Page 73 of One Hot Chase

I can't help the proud grin that spreads across my face. "That she is."

We follow the sound of laughter into the drawing room, where the rest of the family has gathered. My parents are there, along with our youngest brother, Leo, and our grandmother, the formidable Constance Wilde. As we enter the drawing room, I feel Sabrina's hand tighten around mine. The chatter dies down as all eyes turn to us. My mother, ever the gracious hostess, is the first to break the silence.

"Declan, darling!" she exclaims, gliding toward us with open arms. "And this must be the lovely Sabrina we've heard so much about."

"How have you heard anything about her? Sabrina and I have been on a whirlwind holiday---alone."

"Oh, don't be so grumpy," Bree says as she bumps her shoulder into my arm. "The grapevine grows like an invasive weed, you know." She steps forward to approach my mother, her smile bright but with a hint of nervousness. "It's wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Wilde. Thank you for having me."

"Oh, please call me Elizabeth," my mother insists, pulling Sabrina into a warm embrace. "We're so thrilled to finally meet you."

I can see Sabrina visibly relax at my mother's warm welcome. My father approaches next, his usually stern face softened by a genuine smile.

"Welcome to Wildewick, Sabrina," my father says, extending his hand. "I hope my son has been treating you well on your travels."

Bree accepts my father's hand. "Oh, he's been an absolute gentleman, Mr. Wilde. Well, most of the time, anyway."

Her cheeky response makes me chuckle. My father raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Please, call me Richard. And I'm glad to hear it. Though knowing Declan, I'm sure there's been plenty of adventure as well."

"You have no idea," Sabrina laughs, shooting me a look that makes my heart race.

Before I can respond, a sharp voice cuts through the room. "Well, are you going to introduce us properly, Declan, or shall we all just stand around making small talk all day?"

I turn to see my grandmother, Constance, eyeing Sabrina with keen interest. Despite her advanced years, her gaze is as sharp as ever, missing nothing.

"Of course, Gran," I say, guiding Bree toward her. "This is Sabrina Remington. Sabrina, this is my grandmother, Constance Wilde."

Bree extends her hand, her smile unwavering. "It's an honor to meet you, Constance."

My grandmother regards Sabrina for a long moment, her steely gaze softening ever so slightly. Then she takes Bree's hand. "American, I see. And quite vivacious, I'm sure. Only a strong, delightful woman could tame our Declan. Tell me, dear, what do you do?"

"I'm an insurance underwriter," Sabrina replies, her voice steady despite the intensity of my grandmother's gaze. "But I'm also a bit of an adventure seeker in my free time. At least, I have been since I met Declan."

Constance's eyebrows rise slightly. "How interesting. And how exactly did you come to meet our Declan?"

I start to interject, but Sabrina beats me to it. "Well, it's quite the story, actually. It involves a stolen yacht, a case of mistaken identity, and a rather daring escape from some very determined art thieves."

My jaw drops. Art thieves? What on earth is Bree talking about?

The room falls silent for a moment.

But then Sabrina winks and grins. "Just kidding."

My grandmother lets out a hearty laugh, surprising us all. "Oh, I like you already, my dear. You must tell me all about your antics with my grandson over tea." She winks at Bree. "I enjoy a good fib now and then myself."

All my anxiety fades away. If Sabrina's won over my grandmother, the rest of the family will be a breeze.

My mother claps her hands to gain everyone's attention. "Well, now that the introductions are out of the way, why don't we all sit down for some tea and get to know Sabrina better?"

Chapter Twenty-Five

Sabrina

I love the Wildes. They've welcomed me into their family and made me feel like I belong here. Julian and his wife, Margaret, tell me how they met and fell in love, then share the story of their son Finn's birth, which is quite a tale.

I listen intently, sipping my tea and trying not to choke on my laughter as Julian recounts how Finn decided to make his grand entrance into the world during a charity polo match. Margaret, bless her heart, had insisted on attending despite being ready to pop. As Julian mimes swinging a mallet while simultaneously attempting to usher his wife into the car, I catch Declan's eye across the room. He's leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

"And where were you during all this excitement, Declan?" I call out, unable to resist the urge to draw him into the conversation.

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