ALL MY HEART WANTS IS YOU

CHAPTER 4 - WHEN OUR LIPS MET

SARAH

The Robinson family house hadn’t changed much in the eight years since I left Los Angeles. The two-story colonial-style home with its wraparound porch and neatly trimmed hedges still looked like something out of a picture book. Even in the fading light of the evening, the glow from the front windows gave off a warmth that felt foreign to me now.

I tightened my grip on Owen’s hand as he tugged at me, eager to explore. Beside me, Denzel carried Oliver, who was dozing lightly, his small head nestled against Denzel’s shoulder. Oscar trailed behind, holding onto the hem of my dress.

“Are you sure about this, Sarah?” Denzel’s voice was soft, but his concern was evident.

“I’m not,” I admitted, forcing a smile. “But Aunt Maurice wouldn’t take no for an answer, and… it’s been long enough. I owe my parents at least this much.”

Before he could respond, the door to the hallway opened, and there they were—my parents.

“Sarah!” My mother’s voice was a mixture of joy and disbelief. She stepped onto the porch, her hands flying to her mouth. My father appeared behind her, his smile broad and unrestrained.

“Mom, Dad,” I managed to say, my voice tight with emotion.

“Oh, sweetheart, you’re here!” My mother rushed down the steps, pulling me into a hug so tight I could barely breathe. “Look at you. It’s been too long.”

My father joined in, his hand resting on my shoulder as he smiled down at me. “We’ve missed you, Sarah. Welcome home.”

Their warmth was overwhelming, and for a moment, I let myself lean into it.

“These must be the boys,” my mother said, pulling back and looking at my triplets. “Oh, Sarah, they’re beautiful.”

“This is Oscar, Owen, and Oliver,” I said, my voice a tad softer now. “And this is Denzel.”

Denzel extended a hand with his signature charm. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson.”

“The pleasure’s ours,” my father replied, shaking his hand firmly.

“Come inside, everyone,” my mother said, ushering us toward the door. “Dinner’s just about ready, and everyone is dying to see you, Sarah.”

Everyone. The word lingered in my mind like a warning. I forced myself to follow them into the house.

The dining room was as lively as I remembered. My siblings and their families filled the long table, their chatter filling the space with warmth. There were hugs and greetings, questions about the triplets, and curious glances at Denzel.

But then, amidst the chaos, my gaze landed on her. Emily.

She was sitting at the far end of the table, a glass of wine in hand, her smile as sharp as I remembered. And next to her was Bryan.

My heart stopped. What the hell was he doing there?

Bryan looked just as I remembered—dark hair, sharp jawline, and those piercing eyes that had haunted me for years. His presence felt like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I couldn’t move.

Denzel’s voice snapped me out of it. “Sarah, are you okay?”

I nodded, though my heart was racing. “Yeah. Let’s sit.”

We found seats near the middle of the table, far enough from Emily and Bryan that I could breathe. But I could feel his eyes on me, and it made my skin crawl.

"And Aunt Maurice?" I asked casually.

"Oh, she had some sort of emergency," Mother frowned. "She'll be a bit late."

I nodded glumly and soon enough, it was time for dinner. My parents were overjoyed to have me home, and my boys were their charming selves, earning smiles and laughs from everyone.

But then, as the meal progressed, Emily’s voice cut through the conversation.

“So, Sarah,” she said, her tone sweet but laced with venom. “It must be tough, raising three boys on your own.”

The table went quiet. I clenched my jaw, feeling Denzel’s hand rest lightly on my arm in silent support.

“It’s not easy,” I said evenly, “but I’m doing just fine.”

“Of course, you are,” she said, her smile widening. “But don’t you ever wonder if they’re missing out? You know, not having a father figure in their lives?”

Before I could respond, Denzel spoke up. “Actually, I’ve been lucky enough to be part of their lives. Sarah’s done an incredible job with them, and I’m proud to support her however I can.”

Emily’s smile faltered, and she glanced across at him.

"Are you like her husband?" She asked. "You look more like her father."

"Emily!" Dad grunted.

I couldn’t take it anymore. The anger I’d been suppressing bubbled to the surface, and I glared at her.

“Are you done with Kyle already?" I hissed. "So Bryan is your next target."

"It's not my fault that your ex liked me," Emily shrugged.

I rose up abruptly, pushing my chair back with a loud scrape.

“Excuse me,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

And with that, I turned to face my triplets. "Let's go."

I stormed out of my family mansion with tears glistening in my eyes, and I took the next available cab to the hotel. Back at the hotel, I collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming down my face.

I thought of my boys, of the life I’d built for them, and of the secret I’d carried all these years. Bryan was their father, but he didn’t know. He couldn’t know.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. I wiped my face and stood, my heart sinking as I opened the door.

It was Bryan.

“What do you want?” I asked, my voice hoarse.

“We need to talk,” he said, stepping inside before I could stop him.

“There’s nothing to talk about,” I said, crossing my arms.

“Don’t do that, Sarah,” he said, his voice firm. “Don’t shut me out again. I deserve to know the truth.”

I turned away, unable to meet his gaze. “The truth?” I said bitterly. “You don’t deserve anything, Bryan. You and Emily—”

“This isn’t about Emily,” he interrupted, his voice rising. “It’s about them.” He gestured toward the bed where my boys were sleeping. “Are they mine?”

I froze, my breath catching in my throat.

“Answer me,” he demanded, his voice softening. “Are they my sons, Sarah?”

I turned to face him, tears streaming down my face. “Yes,” I whispered. “They’re yours.”

His reaction was immediate—shock, anger, and something else I couldn’t identify. He ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, his voice breaking. “Why would you keep this from me?”

“Because you didn’t deserve to know!” I shot back, my voice trembling. “You were a mistake! That night was a mistake."

He stopped pacing, his shoulders slumping. “It might have been a mistake to you, Sarah. But it was the most memorable night of my life. I searched for you for years."

I paused, confused as he ranted on.

"I've always loved you," He continued. "But you were too interested in my best friend, Kyle and you didn't notice me."

I could barely believe my ears. Bryan Jones, the hottest guy in college eight years ago was in love with me?

I shook my head, my heart aching. “It’s too late, Bryan - "

"No," He muttered, and inched closer to me.

He raised my chin up with a finger and his gaze lingered on me for a long time.

"I prayed so long for this, Sarah," He whispered in my ears. "For a second chance with you. And now, I'm not going to miss it. You are my new year's miracle."

I wanted to say something but Bryan hushed me with a finger to my lips. And the next minute, he brought his lips down on mine in a passionate kiss.