“You haven’t been out of Sunshine.”
“I don’t need to; no one will ever be you.”
I think this will be the moment I tell my grandchildren that I fell for Pack Hart, even if I refuse to admit it to myself.
Chapter 12
Sofia
“Thanks for helping me, love.”
“Of course, Dad,” I say to him. I’ve got a massive tray of Dad's famous pastries that I set down on the outdoor table we have set up. There are three tables with white tablecloths and Grandma’s silver cutlery. The same cheap glasses that came in six shades, I always had to have green, are set beside each plate. Candles in the candelabras and fairy lights strung above our heads.
Grandma and Grandpa sit beside each other, talking animatedly with Daphne and Ivy. Sebastian sulks up one end of the table, while Devon, Elijah, and Mack sit with Pops.
“Hey, we’re here.”
Asher throws herself into my arms and hugs me tight. “You are never allowed to leave again.” She lets me go and turns to embrace Mum, who tuts and makes soft noises.
“I have missed you, when are you moving home?” Mum says in a run-on sentence that has no room for air.
Asher laughs. “We’ve only been gone six months.”
“It’s six months too long. Tell me how everything is going? How is the art gallery? Do you need help because Trent owes me, and I could persuade him if you need it.”
Felix groans and pats me on the back. “You have made her very happy,” he murmurs.
“Come home and make her happier.”
Felix leans in and whispers, “Not a chance.”
“Chicken.”
“Bawk, bawk, bawk.”
Cordie stomps around the corner. “Sorry I was late; there was a thing.”
“What kind of thing?” I ask and watch in shock as my best friend’s cheeks turn pink.
“Oh, tell me, tell me.”
“How old are you?” Sebastian snaps, but he’s not looking at me; he’s glowering at Cordelia.
“I met an alpha and a beta today. They are so sweet. They asked me on a date.” She sticks her chin in the air and turns her back on Sebastian.
“Oh, how wonderful,” my mum says. “I’ve been feeling awful about your no-show.”
Sebastian growls. I watch him, trying to figure out what his problem is.
“Sit, sit. We have to have a toast.”
Mum raises her glass. “To our family all together again.”
“To family,” we repeat.
Mack is sitting beside me, and he’s got his arm across the back of my chair. I am acutely aware of it and him. His scent, the heat of his body, the need to lean into him. It’s hard to resist.
We eat slowly, talking and laughing. Mack, Devon, and Elijah fit in perfectly with my family, in a way I didn’t think I ever did. I find myself chatting, laughing, and having a good time. I don’t feel at all like I used to. Did I imagine it?
