot chocolate."
Mason waggled his brows. "You're so lucky you love me."
Wendy huffed, but Daisy just smiled, shaking her head as she took the whipped cream from Mason before he could completely empty the can. "Alright, let's actually finish making these before Mason eats everything."
_______________________
Lily
"How was the flight?" Gabriel asked.
"It was fine," Lily muttered as she sat in her parent's livingroom, with her knees drawn to her chest. She picked at the lint on her jeans as she pressed the phone tightly to her ear.
"You don't sound fine," Gabriel chuckled. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Lily said. "I just....miss spending time with you."
"I'm not going anywhere," Gabriel said. "I'll be here when you get back. And we're on the phone now. I'll call you tonight again. We can face time in the morning on Christmas day."
Lily sighed, her fingers tightening around the phone as she rested her chin on her knee. "It's not the same," she admitted softly. The warmth of his presence, the way he always managed to make her feel groundedâit was impossible to replicate through a phone call.
Gabriel's voice softened. "I know, angel." There was a quiet rustling on the other end, like he was shifting in bed. "But the days will go by fast. You'll be back before you know it."
Lily huffed, her lips pressing into a small pout. "Easy for you to say. You're not stuck in a house full of people who've forgotten how to be single."
"Let me remind you," Gabriel laughed. "You're not single either."
Lily felt warmth spread through her chest at his words, but she rolled her eyes anyway. "You've officially claimed me," she teased, stretching her legs out on the couch.
Gabriel chuckled, the sound rich and easy. "I've been claiming you, princess. You're just a little slow on the uptake."
She smiled, leaning her head back against the cushions. "Or maybe I just like hearing you say it."
Gabriel exhaled a laugh, and then there was a brief pause before he spoke again. "I've got to head out soon, by the way. There's a family Christmas party I'm going to."
Lily frowned slightly, twirling a loose thread on her sweater. "Oh. That sounds... nice."
"It would be better if you were here," he admitted easily. "I would've taken you with me. Introduced you to my extended family."
Lily's stomach flipped. She sat up a little, gripping the phone tighter. "You would?"
"Yeah," Gabriel said, his voice casual, but there was an unmistakable sincerity beneath it. "I mean, you should meet my crazy aunts at some point. Might as well be at Christmas."
Lily bit her lip, a rush of emotion tightening her throat. The idea of being there with him, meeting his family, spending the holiday togetherâit was almost too good to imagine.
"From what Alexa told me about them, they actually sound really nice," she admitted, her voice softer now.
Gabriel hummed. "They are and there will be plenty of other Christmases."
Something about the way he said itâlike this wasn't just a fleeting moment, like he saw a future with herâmade Lily's heart ache.
She exhaled, her lips curving into a small smile. "Okay. Go have fun."
"I will," he said. "And you? Try not to let your family drive you completely insane."
Lily laughed. "No promises."
Gabriel's voice softened. "I'll call you later, yeah?"
"Yeah," she murmured, already missing him.
"Good. Talk soon, angel."
And with that, the call ended, leaving Lily staring at her phone, her heart full and aching all at once.
Lily sighed, hugging her phone to her chest as she leaned back into the couch, a soft smile playing on her lips. Gabriel's words lingered in her mind, making her heart flutter in a way she couldn't control. She pressed her fingers to her cheeks, realizing with horror that she was blushing.
Ugh, get a grip.
But it was useless. Gabriel had a way of getting under her skin.
Just as she was about to shake herself out of her thoughts, she heard the familiar creak of the floorboards.
"Why do you look like you just got caught reading a romance novel?"
Lily startled, whipping her head to the side to see Theo standing there, an amused smirk tugging at his lips. He strolled over, plopping down onto the couch beside her, stretching his arms over the backrest.
"I don't," Lily said quickly, turning away, but the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her.
Theo raised an eyebrow. "Right. And I'm the king of England."
Lily groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Go away."
Theo chuckled, nudging her foot with his own. "Lemme guessâGabriel?"
Lily peeked at him through her fingers, but the way he was smirking told her he already knew.
"Shut up," she muttered, crossing her arms.
Theo shook his head, a quiet chuckle escaping him as he watched his sister squirm. He wasn't used to seeing Lily like thisâflustered, practically glowing with happiness. It was a strange sight, but not an unwelcome one.
He studied her for a moment, his smirk fading slightly as something more thoughtful settled in his expression. "Is he good to you?"
Lily blinked at him, her arms still crossed. "What?"
"Gabriel," Theo said, his voice quieter now. "Is he good to you? Does he treat you well?"
Lily hesitated, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. But then, as if answering was the easiest thing in the world, she nodded.
"Yeah. He does," she smiled.
Theo searched her face, as if trying to see past her words, to make sure she wasn't just saying it. After a few seconds, he exhaled, nodding slowly.
"He grew an orchid for me and he found a bookstore to take me to," Lily beamed. "He bought me books for Christmas. Books, Theo! Romance books. As many as I wanted."
Theo let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Damn. He really went for the direct route to your heart, huh?"
Lily grinned, hugging her knees to her chest. "Right? I mean, who does that?"
Theo smirked. "A troublemaker who's hopelessly into my sister, apparently."
"He's not a troublemaker," Lily's cheeks warmed, and she ducked her head, unable to stop the giddy smile from spreading across her lips.
Theo watched her for a moment, then his smirk faded into something softer. "You're happy?"
Lily lifted her head, meeting his gaze. "Yeah," she said, her voice steady. "I really am."
Theo studied her for a second longer, then nodded. "Good," he said simply. "That's all I care about. That you're happy and safe."
Lily swallowed, touched by the sincerity in his voice. "I am," she reassured him. "And if I ever wasn't, you'd be the first to know."
Theo held her gaze, then smirked. "Damn right I would."
Lily laughed as he ruffled her hair, and for once, she didn't mind.
__________________________
Wendy and Mason
Lily's room was a mess of dresses, makeup palettes, and scattered beauty products, the three of them sitting cross-legged on her plush rug as they went over the final details for the wedding. The air buzzed with excitement, the kind that made their laughter softer, their words a little more animated.
Daphne, ever the perfectionist, had her wedding planner notebook open, flipping through pages as she double-checked everything for the hundredth time. "Okay, so for hairâdo we all agree on soft waves?"
Lily, holding up a lock of her long, dark hair, nodded. "Yes, but I'm thinking of pinning back one side with those pearl clips I got. Classy, right?"
Wendy, sprawled on her stomach with a pillow under her chin, shrugged. "I don't know. I was thinking of doing a sleek bun. I feel like it gives me 'I have my life together' energy."
Daphne snorted. "You have your life together with or without the bun."
Wendy smirked. "Damn right, I do."
Daphne rolled her eyes but smiled, setting her notebook aside as she reached for the dress draped over Lily's desk chair. "And these," she breathed, running her fingers over the delicate lace of the bodice. "God, I still can't believe we're days away."
Lily grinned, pulling her own dress from its hanger. "I can. You've been talking about it nonstop. I could probably plan my own wedding in my sleep after this."
Daphne threw a hair tie at her. "Rude."
Wendy smirked, sitting up. "Okay, but let's talk makeup. Are we going soft glam or full drama?"
Daphne pursed her lips in thought. "I've asked the make up artists for soft, romantic vibes. Glowy skin, neutral tones, but just enough to make our eyes pop in photos."
Lily's eyes widened. "Ooh, yes. Perfect for a winter wedding."
Wendy leaned over, "Very minimal make up for me, please.
Daphne giggled. "I promise, no disco ball."
"Where are we going for the afterpartyâ" As Lily asked, there was a light knock at the door.
The girls turned to find Luca standing in the doorway, his tall figure blocking a sliver of the hallway light as he smiled at the girls with a warmth that instantly made the room feel cozier. His salt-and-pepper hair was perfectly styled, and his casual yet sharp attire gave off that effortless elegance he was known for. His eyes, bright with excitement, landed on Daphne.
"Mrs. Theodore Silvano, the samples of your bridal bouquet just arrived downstairs," he said, with a smile. "They look beautifulâthought you might want to see them."
"Oh my god! They're here?" Daphne jumped to her feet. "Did Theo see them? He's not supposed to."
"Daisy hid them in my study," Luca laughed, stepping aside as the girls rushed out of Lily's room.
"Thank you," Daphne sighed with relief as she pressed a quick kiss on Luca's cheek. "You guys are the best!"
Luca smiled warmly as the girls rushed past him, practically tripping over their excitement. He chuckled softly, his eyes filled with affection as he watched them. "Anything for you, darling."
Daphne beamed back at him, the weight of the day's preparations suddenly feeling lighter. Behind her Wendy felt her own heart tighten. She lingered back, not wanting to disturbe the moment between Luca and Daphne when Luca's gaze suddenly shifted toward her.
"Ready, sweetheart?" He asked, offering her his elbow.
Wendy nodded with a big smile. She stepped forward and looped her arm through his. Luca patted her hand, securing it on his arm before leading her down the hall.
"How have you been?" He asked as they walked.
"Good," Wendy nodded.
"Excited for the new semester to begin?"
"A bit," Wendy laughed. "I'm looking forward to my classes but not the assignment."
"I'm sure you will be great," Luca smiled. "How are things going at Verve? Mason tells me you are one hell of a coordinator."
"He exaggerates," Wendy rolled her eyes.
Luca chuckled, "He also said you are a very big Star Wars fan."
Wendy crunched up her nose, "He mentioned that?"
"Yes, he did," Luca laughed. "Theo was big on Star Wars growing up. Mason, not so much. But we used to watch all the movies together and they would buy all the toys."
Wendy's heart softened at Luca's words, the warmth of his voice a stark contrast to the distance she felt with her own father. As they walked down the hall, she couldn't help but wish, just for a moment, that her own dad had taken a similar interest in the little things that mattered to her.
She'd always been a fan of movies, books, and hobbies that made her heart race with excitement, but it seemed like he never really noticed. He was always more concerned about his business, his work, his own world, while hers felt so small and often dismissed.
The thought briefly clouded her mind, and she tried to push it aside, not wanting to let the sadness linger too long, especially with Luca's presence so full of warmth and care. It was almost like he could sense her shift in mood, as he turned his head slightly toward her, his expression softening.
"Well, if you ever want to chat Star Wars with someone who gets it, you know where to find me," Luca continued, his voice filled with a playful affection. "I've got all the classics. I'm sure Theo has his collection hidden somewhere too. Maybe we can dig it up for you."
Wendy smiled, feeling a small knot in her chest loosen at the mention of Star Warsâsomething she'd always felt like a bit of a loner in her love for. No one in her family had ever quite understood her obsession, much less taken the time to ask about it. But here Luca was, offering not only his time, but also a sense of belonging, like her interests actually mattered to him.
She chuckled softly, more at herself than anything else. "I'd love that. You probably know way more about it than I do."
Luca grinned, his eyes twinkling with that familiar fatherly warmth. "Well, I did teach Theo everything he knows about it. He'd be lost without me."
Wendy's heart fluttered a little, feeling something deep within herâa strange, comforting sense of security that she didn't know she needed. "I bet he would be," she said, her voice quieter now, more genuine.
Luca's expression softened further, and he gave her arm a gentle squeeze, as though acknowledging the unspoken weight she carried.
"You know," he said, his tone suddenly more serious, "I've never seen Mason this joyful. You bring out a different energy in him."
Wendy didn't know how to respond right away. Her throat tightened slightly as the weight of his words sank in.
"Thank you," she said, her voice small but heartfelt. "He brings out a different side of me too."
Luca gave her a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with understanding. "And that's how it should always be."
The moment stretched on, and Wendy was surprised by how much her chest had loosened, how much lighter she felt. She'd never had this kind of connection with a father figure before, and it meant more to her than she realized.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Wendy felt Luca's arm still securely around her, grounding her in a moment that felt both peaceful and filled with warmth. For a second, she allowed herself to simply enjoy the feeling of belonging, a rare sensation that she didn't take for granted.
The foyer was alive with the usual chaos of a family gathering, but it felt different this timeâless chaotic and more like a familiar, comforting dance. Lily was standing near the flower samples, her voice playful yet firm as she shouted at Theo, "Don't even think about it!" Her eyes narrowed at him as if she could prevent him from sneaking a peek at the flowers. Theo, ever the tease, grinned back, clearly enjoying the tension.
Levi, in his usual helpful way, was lifting heavy boxes alongside Daphne, clearly focused on getting everything where it needed to be. Daphne looked at him with a mix of gratitude and excitement, her face lighting up at every new detail that came her way. Despite all the work, her joy was contagious, and Levi seemed to be carrying a little of that happiness too.
In the background, Daisy stood at the center of it all, completely unfazed by the whirlwind of activity around her. She was chatting effortlessly with Gia, her laughter soft and relaxed. Her calm demeanor created an anchor in the midst of the chaos, allowing everyone to feel a little more grounded. Gia, equally content in the conversation, nodded and smiled, adding her own touches to the warm atmosphere.
Wendy couldn't help but smile as she watched the scene unfold. There was something so right about this momentâabout the way each person seemed to play their part in this lively, loving dynamic. It wasn't perfect; it was chaotic and loud, just like families often were. But it was also filled with care, connection, and laughter.
Luca's hand gave hers a gentle squeeze before releasing her and walking over to his wife. Wendy couldn't help but notice how he seemed to be drawn to Daisy like a magnet. As if he couldn't breath if he was more then just a few feet away from her. She watched him step up beside Daisy and kiss her cheeks gently before taking the box from her hand and following Daphne down the hall.
"Where are the rest of the flowers?" Daphne called out.
Wendy's eyes scanned the foyer, "I got it."
"No, you don't," Mason said as he hooked his arm around her waist and pulled her away.
Wendy gasped as Mason lifted her off her feet and carried her up the stairs.
"Mason!" Wendy protested, her voice a mix of surprise and laughter. "What are you doing?"
He smirked, his face a mixture of amusement and frustration. "I regret bringing you here," he muttered, his tone light but tinged with an underlying hint of annoyance. "My family is hogging all your time. I don't know how Daphne and Theo do this. You're mine, too, you know."
Wendy couldn't help but smile despite the situation. "You just want me all to yourself?"
He gave her a mock sigh as he effortlessly carried her up the stairs, his arms strong around her.
"Maybe, just a little," he teased. "I haven't had any alone time with you all day. I don't know how you can stand being around all these people so much. I want you all to myself for once."
Wendy playfully swatted his shoulder, though the warmth of his affection made her heart flutter.
"I'm Lily's best friend first," she said, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment as they continued their ascent. "You're just going to have to share me."
Mason let out a mock groan, his grip tightening around Wendy as he continued to carry her up the stairs.
"I've shared with my siblings all my life," he said. "But you? I'm not sharing you. Not this time."
Wendy's lips curled into a smile at his words. She playfully swatted his shoulder, but her heart fluttered at how genuine his emotions seemed despite the teasing.
Mason's lips curled into a grin, but his eyes softened as he looked down at her, that possessive streak still there, yet mixed with a tenderness she couldn't ignore.
"I'll share you," he said, the words softer now. "But I'll be the best part of your day, you'll see."
Wendy's smile grew as she shifted slightly in his arms. "We'll see about that."
Mason chuckled under his breath, carrying her the rest of the way up, the two of them lost in the comfort of their own little bubble amidst the chaos downstairs. Wendy's playful protests and soft chuckles were like music to his ears, but the moment they reached his bedroom door, something in him shifted, a surge of possessiveness flooding his veins.
With a grin on his face, he stepped into the room and effortlessly tossed her onto the bed, the motion surprising her but causing her to bounce lightly on the soft mattress. Wendy gasped, but before she could even catch her breath, Mason was already on top of her, his body hovering just inches above hers, his hands framing her face.
His lips found hers in an urgent, heated kiss, his kiss claiming hers with a passion that left her breathless. His hands tangled in her hair, tugging her closer, and he kissed her deeper, hungrily, as if he couldn't get enough of her. Wendy's heart pounded in her chest, her fingers gripping his shirt as she responded eagerly to the kiss, the world outside of the room fading away.
Mason chuckled against her lips, the sound rich and full of mischief. "I've been waiting for this all day," he murmured, his voice low and thick with desire. His lips trailed down to her neck, his warm breath sending a shiver through her body.
Wendy let out a soft laugh, her fingers slipping beneath his shirt as she tugged him closer, the closeness and intimacy of the moment making her pulse quicken.
"I should have made you wait longer," she teased, her voice breathless.
Mason's grin was wicked, and he kissed her again, more fervently this time, his hands sliding under her shirt.
"I don't think I could've lasted much longer," he replied, pulling her even closer as they lost themselves in each other, the rest of the world forgotten for now.
Mason's hands moved down, his fingers grazing the waistband of Wendy's jeans as he leaned in to kiss her once more, his lips fervent and hungry. He was so lost in the moment that he barely registered the softness of her fingers tracing over his chest. His other hand slid lower, reaching for the buttons of her jeans, but just as his fingers brushed against the first one, Wendy pulled back slightly, breathless but serious.
"Wait, Mason," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of desire and practicality. Her eyes were wide, and her hands gently pressed against his chest, pushing him back just enough to break the kiss.
Mason froze, his hands still hovering at her waist, a frustrated sigh escaping his lips.
"What? Why?" His voice was thick with frustration and need, but he wasn't about to push her if she didn't want it.
"Your whole family is downstairs," Wendy said, her chest rising and falling with the effort to keep calm despite the desire swirling inside her. "We can'tâ"
"Damn it," Mason muttered, his hands falling away from her waist as he exhaled in annoyance. He sat back on his heels, running a hand through his hair. "Are you serious? We can't even have five minutes?"
Wendy chuckled softly, but there was a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Yes, I'm serious. They're literally downstairs."
He let out a dramatic groan, but his lips curled into a playful grin. "So, you're going to make me wait even more?" His voice dropped lower, his tone teasing. "I told you we should have had a quickly on the plane."
Wendy couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. "You'll just have to be patient," she teased, giving him a quick peck on the lips before pushing him lightly. "Now, move. I have bridesmaid duties to attend to."
Mason raised an eyebrow, half-exasperated and half-amused, as he leaned back against the bed, arms crossed.
"This is so unfair," he muttered, though his eyes still danced with desire. "I've been wanting this all day, and now you want me to wait?"
"Yep," Wendy said, her smile playful but firm. "You'll have to wait. And you know you'll like the anticipation." She pressed her lips together in a teasing grin.
Mason sighed dramatically, but the frustration didn't last long. He leaned forward to kiss her again, but with a gentler, more patient approach, the playful energy between them filling the space around them. The room was quiet, save for the sound of their breathing, the weight of the moment hanging between them as they both tried to resist the temptation of the chaos downstairs.
"You're going to regret making me wait, sweet girl" Mason said, his smile softening as he gazed down at her. "I hope we have enough pillows for you to scream into."
_________________________
Lily
Lily sat at the kitchen table, her legs tucked under her as she scooped a spoonful of ice cream and pie into her mouth, savoring the sweetness. Wendy sat across from her, munching on her own dessert, scrolling through her phone, laughing at something she saw.
Lily absently tapped her own phone, her fingers flicking through Instagram with no real purpose until she paused on a story from Alexa. The photo was of Alexa and another girl, both smiling brightly. They were hugging, the kind of hug that spoke of deep familiarity and affection. The caption caught her attention, her eyes narrowing as she read the words.
"Wish you would get back with my brother! #sistersforever."
Her spoon paused midair, and her heart seemed to drop into her stomach. The familiarity of the girl in the photo hit her like a wave, and her breath caught. It was Gabriel's ex. The one she had seen in old photos of them together, the one whose name she'd heard mentioned in passing. The one who had clearly been a significant part of Gabriel's life.
Lily's eyes drifted to the background of the photo, her heart sinking further as she recognized the cozy setting of the family Christmas partyâGabriel was there.
She wasn't sure why it hit her so hard, but the jealousy spiraled in her chest, quick and sharp, the sting of insecurity she hadn't expected to feel. She told herself it shouldn't matter, that they were over, that Gabriel had chosen her, but the doubts crept in anyway. She chewed on her lip, trying to push it all aside, but the image and Alexa's words lingered, repeating in her mind.
Wendy looked up from her phone, noticing the change in Lily's expression. "You okay?" she asked, tilting her head with concern.
Lily slowly turned the phone toward Wendy, "That's Gabriel's ex. Vanessa."
Wendy looked at the pictures and then at the text, "Yikes....Alexa is really at war with you, huh?"
"Gabriel is at this party," Lily said, pulling the phone back.
"So?"
"So?" Lily's eyes narrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line. "So he's at a party with his ex-girlfriend and I'm thousands of miles away!"
"Babe," Wendy's brows furrowed. "Why do you even care? It's not like you're dating him for real or anything."
"I am dating him for real!" Lily snapped, dropping her spoon and rising to her feet. "That's my boyfriend."
Wendy blinked at Lily's sudden outburst, clearly taken aback by the sharpness in her tone. She put her phone down, her expression unreadable as she studied Lily carefully, trying to gauge what had just happened.
Lily was standing now, her hands clenched at her sides, her chest rising and falling with a deep breath. She felt the anger bubbling up, but it wasn't just about the pictureâit was about everything she hadn't been able to admit to herself until now. The doubts, the jealousy, the overwhelming mix of emotions she'd been fighting for so long. And now, here it was, spilling out all at once.
"Lily, relax," Wendy said, trying to defuse the tension. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes scanning her friend. "You're acting like you're the one who's supposed to be there with him. You do remember you're only with Gabriel to make Jake and Alexa jealous, right?"
Lily's heart skipped a beat at the words, and she shook her head quickly. "No," she said, the words slipping out more forcefully than she'd intended. "No, that's not why I'm with him."
Wendy looked at her for a moment, clearly confused. "But, you said it yourself."
Lily felt the tension in her shoulders tighten, her face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. She crossed her arms over her chest, her voice quieter but no less firm.
"I know what I said," she admitted, staring down at the table, avoiding Wendy's gaze. "But that's not how I feel anymore. I'm... I'm dating him for real now."
Wendy's eyes narrowed. She clearly hadn't expected that answer, and for a second, there was nothing but silence between them. Lily could feel the weight of the admission, as though everything had shifted, and not just between her and Gabriel, but here, in this moment, with Wendy too.
"I'm serious, Wendy," Lily continued, her voice softening as she looked back at her friend. "He's not just some guy anymore. He's my boyfriend."
Wendy opened her mouth to respond, but for a moment, she seemed speechless. After a few beats, she finally spoke, her voice quieter.
"Okay...." She said. "But what about everything with Alexa?"
"I don't know," Lily muttered, turning her phone over and looking at the photo again. "I....she's..."
"Lily," Wendy spoke slowly. "Just make sure you're honest with yourself and him, okay?"
Lily listened to Wendy's words but didn't look away from the photo.
Wish you would get back with my brother!
Lily felt her insides burn with acid. She snapped a photo of the story and opened her messaging app.
"What are you doing?" Wendy asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"Nothing," Lily said, turning away as she texted the photo to Gabriel.
Hope you're having a wonderful time at the party, she added. Tell Vanessa I said hi.
"Dude," Wendy shook her head as she read the text over Lily's shoulder. "You're losing it."
"Do you want me to call Mason's ex-girlfriend over for breakfast?" Lily snapped. "No, right? So zip it!"
Wendy watched her, eyes wide with an amused smirk on her face, as she took in the fire in Lily's gaze. "You're actually insane," Wendy laughed, her voice light and teasing, but there was an edge of concern beneath it. "If you were a cat, all your fur would be standing on its ends."
Lily's eyes flickered with that green jealousy, practically glowing with it, a sharp intensity that felt almost too much to bear. She was a whirlwind of emotions, the anger and hurt mixing in a storm of raw, unfiltered feelings.
Before she could respond, her phone buzzed in her hand again, the name Gabriel lighting up across the screen. The soft, familiar glow of his name felt like a sucker punch after everything she had just seen and felt.
Lily stared at it for a moment, unsure whether to answer, but the sound of Wendy's voice cut through the tension.
"Happy now?" Wendy teased, raising an eyebrow as she looked from the phone to Lily. "Lover boy is reporting to duty."
Lily didn't answer immediately, her gaze still fixed on the screen, the swirling emotions within her crashing against each other. She didn't know whether to pick up, to shout at him, or to pretend none of it had affected her. The phone continued to ring, waiting for her to decide what came next.
Lily's jaw tightened as she angrily swiped her phone screen, her fingers almost slamming the button to turn it off. Her breath came in shallow, quick bursts, and her chest felt tight, the jealousy building like a storm inside her. She could feel the heat of it, her hands trembling slightly as she shut off the phone without giving herself the chance to answer. The sight of Alexa's picture, the implications of Gabriel being at that party with his ex, it all boiled inside her, a pit of jealousy and frustration gnawing at her.
"Lily," Wendy tried to stop her. But Lily would not listen as she stomped off to her room. "Lily!"
Hope you liked it <3