“Tyler! We’re so glad to see you,” Sarah said warmly, folding him into a hug before he could answer.
“And this must be Orla,” Eddie said with that deep, sun-soaked Californian drawl, eyes softening as he looked at me.There was a warmth to him that felt gentle and reassuring, the kind that made you feel protected rather than judged. Whatever he saw in me, it wasn’t something I needed to hide from because I could see exactly where that side of Tyler had come from.
Tyler slid an arm around my waist, tugging me close. His grin was boyish and proud. “Yeah, meet Mrs. Reed.”
The word still elicited the biggest smile from me, even after months of hearing it. I was blaming that for the crows feet alone.
Sarah came straight over and hugged me, with a warm, familiar aura to her. I could really see why Tyler felt safe with these people. They radiated steadiness and comfort. “I’m so glad we finally get to meet you. Although, I’m still not over the fact he talked you into marrying him in Vegas.”
“Neither am I,” I teased, earning a grin from her and a shrug from Tyler.
She lifted the bottle she was holding. “Figured you two wouldn’t have much in, so I brought reinforcements.”
“Thanks, Sarah. I haven’t had a chance to stock the wine cellar yet,” Tyler said casually.
I stopped dead mouthing “Wine cellar?” At him in disbelief.
His grin spread as he reached for glasses. “Later, baby.”
Eddie dropped his keys on the counter with a grunt. “Don’t let him fool you, Orla. He’s had this place a year and it still looks like a damn showroom. Man wouldn’t know a corkscrew from a screwdriver.”
Sarah smirked. “Good thing he’s got you now.”
Tyler’s hand skimmed down the small of my back. “Damn right I do.”
A knock rattled the door, followed by a booming voice. “Anybody seen Mr. and Mrs. Reed?”
Tyler grinned. “Kitchen, Trav!”
In strode another taller version of him with sharper, slicker, Wall Street edges where Tyler’s were all wild, rogue charm. Athis side was an elegant blonde dressed head to toe in beige who looked like she’d stepped out of a magazine spread. Eve.
Warm hugs and introductions flew around the kitchen, the air filling with the scent of expensive perfume and the easy noise of a family that actually liked each other. But it was Eve who pulled me in last, her eyes bright and searching.
“I’m so excited to finally meet you,” she murmured, her voice soft. “You’re all he talks about.”
Heat rushed up my neck, leaving me slightly shy and definitely dizzy. It was one thing to feel the weight of Tyler's attention when we were alone, but hearing it echoed by his family made it feel permanent.
Tyler lifted the bottle, the glass catching the light. “Drink?”
Travis and Eve glanced at each other, sharing a pause that felt almost loaded. Then Eve smiled. “Not for me, thank you. Not for at least another eight months.”
The words hung in the air. My mouth fell open. Across the room, Sarah let out a sharp, audible gasp.
Travis’s grin broke first, wide and unbelievably smug.
“No way!” Tyler whooped, rounding the counter in three long strides. He wrapped them both up in a hug so fierce I thought he might break their ribs. “You serious? You’re gonna be parents?”
Eve laughed through a squeal. “We are.”
The kitchen erupted, Sarah teary-eyed, Eddie booming with laughter. Travis looking like he’d just won the lottery. But it was Tyler’s face that floored me. Pure joy and unfiltered pride. The man the tabloids painted as a selfish rogue was standing there glowing at the thought of being an uncle.
And I couldn’t help thinking, if he lit up like that for someone else’s baby, what would it be like when it was our turn? Heat rose through my body at the possibility.
We lingered over dinner, laughter spilling as freely as the wine. I barely recognised him like this. He seemed relaxed, easy,his arm draped behind my chair. Like he was home. Like he belonged.
Until Eddie cut in with a tone that was gruff but loaded. “You told your mom yet, Trav?”
The atmosphere at the table shifted. Tyler’s shoulders went rigid, jaw clenched. Trav let out a long breath. “We’re going tomorrow morning. Thought maybe you’d want to come, too.” His gaze flicked to both of us. Tyler suddenly looked like a deer caught in headlights.
