“We’re not as bad as he made out.” Mom squeezes Bella once and receives an answering squeeze. I’m not sure why Bella thinks she’s not affectionate because when it’s offered, she always reciprocates.
Bella chuckles as Mom steps back. “He’s only said good things, I promise.” She reaches for my hand without realising it, but my mom notices.
“Woman, are you going to let them in so I can greet my son?” Dad teases from the doorway.
Mom rolls her eyes as she turns towards the door. “Patience, David. He was my baby before he was a brother.”
My shoulders shake with laughter as I meet my dad’s gaze over my mother's head. His eyes slant to Bella, who’s also laughing. Still clasping her hand, I follow my mom to the door to greet the rest of my family.
The next ten minutes are chaos. It’s loud, as it usually is when all the Tins get together. It makes me realise how lucky I am and how much I’ve missed them all.
When I finally come up for air, I look around for Bella and find her at the kitchen table with Thea, a cup of steaming tea in her hand. They’re both smiling. When I quirk a brow at Bella, she answers with a thumbs up.
“You going to introduce us to your woman, brother?” Coal asks. “She and Thea seem to be getting on.”
It doesn’t surprise me. They’re two strong women who have the same core values and know the meaning of loyalty and family.
“Yeah.” I clap his shoulder. “Come on. I think you’ll like her.”
The rest of my family hangs back as Coal and I walk towards the kitchen.
“Bella, this is Coal, my president and my brother, both in blood and brotherhood.”
Bella stands and holds out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for letting Copper join me. I know it can’t have been an easy decision.”
Fuck me, she’s perfect.
That she knows how to conduct herself is a huge plus in her favour. I should’ve known she could handle herself. She’s an MCprincess, and while the one she grew up in isn’t run the same way most are, with their women being heavily involved, they still share the same values.
Coal is silent while he studies her, and I wonder what he sees. Bella patiently waits him out, her attention never wavering from him.
Finally, he nods and takes her hand, giving it a small squeeze. “Welcome, Bella. And thank you for giving us the chance to see him.”
A blush tinges Bella’s cheeks. “You’re welcome. I know how hard it is not seeing your family.”
“I’m sure you do,” Coal agrees, releasing her hand.
He walks towards Thea and sits next to her.
I grab Bella’s hand and introduce her to the rest of my family. “Spice, this is my dad, Tinman. And my brothers, Nickel and Bolt. My baby sister, Opal.” I point to each of them in turn. “You’ll meet my niece, Shea, tomorrow. She’s asleep right now.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Bella says with a smile and a small wave.
“Spice?” Bolt asks.
Bella grins. “I didn’t like Sugar.”
They laugh, and one by one, welcome her with a hug.
Apart from Nickel, who pauses in front of her. “When this is all over, can you and I have a conversation about investments? I have questions.”
“Of course,” Bella replies, taking his abrupt question in her stride.
Nickel nods. His gaze flicks to me before it returns to Bella and softens. “Welcome to the family, Bella.” Having said his piece, he walks away.
Bella tilts her head to look up at me. “I like your family, Copper.”
I grin. “I do, too.”
