Page 88 of A Taste of Chardonnay

“I do, and because of that, it’s a maybe on the coat closet.” She kissed me again, then took my hand and led me into the chaos that was her family. Ron and Beau had eased right into conversation, and for a second, I stood back, watching it all, remembering how it started and picturing how it would be from now on.

Visions of kids running in and out of adult’s legs, Gio finally having cousins to play with, Jack getting up there in years but still wanting to take chase. A lifetime of Christmases, Thanksgivings, birthdays, anniversaries, and anything else the Grassos found reason to celebrate.

The thought used to terrify me, make me want to retreat farther away until the dust settled and life was back to normal. Now I couldn’t wait.

I wrapped my arm around Chardonnay and pulled her tight against me. Her hand rested on my chest, and she nuzzled into my embrace.

“What are you thinking about?” she asked. “I can see it in your eyes. Something is on your mind.”

I glanced around the room, looking at Gio as he showed off his new fishing pole to Ron and Beau. Laurent and Phoebe had found a quiet spot in the corner to video call her sister. Sherry, Nero, Lainey, Rhone, and Sutton were playing quarters. Quinn and Franc were snuggled on the couch, watching Gio but sneaking loving glances at each other. Mr. and Mrs. Grasso were laughing at something Wyatt said, while Rose lovingly watched him.

“Just taking it all in.”

“Yeah?” She sunk farther into my arms like she belonged there, because she did.

“I didn’t think I was built for this.” My voice grew quiet as I scanned the room once more. “The chaos, the way your family manages to make everything bigger, louder. But now… I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

“That’s because you belong. You always have. It just took you a while to figure that out.”

I kissed her forehead, squeezing her close and vowing to never take this for granted. “I do now.”

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