Page 120 of Steel Beauty

Leilani, Sefina, and a few of my female cousins make their way to Magnolia, their laughter bright as they draw her into their group. She glances back at me, smiling, and I watch how she connects with them, already part of their circle.

My brothers launch into their usual antics, daring each other to make the wildest jump, their laughter and banter filling the clearing.

Niko’s voice rises above the noise, his grin sharp. “Alex! Don’t tell me you’re chickening out in front of your girl.”

I glance over as Magnolia raises a brow, her smirk amused. “Afraid of heights, are you?”

I shake my head, chuckling. “Afraid? Not a chance. I grew up jumping off this cliff.”

My brothers keep up their relentless taunts, their competitive grins making it clear someone’s about to do something ridiculous—probably me.

Climbing the rocks with my brothers, I glance back and see Magnolia with my sisters and cousins, their laughter rising above the sound of the falls. Leilani is teaching her how to weave a flower crown from wild blossoms, her hands guiding Magnolia’s as she picks up the technique with ease.

From above, I take a moment to watch the way she leans into their laughter, her focus on the delicate folds of the flowers. There’s something captivating about how she connects with them, drawing them in, her joy shining through every gesture.

Niko leans in, his expression sure with a knowing glint in his eye. “You’re in love with her. Admit it—it’s written all over you.”

I laugh, crossing my arms in a half-hearted attempt to deflect. “It’s too soon to start throwing around words like love.” I try to sound convincing, but even I hear the crack in my voice.

Asa’s grin deepens. “You might not see it yet, but we do. Bringing her here, sharing this part of your life—it’s not nothing, Alex. We’re your brothers. We know what this place means. It’s a big deal for any of us.”

I glance away, my eyes finding Magnolia. She’s laughing with Leilani and Sefina, her head tilted back as the sunlight catches the golden strands of her chestnut hair. She looks at ease, fully present in the moment. Something tugs in my chest, and I wonder if my brothers are right.

“I’m taking things as they come.”

Niko claps me on the shoulder, his grin a mix of teasing and something more serious. “Sometimes, mate, you’re the last one to see what’s staring you right in the face.”

“And since when are you an expert on love?”

He shrugs, his smirk widening. “I’ve learned a thing or two. But that’s a story for another time.”

As their laughter fades, my eyes drift back to Magnolia, and the edges of a realization press in. It’s a truth I can’t say out loud yet, but it feels unavoidable, like the tide drawing back to the sea.

My brothers go quiet. These rare moments of silence remind me that they know me better than anyone. And as much as I hate to admit it, they’re right.

I glance at Magnolia again. She leans into Leilani, whispering something that sets them both laughing, their heads thrown back in easy joy. She isn’t simply blending in—she’s shining here, adding something to this place I never knew was missing.

The thought crashes into me, undeniable and all-encompassing. This isn’t simple attraction or a fleeting connection. It’s solid, unshakable.

I’ve fallen for her.

The realization hits me, both exhilarating and terrifying, spreading through my chest like a steady pulse. Standing here, surrounded by my family in the place that shaped me, there’s no denying it.

I love her.

It’s a simple truth, but it shifts everything.

I draw in a deep breath, letting it fill every part of me. Watching her now, full of life and light, I know this isn’t something I can fight—not that I want to. She’s woven into me, into this life, into everything that matters.

No matter what lies ahead, this love is mine to hold. And right now, surrounded by the people and the place that mean everything to me, one thing is clear: she’s the one.

Chapter30

Magnolia Steel

The Malietoa familyhome hums with laughter and soft voices, a melody that blends with the natural rhythm of the place. The air carries a comforting warmth, its earthy scent—a mix of dried grass, coconut, and something rich yet unnameable—wrapping around me like an unspoken welcome. It feels like a world apart from anything I’ve known, yet there’s a strange comfort about it.

My gaze sweeps the room until I find Malie seated on the floor. Her hands move with practiced precision, weaving a large mat. When her eyes lift to mine, her smile radiates a warmth that instantly puts me at ease.

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