Gran might just be a superhero in disguise.
And I think I finally understand why Mercs brought me here. He knew I needed quiet, comfort, and a place where the air doesn’t feel heavy.
He knows me so well.
I’m unbelievably lucky to have a man beside me who understands exactly what I need, sometimes before even I do.
And that brings a smile to my face.
***
After settling in at the house for a few hours, it’s finally time for dinner, and Gran, Kiera, Mercs, and I are meeting the rest of the gang, along with my parents, at the local pub for a casual meet-and-greet and some much-needed food.
We step into the charming little pub, and I instantly feel wrapped in warmth. The décor is all polished woodgrain andgingham curtains, giving it that small-town comfort I didn’t realize I’d been craving. One wall is painted a soft blue, lined with shelves of well-loved books and mismatched sofas beneath them, and a fireplace is neatly inset between them all. The opposite wall holds giant windows that look out onto the street, letting natural light spill inside. It’s cozy in a way that makes me imagine winter nights here, the fire crackling while snow falls gently outside. The vibe is calm, welcoming, safe, and I am all about the vibe.
As I move further inside, I spot a long table already set up, most of the gang gathered around it, including Dad and Lettie. They both beam when they see me approach with Mercs at my side, Kiera and Gran just behind us.
“There she is. Did you have a good rest, baby girl?” Dad asks, reaching out to pull me into a hug.
“Yes, I did, thanks.” I lean back slightly and look at him through my lashes so he catches the silent warning in my expression. “Dad, there are some people I want you to meet.”
He smirks instantly, understanding. “Oh, okay.”
“Dad, Lettie… this is Daphne, but everyone calls her Gran. And this is Kiera, Mercs’ sister.”
Lettie lets out a delighted little shriek and practically launches herself at Gran, wrapping her in a tight embrace while Dad chuckles. He gives Kiera a friendly wave, but Kiera’s eyes widen as she watches Lettie and Gran like she’s stepped into a tornado of enthusiasm.
“Oh my goodness, it’s so amazing to finally meet you both. I’ve just loved hearing about you two,” Lettie gushes, pulling back from Gran before immediately grabbing Kiera by the shoulders and inspecting her like she’s something precious. “And aren’t you just the most adorable little thing.”
She plants a kiss on Kiera’s cheek, making her laugh while Alana groans from her seat.
“God, Mum, you’re so freaking weird,” Alana mutters, earning a soft chuckle from Luke, who barely glances up from his phone.
“Well, it’s lovely to meet you too,” Gran replies warmly.
Lettie releases Kiera and floats back to her seat like she’s just won an award.
I lean closer to Kiera and murmur near her ear, “Don’t worry, you get used to it.”
She giggles quietly as we slide into our seats.
“So I guess I need to introduce everyone properly,” I say, settling onto the cool leather bench.
Kiera nods, looking both excited and slightly overwhelmed.
It’s easy to forget that these are simply my people, but to her, they are the band she’s watched on screens and posters.
“Okay, so clockwise from Mercs, that’s Jay and then Tank. They’re part of the crew and work with your brother. Then there’s Andi, Casey, Kristy, and Alana… the rest of the band, though I’m sure you already know that.”
Kiera lifts her hand in a shy little wave toward the girls, who wave back with varying levels of sass.
“Then we have Luke, our manager, agent, and organizer of our daily existence.”
“At your service,” Luke mutters, not looking up from his phone.
Everyone laughs softly.
“And over there are Cooper and Raoul, security… and, well, you already know Dad and Lettie.”
