When Sakura woke up three hours later, she heard Toby barking excitedly, along with human voices. Feeling better and very curious as to the unusual noises, she got out of bed and headed to the door. With her long hair in a wild tangle, her dress haphazardly on her slim form, and her skin flushed with renewed energy, she came along the corridor and toward the living area.

Her steps faltered at the threshold, and she came to a sudden halt. The sight she beheld before her overwhelmed her with emotion. Her heart gave a little tug, bursting with an unrecognized sense of warmth and belonging that threatened to make her cry. Her throat tightened as she willed her tears not to show.

She’d thought the brothers had returned to their apartment, but apparently, she’d been wrong about that.

Nicolas and Sosuke were sitting in the corner, playing chess of all things. So far, it looked like Nicolas was winning. Tristan and Logan were with Akira. She was showing them her portfolio. The two men looked very interested and kept nodding their heads and doing their oohs and aahs and I like this pose and I like that, etc. Darcy and Sebastian were in deep conversation about something, and Sakura was rather curious to know what the topic was. She hoped it wasn’t her. Conrad was lying on the floor, flat on his stomach, playing with Toby, tickling and stroking the pup who kept barking and jumping around him. And Hayden was playing a video game of some sort on his smartphone.

Her family. They were her family, and despite her will to keep the tears at bay, they still managed to brew in her eyes.

Darcy glanced up and saw her there at the door. He said softly, “Sakura, you’re up?”

Sebastian flicked his gaze to her. “Feeling better?” he asked. He also wanted to add, Sorry it was partially my fault for keeping you up late most nights, but refrained himself from saying so out loud.

Sakura nodded, confirming she was feeling much better. Of course, she didn’t notice that every one of the men was gazing at her, with rather too much interest, forgetting what they’d been doing a moment ago. Nicolas had a bishop in his hand and hadn’t a clue why. Sosuke forgot he was actually playing chess and nudged his glasses up the bridge of his fine nose, his eyes glued on Sakura. Tristan and Logan were more interested in their sister, who was posing quite naturally in her dress that didn’t sit right on her person. Both Sebastian and Darcy just stared at her, quite enchanted by the presence of the young woman they loved. Conrad sat up, grinning from ear to ear, Toby in his arms. And Hayden forgot he was supposed to try and beat the crap out of the Prince of Flirt in the video game to win over Snow White.

Akira cleared her throat to get the men’s attention, but it didn’t work. She sighed in indignation and then rushed up to Sakura. There she stood in such a way as to block Sakura from the men’s view and whispered, “Your dress isn’t done up properly.”

Sakura glanced down and found the two front buttons had come off. She blushed and said, “Thanks.”

Akira giggled. “You look awful, Sakura-chan. Let me help you get ready for your family reunion.”

“Oh?” She raised her brows, wondering if the brothers had already told Akira and her family of her relationship to them.

“Don’t worry,” Akira said, pulling her by the hand and leading her away from the living area—away from the men. “We won’t intrude. Oba-chan is currently with your parents at the moment, up at the penthouse.”

“Daddy James and Mom Brenda are here already?” Sakura voiced, incredulous.

Conrad heard them from the living area and shouted, “They were here ages ago. You were sleeping.”

Sakura clamped her lips shut and thought what a terrible daughter she was.

“I better hurry,” she said, rushing back to her room.

Akira followed her. “Don’t worry. They won’t be going anywhere.”

Some ten minutes later, Sakura came out of the bathroom, and Akira cocked her head to one side. Dressed in a short floral day dress, Akira admitted Sakura was a beauty all right. She further thought either Sebastian or Darcy would be a perfect partner for her. If she were in Sakura’s shoes, she wouldn’t know who to choose though. Both men were wonderful, totally hot, and loved Sakura to bits. Akira was sure of that the moment she’d seen the three together.

Sakura gathered her long tresses and started patting the strands dry with a towel.

“You do know it’s Sosuke’s birthday tomorrow, right?” Akira asked, leaning back on the bed.

Sakura nodded. “I promised to help prepare dinner for the celebration.”

Akira laughed as she rested her head on her arm, her eyes on Sakura. “Are you sure you still want to do that?”

At Akira’s smirk, Sakura was suspicious and turned her gaze to her friend. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It’s just that,” Akira began, shrugging her shoulders, “there will be nine more people now.”

Sakura widened her eyes in shocked surprise. “Come again?”

Akira laughed. “Sosuke has invited your adoptive family as well. The Princeton brothers.”

“Oh.”

“It’s traditional in our family, Sakura-chan,” Akira said. “It has to be a formal dinner. Of course, the housekeeper and I will be helping you out.”

“How about if I ask Jane to come and help as well?” Sakura suggested. She actually wanted Jane to attend Sosuke’s birthday party, seeing how smitten the woman was with him.

“Oh, Jane.” Akira nodded, remembering the blond woman who Sakura had brought along that day a couple weeks ago. “Yes, she’s nice. Ask her.”

“I’ll do that,” Sakura said. She was just finishing patting her hair when a knock came at the door.

“Come in,” Sakura called.

And the intruders did come in—all seven of them. Their tall, handsome forms blocking the door and crowding the bedroom.

“Come on, Sakura. Mom and Dad are waiting for you,” Hayden said.

“Gosh!” Akira chuckled, her eyes scanning from one to the other. “You guys couldn’t leave her alone, could you?”

It was meant to be a jest, but Nicolas scolded her. “And let her run off again?”

Akira blushed and wanted to poke out her tongue at him. She was tempted to do that, but knowing she was a grown woman, she resigned to simply glare at him instead. She promised herself she’d make the man kneel before her somehow, someway.

Sebastian took Sakura by the wrist and led her out the door, Darcy close behind them. The others followed suit, leaving Nicolas behind.

Akira hissed. “You’re a mean baka! I feel sorry for Sakura that she has to put up with you.” With that, she held her head high and marched toward the door.

She didn’t get very far though. Nicolas caught her by the wrist and pulled her back to him.

Tristan and Logan, who were at the corridor, heard Akira’s accusation. Curious, they both turned just in time to see Nicolas pulling Akira into his arms and slamming the door shut. The brothers looked at each other and then chuckled.

Tristan tucked his hands into the pocket of his jeans and said, “About time that old fart got himself a girlfriend.”

Logan agreed with a chuckle and a nod of his head.

At the elevator, Sakura found herself surrounded by six gorgeous Princeton brothers in a very confined space. Now she wondered if it had been a better idea to climb the stairs instead. But of course, she hadn’t been thinking properly. Sebastian, who had been walking ahead of her, had been holding on to her hand tightly. It hadn’t helped either with Darcy beside her with his grasp around her other wrist, his hand firm yet gentle. It was as though they were afraid she’d run off again.

Hayden was facing her now, his back to the elevator door, when he said, “You look like you’re going to faint again, Sakura.”

At this comment, the brothers turned their attention to her. She blushed. “It’s a bit tight in here, and I don’t like small spaces very much.”

“We should have taken the stairs,” Darcy said, touching the back of his hand against her forehead. “You’re a bit feverish.”

“I’m fine,” Sakura said. She glanced at the brothers one by one to convince them. “Really. Just tired. That’s all.”

“A friend of mine is a doctor,” Sebastian said. “I’ll give him a call and see if you can see him on Monday.”

“That sounds good, Seb,” Logan said. “Ah, it’s too bad I can’t accompany you, Sakura.”

Sebastian said quickly, “Like I said, I’m taking her.”

The brothers nodded. They all knew Sebastian would take good care of Sakura.

Sakura glanced up at Sebastian, her eyes large as she gazed at him. She didn’t like the fact that he actually had to accompany her to see a doctor. She wasn’t that helpless. After all, she’d been able to look after herself for the past years without their help.

“I can go by myself. Just give me the address of the clinic and the name of the doctor.”

Tristan was quick to intervene. “If you don’t want Sebastian to take you, Sakura darling,” he said sweetly, “I’ll only be happy to.” He gave her a dashing smile and a wink.

Sebastian gave him a good glare. Darcy scowled at him. Hayden looked heavenward, and Logan laughed. Conrad was too busy mucking about with Toby to notice what his brothers were talking about.

Tristan said under his breath, “Or not. Touché!”

At the penthouse, the moment Sakura saw her adoptive parents at the threshold of the door, her knees weakened with emotion. Daddy James rushed up and grabbed her into his arms, squeezing her so tight she became breathless and laughed, begging him to let her go. Mom Brenda joined in as well, pulling her daughter into her arms and kissing her cheeks and forehead until Sakura, again, begged her to stop.

Though Brenda did stop kissing Sakura, she wouldn’t let the girl go, however. She clutched Sakura in her embrace as if she were afraid she’d lose her again. She laughed and said, “Oh, Sakura, we’ve missed you.” Which was of course an understatement.

After a lot more of the hugging and a few tears from Brenda and Beth, Sakura was made to sit between James and Brenda as they continued their reunion session. Haruka, who’d been with both James and Brenda for the past few hours, excused herself and left them to it. The woman didn’t allow her tears to flow until she was completely alone in her own room. She was glad indeed that Sakura had been adopted into such a kind and lovely family. She thanked her gods for that. She was so grateful to both James and Brenda for filling her shoes, taking on a role Haruka herself had been unfit to perform.

Brenda couldn’t help herself and kept pulling Sakura into her arms while James kept patting her head. Conrad decided to join his parents in interrogating Sakura about her life for the past year, of course with Toby in his arms. This went on for a couple hours, and meanwhile, Nicolas, Tristan, Logan, Sebastian, Hayden, and Darcy were hovering in and out of the living room. Sakura got distracted by their appearance and disappearance now and again, curious, and wondered what the heck they were up to. Of course, the occupants in the living area would hear loud swear words such as son of bitch and oh, for fuck’s sake, shit and oh, for the love of God, for Christ’s sake, and I’m bleeding, and a whole lot more. Most were from Tristan and Logan and a few from Hayden.

It was a few hours later when the family settled down for dinner around the table.

“I cooked your favorite today, Sakura,” Beth said. “It’s roast pork and chicken and, of course, chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert.”

“Yum!” Conrad said, rubbing his hands together. “Your chocolate cake is the best, Beth.”

“Thanks, Beth,” Sakura said and thought to add, “Do you want some help?”

“I had plenty of help, Sakura,” Beth said. A moment later, her minions came out from the kitchen. Sebastian and Nicolas were carrying the main dishes of roast pork each. Darcy had the two trays of chicken in his hands, while Tristan had two big plates of roast vegetables and Logan two bowls of salad. Hayden was carrying some bottles of wine.

“Hey, you guys didn’t tell me you were helping with dinner,” Conrad accused his brothers, and Toby barked at them in outrage as well.

Tristan said, as he put his load down on the table, “That’s because you’re too busy being smitten by your sister.”

At this, the brothers laughed, and Conrad’s face reddened with embarrassment. Toby licked his cheek fondly, teasing him as well.

Sakura noted the brothers’ clothing was a mess, too, and wondered if they’d never been in the kitchen cooking before. No wonder there were swear words. She hid a smile because they didn’t seem to notice they looked quite a picture. Six hot men in dirty clothing was rather amusing and enchanting to watch. They were eye-candy to say the least, especially Sebastian and Darcy.

Everyone moved in to take their seats, and Conrad wanted to sit beside Sakura but found he was too late. Sebastian got to her left first and then Darcy her right. So he resigned himself to sitting beside Darcy, Toby still on his lap. Everyone else took the chairs around the table, and James demanded Beth be seated with them as well, which she happily obliged.

Everyone started digging in, hands taking and placing pieces of meat and vegetables onto their plates. Darcy was cutting a piece of chicken thigh and placing it onto a plate for Sakura when she noticed the burn marks on his hands.

“Your hands,” she said, caressing the wounds.

Darcy felt a surge of hot pleasure where she was stroking him.

“You’ve burned yourself?” she asked, looking at him with concern.

“Just a little,” he said, his eyes hot and intense on her.

Sakura saw the hunger and desire scorching his mauve-gray eyes and blushed.

James didn’t miss the two eyeing each other and noted Sebastian watching them too. He’d known the two brothers had feelings for Sakura since they were little, though they themselves hadn’t realized that until last year when they returned to St. Joseph Island for Mary’s wedding. It was a love triangle, and James knew it was hard for Sakura to choose between his two sons.

Tristan didn’t want to be left out and said, “Burned? Nah.” He lifted his hand and showed her a large bandage. “I cut myself. It was bleeding like hell!”

Logan said, “That’s because you can’t even use a potato peeler. You’re useless in the kitchen.”

At this, everyone laughed, including Tristan. He admitted he was totally useless in the kitchen and couldn’t do much more than switch on the kettle.

Once they calmed down, Hayden said, “Beth, out of all of us, which do you think would be the best house husband?”

Beth cocked her head to one side as she popped a piece of roasted carrot into her mouth. After a moment of chewing, she said, “I think it would have to be Master Sebastian. He’s very good in the kitchen. He didn’t complain one bit, and he cooked the pork to perfection.”

Sakura glanced up at the handsome man beside her and smiled. “I agree, Beth,” she said. “It’s moist and absolutely delicious.”

Sebastian was pleased at her comment and winked at her.

Tristan saw the wink and said loudly, “Hey, Seb, that’s my job! I wink at girls and you don’t! Got it?”

As everyone gave out another roar of laughter, Sakura flicked her gaze to Sebastian. “Seb?” she repeated, and her heart began to beat faster and realization dawned on her.

Everything fit perfectly, didn’t it? Why hadn’t she thought of it before? Sebastian was her landlord. The name Seb was what his brothers liked to call him. Then there was the fact he was a swimmer. Even the part where he liked his sister’s coffee and wasn’t on speaking terms with her was true. Only that sister was her.

Sakura dropped her hands on her lap under the table and sighed, suddenly having no idea how to react. What was his purpose in not telling her his name in the first place? Really, how could he do that to her? Why didn’t he tell her it was him she’d been chatting with online?

Sebastian didn’t like the look on Sakura’s face the moment Tristan referred to him as Seb. He knew she’d figured him out and felt his guts churning rather sickly. To comfort her, he dropped one hand under the table and grabbed hers, holding her tight. Sakura jumped at the unexpected contact and tried to break free. Sebastian, however, wouldn’t let her go. She glanced up at him, pleading him with her eyes to release her, telling him she was confused by his actions.

Sebastian wouldn’t have any of it and just grinned back at her, telling her he’d talk to her after dinner. It was only when she agreed with a silent nod that he allowed her hand free.

“Sakura,” Brenda said from the distance of the long table, drawing everyone’s attention. “I got in contact with Mary.”

Sakura paled. She hoped her parents wouldn’t blame Mary for keeping her whereabouts a secret. She was about to explain to them it was her fault that Mary couldn’t tell anyone about her existence when Brenda said, “She told me she’s coming to Hawaii this coming week to meet up with you.”

Sakura replied a tentative, “Yes.”

“Well, we’ve decided a vacation in Hawaii would be good for us, too,” Brenda said.

“Mary?” Logan said. “Jesus! I haven’t seen her for ages.”

Tristan asked, “How is she?”

“Big,” Brenda said, laughing. In fact, she hadn’t laughed for ages, since that day Sakura had disappeared.

Her husband noticed. He laughed, too. He said, “She is big, darling. But not as big as you were when you had Tristan, Logan, and Sebastian.”

Brenda decided to glare at her beloved triplets, who at the moment were sitting scattered around the table and enjoying their meal tremendously. They’d put her through hell for nine long months.

“I was a full-blown balloon,” she said. “And it was you three’s fault!”

Tristan laughed. “Don’t blame me, Mother. Blame those two!” He pointed his fork at Logan and Sebastian. “They pushed their way in. I had a right to be in your womb. Not them.”

A roar of laughter ensued. Once the cheerful noise died down, Conrad interjected, “Mary is coming to Hawaii. That’s awesome. About time the whole family goes on a vacation together.” Then he gave some more chicken to Toby, who enjoyed it tremendously.

“We were talking to Lady Suzuki,” James said, eyeing Sakura pointedly. “She said you’re one of the models for Mr. Tachibana’s summer collection?” He also avoided mentioning the names Tara and Alaina, who were models as well. He knew if those names were to come up, his sons would hit the roof.

As of last year, he no longer considered Tara his daughter. Her actions really upset him, and a Princeton would never do such as Tara had. Alaina, on the other hand, he still had hope she’d return to them. He still had hope she’d see sense and realize Tara for who she was—a cunning, manipulative woman. Of course, it was a good thing Alaina was still on good terms with Brenda, and eventually, Brenda would be able to make Alaina come back to them.

In response to James’s question, Sakura took a sip of her white wine and then nodded.

James continued. “They were having a dilemma about shooting sites, apparently.”

Nicolas chimed in. “I’ve already offered our resort as a possible site, Dad.”

“Yes,” James said. “But I was thinking of us, and I mean all of us.” Again, he looked at Sakura pointedly. “I want us to stay at the resort for a couple weeks.”

Sebastian said, “Sounds good.” He looked at Sakura. “You’d like that, won’t you?”

Yes, of course Sakura would like that. She’d wanted a vacation for ages but had never had the time for it. She’d always been so busy setting up her gallery. Even now, she thought it wasn’t the right time either because of her weird situation. “But I have work with Lady Haruka,” she explained.

“Ah,” James said. “Don’t worry. I’ve spoken with her. She’s planning on staying there as well. I’ve invited her and her family.”

“Really?” Sakura smiled, pleased.

The radiant look on her face was contagious, and it tugged deep not only in James’s and Brenda’s hearts, but the brothers’ as well. After all, they thought she really needed a vacation, and her spending time with them was the icing on the cake. They couldn’t wait to get her out and about and doing all sorts of fun things.

“Oh, and Katherine, Jim, and Michael are coming as well,” Brenda said. “I haven’t seen Michael for ages. He’s nine now.”

At the mention of Michael, Conrad pulled his face. The little brat had been his competition for Sakura’s attention as of last year. Hence, this year, Conrad decided to play dirty if push came to shove.

Hayden sighed. “And I suppose Richard will be coming as well?”

The brothers became serious all of a sudden at the mention of their cousin.

Brenda laughed when she saw the sour look on her sons’ faces. “Yes, of course.” To which they all groaned in distaste.

Dinner went well after that, and the brothers offered to clean up the mess. James and Brenda left straight after dessert because it was getting rather late. Beth herself retired to her own room, claiming she was tired after cooking and preparing the big meal, even though she had six pairs of helping hands. Of course, she refused to let anyone know it was seeing Sakura again that had shocked and drained her. Sakura’s sudden disappearance had broken her heart because she loved the young woman dearly. She’d loved Sakura since the day the girl had moved into Princeton Mansion all those years ago, looking scared and lost and very alone.

In her room, Beth secretly prayed to God and thanked him for keeping Sakura safe and returning her to them. Then she added that she’d go to church more often if he’d help Sakura find her biological mother as well. 

Back in the kitchen, once Beth was gone, the brothers got down to it, helping each other clean up. Hayden was scraping off the plates while Tristan did the rinsing. Conrad stood next to Tristan, putting the plates into the dishwater. Logan was clearing the table while Nicolas wiped the benches. Sebastian and Darcy were busy gathering the pots and pans and bowls. And of course, Toby was cozily asleep in the corner. When Sakura came in to see what was going on after she’d escorted her parents out, she laughed at the sight she beheld before her.

“What are you guys doing?” she asked, curious.

“Cleaning up,” Hayden said. “We could use another pair of hands.”

Sakura couldn’t turn down the offer, because really, the way they were going, it’d take them ages. But that wasn’t the problem. The problem was she was sure Beth would scream in fright when she saw how messy her kitchen was once the brothers had finished cleaning.

She headed straight to the sink and helped Tristan rinse the plates and told Conrad how to place the dishes right so they’d get washed properly. Cheeky Tristan chose to stand behind her and help rinse the dishes, both hands over hers and his face leaning close beside her. Sakura glanced up and glared at him.

Darcy said, “You’re invading, Tristan. Move away to a safe distance before Sebastian and I give you a good bash to the face.”

Tristan laughed. “All right. All right. I got it. She’s taken, ah, by none other than my own brothers.” He moved out of the way and opted to help Conrad place the dishes in the dishwasher instead.

When they were nearly finished, Sebastian pulled Sakura away from the sink. “I’m taking Sakura back. You guys finish up.”

He led her out the door, with Sakura barely able to say good night to the other brothers.

Darcy wasn’t happy Sebastian got to go with Sakura alone but had decided to let them have some space. After all, despite the fact that both brothers loved Sakura dearly, ultimately, it was up to Sakura to choose who she wanted to be with, and Darcy wasn’t going to play dirty and force her to choose him. He wanted her to be happy and chose the man she truly loved. Besides, Sebastian was a great guy, and Darcy loved and respected Sebastian as a brother. Winning Sakura’s heart was a healthy competition between them, and Darcy knew he’d get his chance with her soon enough. After all, that was what they’d agreed upon this afternoon while Sakura had been sleeping. A healthy and fair competition between them to win Sakura’s heart.

* * * * *