I pull back, not wanting to get all nostalgic, lingering too long already. “Nice to see you, Dad.”
Mom purses her lips, almost annoyed with him, but he ignores her and turns his back to enter the house. I bow my head for Mom to place her hand on my shoulder. It shouldn’t have hurt, seeing him ignore me like I’m a nobody, but the pang in my heart argues it does.
“He hasn’t been doing well since you left. Don’t be fooled by his stubborn exterior. You know him well. It takes him a while to adjust to things.”
My mouth remains closed since there’s no point in arguing. Been there, done that.
Lex Edwards is being typical, Lex Edwards.
We enter the château through the large wooden arched doors. The noise from the chatter and laughs is the first thing I hear. All my sisters and their families are sitting around the living room. The kids are the first to greet me, running toward me and grabbing my legs because that’s all they can reach. I throw my bags on the ground, leaning down to hug each one of them.
“Auntie Alexa,” Archer calls while squashing his little face. “You look funny.”
Great—nice greeting, kid.
“Archer, that’s not nice,” Ashton scolds his little brother. “Daddy says you must always compliment a woman especially if you want someone.”
I purse my lips, trying to hold back my smile. “Is that what Daddy said? It sounds to me like Daddy is often in the doghouse.”
“A doghouse?” Archer questions then laughs. “Daddy doesn’t fit in our doghouse!”
My hands reach out to ruffle Archer’s mousy brown hair. Will and Millie’s sons have grown so much. They’re talking a mile a minute, but I hear the wordPokémoncome up, and I’m tuning out.
Their youngest son, Alexander, takes steps but is unsteady on his feet. He’s so chubby I just want to eat him. From the cheeks to those thighs. I reach my arms out to cuddle him, but his face breaks out into a loud cry. I have never felt more attacked by stranger danger than I have right now. Way to go, chubby.
Ava’s daughter, Emmy, is standing on my left like a little princess in her purple tutu. I reach down to grab her, swinging her in my arms. She looks exactly like Ava, it’s crazy. Ava’s youngest daughter, River, is asleep in the stroller which is sitting in the corner of the room. She looks more like Austin, two very different-looking sisters.
“Aunty Alexa, when are you coming home?” she asks so innocently before resting her head on my shoulder.
I move a strand of hair away from her face and ignore the tightness inside my chest. The idea of traveling to gain some freedom from my parents was great, until the reality of who else I left behind begins to sink in.
“Soon, I promise.”
Will is next to greet me, surprisingly dressed so casually. He’s usually in a suit and out with Dad doing billionaire business.
“What is this? Will Romano enjoying a holiday and not working for once?” I tease.
His forced smile turns into annoyance. “I’ve been instructed to relax which means no business.”
I can’t help but laugh. “It’s hurting you, I can see.”
“If Lex is allowed to work, why can’t I?”
“I dunno, sounds like you’re pussy whipped. It’s what happens when you marry those needy young girls.”
Will chuckles then hugs me. “Good to see you, sis.”
A nervous-looking Masen joins us. For someone getting married tomorrow, I guess it’s expected, but I find it amusing given he’s always been a cocky bastard and for once he looks like a wreck.
“You okay? You look nervous.”
Masen pulls back with a grin. “Your family is a lot.”
“Trust me, I know.”
Ava jumps off the sofa, wearing a short denim jumpsuit that would look great on me in Greece.Note to self: raid her room later.
“Well, well, well,” Ava says with a smirk on her face. “Look who’s at a family event for once. And stop eyeing my jumpsuit. If you really want it, you can have it.”