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“To meet my family. You will also meet your cousins Alex and Charlie.”
“I have cousins?”
“You do. You have cousins, uncles, and aunts. They’ll all love you.” My grip on the steering wheel tightens as I make that statement.
I know they will eventually fall in love with Ray, but I really hope they can keep their initial judgement to themselves tonight. For sure, I can’t count on Zander to keep his cool. He’s definitely going to blow his top seeing us on his doorstep. But I can’t think of another way to break this news. The good thing is Beast will be there, so I have some backup.
I steer onto Zander’s estate.
“Wow!” Ray exclaims. “It’s like a palace.”
It is indeed. My brother made this beautiful romantic house in the woods for his wife as their wedding gift. It’s a Victorian-style building on a huge estate complete with a creek and even a small gazebo.
I ring the doorbell and we are greeted by the mellow notes of a piano. My brother fucking thought about everything when making this the most romantic and mystical place for his wife. It’s like he’s running for some “best husband” award.
Zander opens the door and his smile falters when he sees Hope and Ray.
“Hi, Hope. What a surprise.” He gives my new bride a tight smile and glares at me. But before I can instill some manners in my brother, Rose joins him.
“Zach.” Her forehead puckers at the sight of Ray and Hope. My sister-in-law doesn’t do well with surprises, and I really hate to cause her panic.
“Rose, this is…” I fumble for words. Damn! I didn’t think I would have to introduce my new family at their doorstep. My stupid brother can shut the door in my face here.
“Hi, I’m Hope.” Hope gives her hand to Rose who reluctantly shakes it. “This is my son, Ray.”
“Sweetheart, remember I told you about a kid who resembles Zach?” Zander thankfully smiles at Ray when he explains our connection to Rose.
A smile finally plays on my sister-in-law’s lips, and she fusses with Ray’s hair before getting on her knees.
“Welcome, Ray. My son, Alex, will be so happy to meet you.” Once Rose is back up on her feet, she turns to Hope. “We’ve ordered your cupcakes.”
Rose’s attempt at making conversation puts a strained expression on my new wife’s face.
I don’t blame Hope completely. She might have taken Rose’s direct voice as hostile. Fuck! I should have given her some background about my family.
Of course, you should have, you dumbass.
We enter the living room where Beast and Lukas, Zane’s best friend, are fixing drinks for everyone at the bar. The rest of the group is in the main sitting area, which is furnished with some comfy couches and ottomans. My brother designed the house for hosting family gatherings. Something Rose missed all her childhood.
For a moment, there’s complete silence in the room. I’m sure everyone is shocked that I invited a woman and her son to a family dinner.
Jesus! Get over it, people.
Thankfully, Zane breaks the ice. “Hope, it’s-s so nice t-to see you and R-ray again.”
I look down when Ray’s soft hands clutch my legs and he hides behind me.
Fuck! My first day of being a dad and it seems I just threw my son to a pack of wolves.
Okay, so they’re not wolves exactly. But I guess that’s how they look to Ray right now.
I crouch down. “Hey, buddy. Don’t be nervous. That’s my family and I told you they will love you.”
“Hi, I’m Alex.” My nephew approaches us.
“I’m Ray,” my son mutters softly.
“My mom got me a new comic book today. Would you like to see it?”
