"To outsiders, we seem a bit chaotic and noisy, but to us, we're just being a family."
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Two weeks had flown by in the blink of an eye, and now the moment had arrived. I stood in front of the mirror, taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart. Tonight, I would be meeting Kade’s family officially. The nerves fluttered in my stomach, and doubt began to creep into my mind. What if they didn’t like me? What if I said something wrong?
As if sensing my anxiety, Kade stepped closer, his voice laced with reassurance. “It’s okay, love. They would love you. Just be yourself.”
I looked into his eyes, finding comfort in their warm gaze. A soft smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and I nodded. With Kade by my side, I felt a renewed sense of confidence. Together, we could face anything.
The doorbell interrupted our conversation, and Kade moved towards the door, his hand intertwined with mine. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the introduction to his family. As the door swung open, Kade greeted his family with warmth and excitement.
His mother, Cecile, entered first, a radiant smile on her face. Kade turned to me, his voice filled with enthusiasm. “Rose, I’d like you to meet my family.” He gestured towards Cecile, his mother, and then towards the woman beside her. “My Father, Thomas and his brother, Lucas.
A wide smile spread across Claire’s face, and she stepped forward, enveloping me in a warm embrace. “I’m so glad we finallly got to meet you, i was starting to think he was making you up,” a giggle left her mouth. Kade grunted, expressing his annoyance. Claire steps back, giving way for her mother to greet me. Cecile, elegant and poised, stood at the center, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and kindness. Her presence commanded attention, but her smile reassured me. “Welcome, my dear,” she greeted me, her voice carrying a hint of motherly affection.
I offered a nervous smile in return, feeling a rush of gratitude for her warm reception.
“Pleasure to meet you,” Kades father stepped forward hand extended, an old wise gentle look in them, despite the power radiating from him. His brother was next, Matthew or Matt as he liked to be called. He exuded a playful energy. They all made me feel welcomed, easing my earlier worries.
As we gathered around the dining table, the room was filled with the aroma of a home-cooked meal. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging in their midst. Stories were shared, laughter echoed, and I found myself captivated by the genuine love and connection that radiated from Kade’s family.
Matthew, with his playful energy, spoke, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “So, Kade, you finally managed to find someone brave enough to join this crazy family?” he teased, with a playful banter.
Kade chuckled, his arm still wrapped around me. “Well, I couldn’t resist the challenge,” he replied, a smirk dancing on his lips. “And besides, Rose here is more than capable of holding her own against all of you.”
Claire’s eyes gleamed with amusement as she turned her attention to me. “I like you already,” she declared. “Hey that was mine line.” Claire stuck her tongue out at her brother. “Real mature,” Kade interjected, unamused by his siblings antics.
“Welcome to the madness.”
Laughter erupted in the room, and suddenly, the weight of my worries began to lift. Hector, with his calm demeanor, joined the conversation, adding his own touch of lightheartedness.
“Tell me, my dear, how did you manage to capture the heart of my son?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
I blushed, feeling a mixture of joy and vulnerability. “Well, it was a bit of luck and a whole lot of love,” I replied, a touch of playfulness in my voice. “Kade couldn’t resist my irresistible charm.”
Kade raised an eyebrow. “Irresistible charm? I think it was more like my irresistible charm that won you over,” he quipped, his tone filled with mock arrogance.
Throughout the evening, Kade’s hand found mine under the table, providing me with silent reassurance. His touch was a grounding force, a reminder that I wasn’t alone in this new chapter of my life. At the back of my mind i couldnt help the thought, curios as to why they never mentioned Kade’s decreased mate and child. As we exchanged glances, a sense of gratitude washed over me. I had found not only love but a family that welcomed me with open arms. I pushed the thought to the back of my mind. Not wanting to dwell on it, knowing they had their reasons and Kade would tell me more when he was ready. For now ill enjoy the moment.
We shared a playful banter, the room filled with laughter. As the night wore on, filled with love and laughter, I couldn’t help but marvel at the way life unfolded. The doubts and worries that had consumed me earlier seemed insignificant in the presence of such warmth and acceptance.
I leaned into Kade, observing the lively interactions and the genuine happiness shared among his family. “Is everything alright, love,” Kade whispred in my ear. I nodded, yes, givng him my answer. “I’m glad,” he said placing a kiss on top my head.
As the night drew to a close, hugs were exchanged, and promises of future gatherings were made. The doubts that had plagued me earlier seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of acceptance and belonging. This family had welcomed me with open arms, and I knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey together.The doubts that had plagued me earlier were replaced by a newfound confidence, knowing that Kade’s family who embraced me as one of their own.
As we walked to the door, we watched as the drove from the driveway, his hand found mine once again, and he leaned in to press a tender kiss against my forehead. “I’m so glad they loved you,” he whispered.
I looked up at him, my heart overflowing with happiness. “And I’m grateful to have them in my life, Kade. With them and with you, I feel like I’ve found my home.”
He smiled, his eyes filled with love. “You have, Rose. I’m glad”
“Me too.”
And as we stood there, in the embrace of each other’s arms, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I had a family that would always be there, supporting and loving me. Together, we would navigate the journey, hand in hand, creating a tapestry of love and belonging that would forever be cherished.