Page 129 of Unexpected Ever After

Pete leads me inside and the floor is covered in a beautiful Spanish tile The foyer has a spiral staircase that leads to the second floor. Off to the right is two steps down that lead to a huge living room that looks inviting. Straight ahead leads to the kitchen that has beautiful granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.

His wife comes walking in the French doors off the kitchen. “Sebastian, we’re so glad you’re here.” The dark blonde is gorgeous and holds her arms out to me

“Your wife’s hot.” I say to Pete and then wrap my arms around. “It’s so good to finally meet you, Sara.”

She pulls back with her hands on my shoulders. “Come meet the kids.”

“Kids? I thought you just had the one.”

Pete slaps me on the shoulder. “No, we have your nephew, Nicky, and my step-daughter Luna.”

I freeze at the name, because it sounds familiar, and I can’t remember from where. Following behind them I find a little boy who looks just like Pete and a young woman with reddish brown hair piled on her head.

She turns our way and stands up and the two of them walk toward us. “Luna and Nicky, this is your uncle Sebastian.” Pete announces to the two of them and wraps his arm around her shoulders and places a hand on the boy’s head.

I step up to them and suddenly like a flash, Luna on top of me, under me, and the beautiful sounds of her cries as she came for me over and over fill my brain. She must recognize me too because her eyes widen, her cheeks turn red, and her hand goes to her stomach. I look down and freeze, she’s got a noticeable bump.

Pete comes back to me and wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Do you believe it? I’m going to be a grandpa.”

“C-Congratulations.” I say and then look at her. “How far along are you?”

She looks down at her feet. My stomach turns because I know what she’s about to say.

“Twenty-two weeks, almost six months.” Luna looks at her mom. “I’m exhausted, I’m going to go lay down before dinner.”

Sara kisses her temple. “Of course, baby. Go get some rest.”

She walks by and Pete stops her, pulling her into his arms. “Sleep as long as you need, sweetheart.”

“Thanks Dad.” She says softly before heading into the house.

My brother turns to me. “Luna just moved in with us a couple of months ago. There were some complications in the beginning, and we wanted her close. Nicky loves having his big sister here, don’t you bud?”

I want to ask what complications, but would that make him suspicious? Nausea pools in my belly because she is my fucking niece, step-niece, but still. I need to talk to her, that’s my kid, I know it. What will Pete do when he finds out?

“Yep Daddy, I love it. I’m gonna be an uncle.” My brother’s mini gives a fist pump in the air. “Can I have a snack?”

Pete picks up his son. “Of course, and make sure you’re quiet around your sissy’s room.” He sets him down and the little boy runs back into the house.

“Your family is really great, brother. It looks good on you.” We head inside and into the kitchen.

“Sebastian, can I get you a drink? We have Corona, Pinot Grigio, and tequila.” Sara says standing at the counter. Nicky is sitting on the edge, eating a popsicle.

I can’t help but smile at the woman. “What kind of tequila?” My brother hasn’t forgotten that it’s my drink of choice.

“Well, your brother insisted we get you some Don Julio 1942.”

“Then I will take that, neat please.” I tell her and come around to my nephew I’ve only talked to on the phone and video chats. “What’s up buddy?” Fuck, I don’t know how to talk to kids. “How are you?” He stares at me with his big blue eyes and it makes me smile. “You look just like your dad.”

His little chest puffs out. “I do?”

“Yep, you sure do.” Sara hands me my drink. “Thanks.”

“Come on, I’ll show you to your room and give you a tour.” Pete tells me and he grabs my bag, leading me downstairs into their finished basement.

The room is spacious with my own private bath. “This room is great, brother.” I set my backpack on the queen-sized bed and turn to Pete. “I’m serious. You look great, man. I am sorry I didn’t come sooner. I’m so busy anymore that time has just flown by.”

“I get it, brother. Your career takes you everywhere. You have always been a wonderer, even as a kid, but you’re here now and that’s all that matters.” He claps me on the shoulder. “Now, let me give you a tour.”

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