Page 71 of A Sudden Romance

“She hasn’t told me anything.” Kyle focused on the fire, seeming to think about it. Or was he fuming at Iris for not being the one to tell him?

Maybe Sabastian had better clarify. “I told her recently.”

“What did she say?”

This answer, if not presented right, could be the end of him and Iris. Sabastian scratched his jaw, the scruff pricking his fingertips.

“I’ve been in love with her for a very long time, sir, but I—”

“Iris will let us know, dear.” Regina patted her husband’s back.

“Iris is still... I don’t think she’s ready for a relationship.” Kyle shook his head, adding reasons his daughter needed time before getting entangled in romance. “And you’re already family. If things don’t go well...”

Sabastian nodded. If this romance went up into flames, his relationship with the Stone family could shift. But he was willing to take that risk. Or so he thought. Had he even thought through the consequences?

Kyle’s protective stance didn’t leave Sabastian with any answers if he was okay to date Iris or not.

“If you two ever get serious, we’ll talk again.”

That stung, but what had he expected? For Kyle to pat him on the back and congratulate him?

Of course, Sabastian hadn’t thought it through when he approached. Would Iris be upset he’d talked to them? He’d have to tell her before they did.

Shaking and trembling, he returned to the kitchen. This could be the beginning to the end of his time in the Stone household. The next chance he had with Iris’s siblings, he’d tell them. Maybe they’d stand up for him and put in a good word to Kyle and Regina? Or would they run him out of the house?

Nate already knew, and Julia seemed suspicious. Could all the siblings know about them by now?

Whatever the day brought, it would come down to what Iris thought of him—wouldn’t it? That’s what should matter the most.

CHAPTER 16

Iris sat across from Mom and Dad in the family room after breakfast when almost everyone had left to go sledding. They sat silently with their thoughts after she admitted her feelings for Sabastian.

While she helped him with breakfast, he’d told her about his meeting with her parents. His being bold enough to tell Mom and Dad expressed how seriously he took their relationship. Unfortunately, Sabastian thought Dad’s hesitation stemmed from his financial status, which wasn’t the case. Dad would react that way to any man who wanted to pursue her.

“I’m sure it’s nothing serious.” Dad rubbed his clean-shaven chin. “You guys are still young, and there’s a lot to figure out.”

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