GRACIE
I led her inside the house after Hayden stepped aside, muttering something under his breath. The expression on his face would have made anyone uneasy, but Melissa didn't seem to mind. Or maybe she just didn't care what he thought of her.
Over the past month, our relationship had accelerated quickly, although Hayden still disapproved. He always regarded her as "potentially dangerous."
He was wrong. She could well be the nicest person I'd ever met. During the first month, she'd been eager to learn about me. Although there had been initial awkwardness between us, it washed away after the first few meetings. I think it was because both of us grew up without experiencing the love of a real family.
She didn't seem to take offense at Hayden's blatant dislike, even now, as his disapproving gaze watched over us like a hawk.
"Hello," she greeted Hazel with a small smile. I guessed she had fallen in love with her, just like we all had.
"Aunt Mel!" Hazel chirped, making her way from Sebastian towards us.
An awkward silence fell. I could guess how uneasy Melissa must be under Hayden and Sebastian's stares. Hayden's gaze gave every hint that he didn't appreciate her presence. As for Sebastian, his expression was blank; I couldn't guess what he was thinking. But who cared? I was happy to have her here.
"Do you know we are going to get married?" Hazel supplied the news excitedly.
Melissa looked confused for a moment, then her gaze fell on the ring on my finger. Her eyes widened almost dramatically. I couldn't hold back a chuckle.
"It's so beautiful! You're getting married? When's the wedding?"
"We haven't fixed a date yet."
Deciding we'd stood long enough, I led her to the far end of the room to give us a little privacy. Hayden hadn't thought it polite to give us the space we needed, and neither had Sebastian.
Hazel's eyes twinkled excitedly. She looked happy, speaking with a slight hesitation although Hayden and I had started on the wrong foot.
"You've known them long?" I found myself asking, trying to shift the attention.
Sebastian sees his elder brother frequently, but we've been nothing more than acquaintances until recently. They were engaged in a discussion, but Hayden straightened up, his gaze darting towards ours. My gaze followed him, and I could swear I saw a hint of a flush on Sebastian's face, not to mention the sheepish look. Hayden seemed uncertain what to do with you sometimes.
"Don't worry, I'll find a thing or two," Melissa replied with a wink before she left. I promised we would make plans soon.
Sebastian also left after that. Later, I found myself in bed. I was happy knowing Hazel would grow up loved.
"Things are moving fast," Hayden noted, his voice low.
"It's the only time I want to experience everything with you." His tone was serious. "I would never have taken you this far if I didn't know what are mine....and of course you."
He pulled me against his chest, and a gasp escaped my mouth at the contact.
"We'll find our happily ever after?" he murmured near my lips. He gripped my cheek, keeping me from pulling away as he kissed me.
We had both found our way home.