Page 97 of Untroubled Heart

Our family has grown so much in the last twelve months. It used to be just us kids, with our parents and grandparents. Now, Gage is here with his wife, Izzy, and their daughter. Caleb and his wife, Lex, with their own baby on the way. And I’m here with both my girls.

I’m enjoying showing Callie what it’s like to be a part of my family and giving her a glimpse of what kind of life we could create together.

“How’s the house coming along, Mason?” Grandpa asks, once he returns from stocking the toilet paper that I absolutely did not leave empty. “We can’t wait to have a look once it’s done.”

I place my hand on Callie’s thigh under the table. “We were painting this week. Tiling starts tomorrow, then all the cabinetry goes in. It should be finished in about two weeks.”

“Gosh, you did that quickly,” Lex says, serving a bowl of pavlova for herself and Caleb.

“I had a good assistant.” I wink over at Callie.

“I hope this is alright.” Grams places a second bowl of dessert on the table, centring it in front of Callie. “I’ve never cooked vegan food before.”

“That’s so kind of you to think of me,” she says as I take Navie from her arms. “I hope you didn’t go to too much trouble.”

“It was no trouble at all, darling. I quite enjoyed doing something new.”

Callie smiles at Grams as she picks up her bowl and cuts a piece of cake.

“Do you want to try some?” Callie whispers as I watch her.

“Yes, please, baby.”

She places a slice on a plate for me while I adjust Navie on my lap so I have a hand free.

I groan the second a burst of lemon and a hint of lavender cream hit my tongue.

“Grams.” I scoop up a second mouthful before finishing the first. “Vif iv amaving.”

“Mmm, so good.” Callie’s got frosting gathered in the corner of her mouth. I lean over, kissing it away, and she throws me an easy smile. I never thought I’d be this fucking happy.

Beth giggles from beside Callie, and when I look over, she’s texting under the table.

“Who’s that?” I ask.

Beth places her phone on the table. “No one.”

“Is it Mason’s friend Tristan, who you called annoyingly hot?” Mum’s eyes widen as a smile stretches across her face.

“Mother!” The delight I feel at my sister’s expense is unmatched. I knew there had to be a reason my sister fought with him. “I said he’d be hot if he weren’t so annoying.”

“Is this the same guy who made you climb in his lap at Gage’s party?” Dad cuts a slice of the lemon lavender cake as Beth sputters to herself in the corner.

“Wow, for a guy you don't like, it sounds like you talk about him a lot.” I smirk.

“Over his lap, Dad!” Beth shrieks as her cheeks turn red before she sends a glare my way. “And I wasn’t talking about him, I was complaining!”

“Are we talking about Lee’s cousin, Tristan?” Lex asks.

“The architect who worked on Lex and Gage’s clubs?” Izzy adds.

“One and the same,” I confirm.

“You guys are dating?” Lex smiles. “Tristan is so sweet!”

“I am not dating Tristan.” Beth fumes before looking at Callie for help. “Can I talk to you, please?”

Beth jumps up from her chair, dragging Callie out of the room behind her.