"Brace yourself," I whisper, pressing a quick kiss to Sadie's temple before climbing out.
Mom reaches us just as I'm opening Sadie's door, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Let me see it again," she demands, grabbing Sadie's left hand before she's even fully out of the truck. The tears that spring to Mom's eyes are immediate and genuine.
"It's even more beautiful in the daylight."
"Thank you, Mrs. Slade," Sadie says, that shy formality creeping into her voice.
"Oh honey, it's Diane. Or Mom. Whichever feels right." She pulls Sadie into a hug that would crush a lesser woman. "You're family now."
Over Mom's shoulder, I see Sadie's eyes widen slightly, still adjusting to this immediate, unconditional acceptance. She hugs back tentatively, like she's not quite sure of the protocol.
"And where's my grandbaby?" Mom asks, releasing Sadie and peering into the truck.
The word 'grandbaby' hits me right in the chest. There's no hesitation in Mom's voice, no qualification. Poppy isn't her step-granddaughter or her future granddaughter. She's simply family, already claimed and cherished.
I unbuckle Poppy from her car seat, lifting her into my arms where she immediately starts pointing at everything she sees. "That! That!"
"Yes, sweetheart, trees," I confirm, kissing her curls. "And there's Grandma Diane."
Mom's eyes fill with fresh tears as she reaches for Poppy. "Come here, beautiful girl."
Poppy goes to her without hesitation, patting Mom's cheeks in that way she does with people she trusts. Mom looks utterly besotted, pressing kisses to Poppy's forehead.
"She looks just like you," she tells Sadie. "Those eyes, that smile."
Sadie blushes, clearly pleased. "She's got her own personality, though. Stubborn as they come."
"Sounds like she'll fit right in with the Slade women, then." Mom laughs, already heading toward the house with Poppy. "Come on, everyone's waiting."
I grab the diaper bag and take Sadie's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You okay?"
She nods, though I can feel the slight tremble in her fingers. "It's a lot. Good—but a lot."
"I know. Just remember, you can tap out anytime."
She straightens her shoulders, that quiet determination I love so much settling over her features. "I've got this."
The scene that greets us inside is controlled chaos. My aunts, cousins, and sister have transformed the usually rustic living room into celebration central. There's a cake on the coffee table, gifts piled nearby, and enough food laid out to feed half the county.
My sister Adrienne spots us first, detaching from a conversation to rush over. "Finally! Mom's been driving us crazy waiting for you guys."
She hugs me quickly before turning her full attention to Sadie. "I've been dying to meet you properly. Axel refuses to share you with the rest of us."
"Because I know what vultures you all are," I retort, but there's no heat in it.
Adrienne ignores me completely, linking her arm through Sadie's. "Come on, let me introduce you to everyone. Don't worry, we only bite a little."
Before I can intervene, Adrienne is leading Sadie toward a cluster of Slade women, all of whom immediately envelop her in their circle. I watch as my aunts examine the ring, my cousins pepper her with questions, everyone talking over each other in their enthusiasm.
To her credit, Sadie handles it beautifully, answering questions, accepting hugs, smiling through what must be an overwhelming onslaught of attention. But I can see the tension in her shoulders, the way she keeps glancing around the room as if checking escape routes.
Mom reappears at my side, Poppy still happily perched on her hip. "Your girl's doing great."
"She is," I agree, though I'm ready to wade in and rescue her if needed. "Where's Rowan?"
"On her way. Called to say she was running late." Mom bounces Poppy gently. "This little one is the star of the show. Your aunt Martha already bought her a pony."
