In love with my Stepson

Chapter Three

A few hours later, I heard a horn outside the gate and walked to the window to take a peep of who it was. A black shining limousine pulled into the compound. The numerous members of the help quickly surrounded the car. Like a well-trained robot, they began taking the luggage out of the car and carrying it into the house. The boys got out of the car all dressed in black tuxedo suits with shining black shoes to compliment them. I could sense they were freaking hot from their stature even though I couldn’t see their faces from where I was peeping.

I left my room and walked down the stairs nervously to meet my stepsons. As I got to the dining, I heard Lucas say boys look at the beauty you have for a stepmother aren’t you lucky? Yes, we are, they said in unison, smiling broadly which left me wondering if the smile was sincere or not. Honey, come join us. I was brought back to reality as Lucas extended his hands towards me. I walked towards them in the living room and the boys all stood up to greet me. Such perfect gentlemen.

Hello, beautiful my name is Joshua but you can call me Josh because that’s what people dear to me call me he said grinning from ear to ear as he extended his hand for a handshake. I was about to accept the handshake when he pulled me in and gave me a tight hug. Lucas and the rest of the boys were laughing at the surprised look on my face and Lucas said never mind his attitude. That's my eldest son and also the most playful and friendly you’ll soon get to know him well he explained.

Hi, Mom said the guy standing in the middle you are indeed more beautiful than how dad described you. Hope you don’t mind me calling you Mom he said and I replied

No, I don’t.

He gave me a warm hug and a peck on both cheeks. God, I have a favorite already. That’s Brian my second son Lucas said. He’s a wonderful guy. His sons are nothing like him I thought as I moved on to the last son who was wearing a sunshade. He seems like the shy type. Meet Chris, my last son and the only introvert we have in the family but trust me once he likes you, you’ll enjoy his person, Lucas explained.

Chris, remove your sunshade let mom see you properly Brian said smiling. Chris removed his glasses and behold I couldn’t believe who was standing in front of me. I was fazed and couldn’t leave the spot as I tried to maintain composure. Is Chris the same as Tate?

Mom, are you okay? Brian asked and I replied with a wry smile “Of course” Chris looks so much like someone I know I’m sorry. It’s okay, we all have someone who looks so much like us Joshua said. Alright everyone the food is getting cold let’s go and eat Chris said leading the way towards the dining.

Chris POV

The stealthily but intense gaze of Valerie on me while at the dining table almost made me choke on my meal. Immediately I saw her walking down the stairs, I knew she was the one but I prayed she wasn’t. My prayer wasn’t answered as I was sure it was her when she stood still in front of me looking like she just saw a ghost.

Here I am sitting at the table with the girl who has had a crush on me since 5th grade. If only I’d seen her picture beforehand, I wouldn’t be at this gathering. How do I explain this to my brothers? What if she still has feelings for me? Why didn’t I think of her when Dad said his wife’s name was Valerie? stupid there are lots of people with the name Valerie in the world. My inner voice responded as different thoughts ran through my head and I picked at my plate while my father and brothers were chatting noisily.

Valerie POV

When Chris removed his sunshade, I felt like my soul was taken from me. Standing in front of me was Tate, my first love and crush since 5th grade. His beautiful brown eyes staring at me took me down memory lane and I could feel the rush of emotions coming back. Memories that I fought to forget were rushing back like water from a broken pipe. He’s now much more handsome with his clean shaved cheeks. I couldn’t prevent myself from looking at him all through dinner. You shouldn’t be doing this Valerie, I scolded myself as I tried to focus on my meal while forcing a smile on my face whenever Brian or Joshua looked in my direction.

Joshua POV

Dinner is finally over. I could feel the tension at the dining but I prevented Brian and Dad from noticing by telling them about my last trip. I don’t know what exactly is going on but I’m certain there’s something between Valerie and Chris judging by how she lost her composure during the introduction and the constant gaze while eating. It seems like an issue of past love; I’ll get to the root of the matter and I hope this doesn’t affect Dad.

……..

All night I was up thinking of how I’d cope with staying in the same house with Tate and wondered why his family called him Chris. I had to mentally prepare myself if I wanted to remain sane in this house and I had to kill all the love and affection I harbored for Tate so I wouldn’t get in trouble. I stood up from the sofa and was pacing around the room before finally lying on the bed to sleep. I was rolling about in bed, sleep refusing to come to my rescue as I was repeatedly letting out a deep sigh silently so I wouldn't wake Lucas.

What do I do about Tate's arrival?