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“No, you tricked me into dancing,” I protest, although in truth, I’m grateful for it, grateful for the music he conjures.
His jaw slackens in exaggerated shock.“Tricked you?Lady, I simply played the music.You were the one pulling off pirouettes and jetés, looking ridiculously stunning.”
Before I can respond, the doorbell rings again.I dismiss Greyson’s protests with a dismissive wave and swiftly descend the stairs.
On the other side of the door, Piper stands, cradling a baby girl in her arms.Her eyes are wide and blue, almost resembling a shade of purple, much like Piper’s.
“You’re a mom,” I breathe, a mix of elation and awe evident in my voice.
“And you’re finally home,” she replies, pulling me into an awkward yet heartfelt hug.“I’ve missed you.”
The sound of Greyson’s footsteps thunder down the stairs.“You should’ve called, Piper,” he complains, his annoyance evident.
“So you could tell me not to come?”Piper retorts, her voice tinged with a hint of irritation. “Nope.Rhea wanted to see you.”
“My favorite girl is here,” Greyson announces, stepping forward and reaching for Rhea.He playfully snatches her away from Piper, making airplane noises as he pretends to soar her through the air.
I watch them, a mix of yearning and longing filling my heart.We never discussed the idea of a family, but when I see little ones, I can’t help but feel the need for something more.And now that I see him, the yearning increases.Is that something San and Grey would want?I don’t mean now but later.
“He’s amazing with her,” Piper states, hugging me tighter.“How are you holding up?”
“I’m still figuring things out,” I say, studying myself and offering a shrug.“Ask me again next week when things are less ...overwhelming.”
“Understandable,” she says.“You’ve been through a lot.”
“Let’s see if we can find some cookies in the kitchen,” Greyson calls from somewhere within the house.
“Why don’t you come in?”I suggest opening the door wider to welcome Piper inside.
“Thank you,” she mumbles gratefully, then adds, “But don’t give her sweets, Grey.”
“My house, my rules,” Greyson playfully retorts.
Piper rolls her eyes.“He spoils her a lot.”
My heart tightens, overwhelmed by a rush of emotions.Watching Greyson with his niece, his face beaming with pure joy, I see a different side of him.He’s not the man consumed by darkness.Right in this moment, he’s simply a loving uncle, showering his niece with affection.
“Is she his favorite because she’s the first one?”I inquire, curiosity mingled with a touch of longing.
“No,” Piper replies.“Mae, Tuck’s daughter, is our first niece.Like all the Deckers, he adores cuddling babies.”
“There are more nieces and nephews?”My heart sinks with the news of what I’ve missed.
“You have to come to our next family dinner,” she says.“Everyone is looking forward to seeing you.”
I swallow hard, my throat tight with a mix of apprehension and anticipation.
“Okay, what if we come and visit you slowly so it’s not overwhelming?”Piper offers.
One of my favorite things about the Decker family is their genuine love and efforts to make me feel like I belong.
ChapterTwenty-Two
Sanford:You around?
Greyson:Yep.
Sanford:I tried to reach out to Aerin, but she’s not answering her texts.
