Chapter 24
Two weeks later, I’m holding Bryce’s hand in the kitchen at his mother’s house.
“Do you remember we almost kissed here once?” I ask teasingly. He backs me against the very counter I’d used to support myself in anticipation of that almost-kiss.
“I do,” he murmurs seductively. “And this time, Em isn’t going to spoil it.” He lowers his face to me.
“Em isn’t going to spoil what?” Emily asks, entering the kitchen. And I can’t help but burst out laughing.
“Shitty timing, as usual, sis,” Bryce grouses. But he kisses me anyway, cutting off my laugh. I sink into his embrace, not caring that Emily is watching.
“You know, this is your party,” Emily grumbles. “You might want to help out a little. People will be here soon.”
Bryce breaks away and shoots me a conspiratorial smile. “If you insist,” he replies, helping Emily bring plates and cups out to the buffet table.
I sigh happily watching him go. There’s not much he doesn’t remember anymore, and the last two weeks have been a dream rediscovering each other, settling back into our relationship, and seeing him get back all that he lost. And then some.
Charlotte walks in with Rebecca, the former moving in to hug me first. “I’m so glad you decided to celebrate your engagement with everyone before you went on vacation,” Charlotte says sweetly.
Rebecca embraces me next. “Yes,” she agrees. “We couldn’t be happier to be welcoming you to our family, Sera. I’m only sorry it had to be such a rough road here.” I press her away at arm’s length with a smile, squeezing her shoulders gently.
“I’m not,” I admit. “It happened the way it happened, and in the end, it all worked out.” The older woman beams back at me, nodding in agreement.
“You’re right, of course,” she responds with a smile.
Emily sticks her head in the kitchen. “Hey, Sera, your dad and his wife are here,” she calls.
“Already?” I gasp, running out to find Bryce. He’s by the table setting things out. “Baby, have you seen Hunter yet?” He looks up at me, confused.
“No, I don’t think he and Graham have arrived, why?” he asks.
“Shit,” I curse. “My dad and his wife are here.” Bryce’s eyes widen.
“I’ll ask Aunt Char to run interference,” he suggests. I nod, and he runs to the kitchen to get Charlotte while I move to meet Kent and Barb. I find them hovering in the foyer.
“Kent,” I call. He looks up and his face floods with relief at the sight of me.
“Sera, there you are,” he breathes. He gestures to the tiny redhead next to him. “This is my wife, Barb.” I extend my hand out, which she grasps firmly in greeting.
“It’s so very nice to meet you, Barb,” I say. I feel a hand slide on my back, and I turn to see Bryce has joined us. “This is my … Bryce.” I laugh. Bryce extends his hand to my father first, and they have a friendly shake before Bryce shakes Barb’s hand too.
“Please, come in,” Bryce encourages, leading us all to the living room. Behind us, I see Charlotte dart for the door to field incoming guests, particularly Hunter. Because today, of all days, Hunter has decided to come out to our father. As if there weren’t enough going on.
The next group to arrive is the Sutton Developments crowd — Charles, Suraj, and their spouses. Bryce and I position ourselves between the foyer and the living room in wait, while we watch Rebecca and Charlotte entertain Kent and Barb as Emily continues to run food from the kitchen to the buffet table. I knew the morning had been too calm — everything is in full swing now, though, so I take a deep breath as I prepare for another round of introductions.
I embrace Charles as he makes it to us, accepting his congratulations and introducing him to Bryce. It’s odd seeing the two men shaking hands. They’re both such a big part of my life now, and I don’t miss the momentousness of the occasion. Charles introduces us to his wife, Diane, and then we repeat the whole process with Suraj and his wife, Mena. When they’ve all moved on to the living room, I turn back to Bryce.
“It’s already weird seeing all these different people in one place,” I whisper. “Was this a good idea?”
Bryce shrugs and drops a gentle kiss on my forehead. “Too late now,” he murmurs in my ear. “Just focus on tomorrow. We’ll be driving through the Italian countryside and eating gelato.” I let out a sigh of anticipation.
“Mmmm, that was better even that dirty talk,” I tease. He smiles, but doesn’t respond, gesturing to the door, where I see Heather and her boyfriend. She runs over and hugs me, introducing us to Sam, who seems like a really great guy. Though the huge smile on her face whenever she looks at him speaks volumes too. And Heather also takes the opportunity to thank Bryce personally for everything he did for her. Bryce is, as usual, gracious and humble, and every word out of his mouth makes me love him more. If that’s even possible.
But it’s back to it before I can spend too much time staring adoringly at him, as we welcome Tristan and his boyfriend, Max, my mother, and the Kramers all in quick succession. I spend a little extra time greeting Allie and David, fawning over Brian in his cute little sailor outfit.
But not long after, Alessandro arrives. And I watch Bryce tensely as Alessandro embraces me. Thankfully, he’s on his best behavior, and he knows Alessandro and I have been through too much together not to remain friends.
Finally, Hunter and Graham arrive.
“You guys are the last ones in,” I greet them. I look at Hunter. “Now or later?”
Hunter shifts nervously. “Let’s just get it over with.” Graham squeezes Hunter’s hand and disappears into the crowds in the living room to wait until Hunter signals him to return. Bryce approaches, bringing Kent and Barb with him.
Hunter hugs them both and they spend a few minutes catching up. I purposely keep my distance, waiting for a signal same as Graham, in case Hunter needs me. But I’m close enough to hear it when, apropos of nothing in particular, Hunter spills the beans. His declaration is met with stunned silence.
And after a time, this gem from our father: “Well, son, I’m proud of you anyway.”
Barb has the good sense to smack him on the back of the head and reassure Hunter that they love him, and they just want him to be happy, whatever that means for him. Hunter catches my eye over her shoulder and smiles. I give him an encouraging thumbs-up and step away to give them privacy, pleased by their response.
A bit later I notice Hunter call Graham over. But it’s then that I catch that Bryce has been watching me. Our eyes lock across the room, and a shiver of anticipation runs through me. I hope quietly that I’ll always feel this way when he looks at me across a roomful of people.
As conversations ebb and flow, I slowly make my way across the room to where Bryce is. I make sure to check in with my mom, having not much more than greeted her yet. But once I make it by Bryce’s side, he tucks me protectively under his arm. I wrap my arms around his torso, looking happily up into his shining blue eyes.
“Ready?” he murmurs into my ear. I nod, and he picks up a spoon, using it to tap his glass. The room falls silent and everyone turns to us.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming,” Bryce starts. “Sera and I are touched that you were all able to make it on such short notice. You all know that I proposed to this beautiful woman two weeks ago, and she accepted.” Everyone cheers and Bryce smiles, holding up a hand after a moment to call for silence.
“But you may not know I actually bought the ring a year ago.” He looks down at me lovingly. “And though fate prevented me from giving it to her until now, I’ve loved her since the day I met her. And I’m the luckiest bastard on the planet because she loves me too.” I rise up on my toes to plant a kiss on his lips and a collective “awwww” rises from the room.
“But if we’ve learned anything through it all, it’s not to take for granted that there will be a tomorrow. So we promised each other that we would live each day with no regrets, without hesitation, without fear. Together. And because we didn’t want to waste one more minute without joining our lives, we were married yesterday by a justice of the peace.” Gasps ring through the room. “And so, I’d like to introduce you all to my wife — Serafina Hoyt.” He raises his glass, looking down at me. “Thank you, baby, for bringing me back, and making me the happiest man alive. Never forget how much I love you.” He slips his wedding ring out of his pocket, making a show of putting it on.
Grinning from ear to ear, I pull him to me once more, kissing him deeply this time, to cheers from all. “I love you too,” I murmur back to him. But I wonder if he even heard me as our family and friends close on us, eager to hug and congratulate us.
I receive all of our friends and family in turn, accepting their congratulations, hugs, blessings, and everything else. My parents are both thrilled, having already come to adore Bryce. And thankfully there are few hurt feelings. Allie is really the only one who is ticked. I can see it written all over her face before she’s able to corner me some minutes later after the initial wave of well-wishers has died down.
“You didn’t,” she sputters, handing baby Brian off to David. “Please, Sera, tell me you didn’t get married without me.” I bite my lip, and I’m sure I look guilty as hell.
“I’m sorry, Allie,” I reply. “We wanted it to be just us.”
“Oh, really? What about your witnesses?” she presses testily.
I shrug. “There was another couple there to get married. They witnessed for us,” I reply. And instantly, I know it was the wrong thing to say.
“Strangers?!” Allie replies. She’s so loud it catches Bryce’s attention. David takes the opportunity to hand him baby Brian so he can talk Allie down.
“Al, come on, it’s their wedding, their choice,” David reminds her soothingly. Allie whirls on him and he shrinks back. Bryce’s eyes go wide, and he smoothly carts the baby off somewhere out of the line of fire.
“No. Just no,” she says to David before turning back on me. Her anger melts, leaving an expression of pure hurt on her face. “You could’ve called me. I would’ve been there in a heartbeat.”
I hold my arms out to her, hoping a hug will reassure her. She accepts it but doesn’t seem terribly placated.
“Allie, I love you, you know that,” I assure her. “But Bryce and I have been through so much. We just needed this to be apart from everything for a little while. Our own private moment that the world couldn’t touch or spoil. Does that make any sense?”
Allie looks like a deflated balloon. “Actually, it does,” she admits. She throws her arms around me and hugs me tightly again, for real this time. “I’m sorry, Sera, you’re right. And really, I’m so happy for you both.”
I squeeze her back tightly. “Thank you,” I breathe. “You know that means the world to me.”
She pulls back, nodding. “And hey, I figured out what I’m going to do with myself,” she says brightly.
“Oh yeah, what’s that?” I ask eagerly.
“I’m writing a book,” she replies with a small smile. “About what I went through. It’s really helping me work through a lot of what happened.”
“That’s great, Allie,” I reply. “I can’t wait to read it.”
“Thanks,” she says brightly. “Brian has been such a blessing, and he’s really helped me look into my own heart to understand my why.” She looks around. “Where’d he go?” I laugh.
“Bryce took him away when you started to go nuclear,” I explain. “Let’s go find him.”
We mill around, ultimately finding Bryce in the kitchen holding Brian, with David nearby preparing a bottle. We hover by the door, taking it in. Bryce is looking down at Brian, cooing gently while Brian grips his finger with his tiny fist. The tenderness in Bryce’s touch and the love and joy on his face split me open. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful watching him fawn over the baby.
Allie rests a hand on my arm. “He’s going to be a great dad,” she whispers. Bryce’s eyes snap up, having clearly heard her. I smile lovingly at him.
“Yes, he is,” I agree. I’m awarded with a sunshine smile in return, and it melts me that much more.
“We’ve got this,” Bryce assures me in a gentle tone. “You guys go enjoy yourselves.”
Allie gives me an impressed look and immediately pulls me back into the living room. We’re headed to the buffet table to grab some food when Allie gasps and pulls me to a stop.
“Allie, what the hell?” I ask. She shushes me and points into the foyer. I look up to see Emily leaned against the wall. Alessandro stands over her, leaned next to her, his face close to hers. He’s obviously working his magic charm on her, as I know exactly what that sexy smirk means. And she’s obviously enjoying it, toying playfully with the ends of her long, wavy locks and batting her eyelashes at him. I cover my mouth with my hand to hide my shocked laugh.
“Oh, Bryce is going to be furious,” I hiss. Allie laughs.
“Then we best not tell him,” she replies.
“He’ll find out,” I assure her. “And if he finds out I knew and didn’t tell him …”
Allie stares at me in shock. “You’re not really planning to tell him, are you?” she asks incredulously.
I consider Emily and Alessandro for a moment. Technically, I’m pretty sure Emily’s still seeing what’s-his-face. And Alessandro is probably not stupid enough to actually try dating Bryce’s sister. I hope.
“They’re just talking,” I finally say slowly. “Right?” I give her a pointed look.
“Who is?” she asks dumbly, turning around and dragging me with her.
I laugh. “Better still,” I respond.
After I’ve managed to sneak a few appetizers, I pop back into the kitchen to check on Bryce. Baby Brian is sleeping happily in his arms, having had his bottle, and Rebecca is gazing adoringly at him.
“I want lots of these,” she says softly to Bryce. “You know, grandbabies.” Bryce chuckles softly.
“That’s the plan,” I interject quietly. They both look up at me, and I catch Bryce’s eye, smiling adoringly at him.
Rebecca looks between us. “Your news was timely, you know,” she says to us. Bryce’s eyes move to his mother’s.
“Why’s that?” he asks curiously. She gestures around her.
“This old place,” she sighs. “I’m a widow now, Bryce. It’s too much for me. I’ve been thinking it’s time I downsize.”
“No, Mom, you’re not selling the house,” Bryce protests. Rebecca shakes her head.
“Of course not,” she scoffs. “I’m giving it to you.” Bryce’s mouth drops open. “That is, if you want it.”
Bryce looks at me questioningly. I nod. I know how much he loves this house, and the timing really couldn’t be more perfect. He wraps his free arm around his mother, pulling her close. His eyes shine with tears, and he seems unable to speak.
“We’d be honored by such a generous gift,” I say for him. “And we would love to live here and raise our family here. Thank you, Rebecca.” Rebecca opens her free arm to me, and I join their huddle.
“Mom, can you take Brian back to Allie, please?” Bryce asks, letting his mother go. Rebecca nods understandingly, gently transferring the sleeping baby to her arms and leaving us alone.
Bryce takes my hands, pulling me to him. I slide happily into his embrace, tilting my head to look up into his eyes.
“You’re really okay with living here?” he asks softly. I smile happily.
“Yes,” I assure him. “And not just because I’d live anywhere with you. Or because you love this house. I love it too. It will be a constant reminder of the love in this family, for all the years they’ve been here. So your father will always be with us in a way. And your mother can still be here as much as she’d like.”
His eyes are shining once again, bright blue and filled with happiness. “You really mean that,” he whispers. I nod. “You are too good to be true, Sera Hoyt.” I grin at his use of my new name.
“No, I just hate house shopping,” I tease him. He laughs.
“Whatever you say, Mrs. Hoyt,” he mutters.
“You just really like calling me that, don’t you?” I observe. His sunshine smile breaks across his face, and it makes me sublimely happy seeing it so often.
“Mhhhmmm, and I’m going to like calling you that in bed later too,” he murmurs suggestively.
“Then I’d say it’s about time we leave for our honeymoon,” I reply. “But since there won’t be any beds for a while …” I glance down the hall suggestively.
He looks around, considering for a moment before scooping me over his shoulder and bustling me down the hall to his room. He drops me on the bed, closing the door behind him.
I lay there, propped up on my arms, eyeing the tender look on his face.
“Are you going to make love to me now, Mr. Hoyt?” I ask him teasingly. His eyes darken, and he rolls his muscled shoulders once before slowly advancing on me. When he reaches the bed, he leans over me slowly, planting his arms on either side of me so our faces are inches apart.
I can feel the desire rolling off of him as he sizes me up. “No, Mrs. Hoyt,” he replies huskily. “I’m going to fuck you senseless.”
“Promise?” I whisper. He doesn’t answer. At least, not with words.