Page 94 of Wild Tangled Hearts

“There you are,” my mom’s voice interrupts the moment, and I sigh, turning as she walks towards us, her smile beaming.

“Hi,” I say as she envelops me in a tight hug. “And you must be Sebastian” She pats his face lightly. “I can see why she’s so smitten with you.”

“Mom,” I give her a look of warning, my cheeks hot with embarrassment.

Sebastian, however, handles the situation with his usual grace and charm. He grins, his eyes sparkling with genuine warmth, effortlessly winning her over. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Montgomery,” he says with a respectful nod.

My mom’s smile widens, and I can tell she’s already planning to interrogate him about his life, his intentions, and every detail she can squeeze out of him.

“Everyone is waiting to meet you,” Mom says to Sebastian as we follow her towards the noise.

“I’m looking forward to it.” Sebastian smiles warmly, his confidence unwavering despite the bustling scene that awaits us.

As we step into the backyard, I grin at the lively chaos that surrounds us. It’s a dynamic mix of people, ranging from the tiniest member of our family, my cousin’s two-month-old daughter, Leilani, to the more seasoned, like my great-uncle Charlie.

I spot my dad manning the grill, a pair of tongs in one hand and a cheeky grin on his face. He’s in his element, flipping burgers and distributing hotdogs to the kids. His eyes light up when he sees me. Setting the cooking gear aside and enveloping me in a bear hug.

“Dad, this is Sebastian,” I say, introducing them.

Extending a grease-smeared hand, my dad gives a hearty grin. “It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise, Mr. Montgomery.” he nods towards the barbeque. “Looks like you’re quite the grill master.”

“Well, I do my best,” he says, puffing out his chest playfully. “You know, I used to be a baker.”

“Really?” Sebastian asks.

“Yep.” Dad looks at me and winks. I groan, knowing what’s coming. “But I couldn’t make enough dough, so I kneaded a change.”

Sebastian chuckles, then glances at the grill, where burgers sizzle and hotdogs sputter. “Do you need any help? I’m a pretty mean grill assistant.”

“I think I’ve got it under control, but I appreciate the offer. The real challenge is keeping up with these kids and their appetites.” He nods toward the group of cousins who are now devouring burgers and hotdogs with gusto.

He laughs, his eyes following Dad’s gesture. “I can see that. It’s like watching a pack of hungry wolves.”

As the day unfolds, Sebastian is in a deep conversation with my cousin Tucker, their discussion revolving around stocks and investments. They’re engrossed in conversation, so I decide to take my leave and head over to where my cousin Sophie is, cradling her newborn baby, Leilani.

Sophie looks up and smiles as she sees me approaching, her eyes reflecting the exhaustion that comes with caring for an infant. “Hey, Bella,” she greets me softly.

I reach out and gently stroke Leilani’s tiny hand with my finger. “Hi, Sophie. How are you doing?”

She chuckles, her fatigue momentarily melting away as she looks down at her precious daughter. “Good, but I’d love to get some food. Would you mind holding her for a bit?”

“Of course.”

“You’re the best.” Carefully, she passes Leilani into my arms, and I hold the little bundle close, marveling at the fragile beauty of this new life. Leilani’s wide, innocent eyes lock onto mine, and my heart skips a beat.

Imagining the future possibilities and the family that Sebastian and I might create together someday, makes butterflies take flight in my stomach. It’s probably way too early to think about a life with him, but I can’t help myself. I’m already falling hard.

I glance around the backyard, searching for Sebastian. He’s deep in conversation with one of my uncles, his expression thoughtful. But as our eyes meet, a faint frown creases his brow.

It’s a look I’ve seen before, one that makes me worry he’s pulling away again. My heart tightens with concern, but before I can dwell on it further, my mom approaches, her presence a welcome interruption to my thoughts. She smiles down at me, her eyes filled with warmth.

“You found someone to snuggle,” she remarks.

A smile spreads across my face as I glance down at Leilani. “She’s a cutie.”

“You’ve always been good with babies and kids. You’ll make an amazing mother when the time comes.”

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