Chapter 46
Chapter Forty-Six
Levi
The Nichols family estate is as grand as ever, the sprawling grounds immaculately kept and the scent of blooming flowers drifting through the air. It’s the kind of place that exudes tradition and history, but for me, it’s always been more about the people inside.
Tania sits beside me in the car, her hands resting lightly in her lap. She looks calm, but I can see the way her fingers fidget slightly, a subtle giveaway of her nerves. I reach over, taking her hand in mine, and she glances at me, her smile soft but uncertain.
“You’ve done this before,” I remind her gently. “They already adore you.”
“Eleanor adores you,” she counters. “There’s a difference.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “My mom loves you, Tania. She’s probably been planning this dinner since the last time we visited.”
“And Andrew?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.
“Will tease us mercilessly,” I admit, grinning. “But he’s harmless. Mostly.”
She groans, leaning her head back against the seat. “Great. Can’t wait.”
Eleanor is the first to greet us, sweeping Tania into a warm embrace the moment we step inside. She’s as elegant as ever, her perfectly tailored dress and composed demeanor giving way to a genuine warmth that instantly puts Tania at ease.
“Tania, darling,” she says, holding her at arm’s length. “You look radiant.”
“Thank you, Eleanor,” Tania replies, her smile genuine. “It’s so nice to see you again.”
Eleanor turns to me, her expression softening. “And you, Levi. I’m so proud of you.”
The words hit harder than I expect, and I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Thanks, Mom.”
Andrew appears a moment later, leaning casually against the doorframe with his trademark smirk. “Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite brother and his much more interesting fiancée.”
Tania laughs, shaking her head. “Hello to you too, Andrew.”
“Don’t mind him,” Eleanor says, rolling her eyes. “He’s been insufferable since the last board meeting went in his favor.”
“And by insufferable, she means brilliant,” Andrew says, grinning as he steps forward to hug Tania. “Good to see you again, Tania. Glad you’re still putting up with this one.”
“I’m a saint,” Tania replies, her tone teasing but affectionate.
The dining room is as grand as I remember, the long table set with crystal and silver, Eleanor’s impeccable taste on full display. But the atmosphere is light, the conversation flowing easily as we share stories and laugh over Andrew’s relentless teasing.
“So, Tania,” Andrew says, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in his eye. “What’s it like to finally tame the untamable Levi Nichols?”
Tania glances at me, her lips twitching with amusement. “Tame him? I think it’s more like managing controlled chaos.”
The table erupts into laughter, and even I can’t help but grin. “You two are enjoying this too much,” I say, shaking my head.
“Oh, lighten up, Levi,” Eleanor chimes in, her smile warm. “You need someone to keep you on your toes. And Tania does it beautifully.”
I glance at Tania, my chest tightening with a mix of pride and gratitude. “She does,” I say simply.
Later, as the evening winds down, I find Eleanor in the garden, inspecting the roses she’s so carefully cultivated. The air is cool, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange as the sun sets.
“She’s wonderful, Levi,” Eleanor says without looking up. “You’ve chosen well.”
“I know,” I reply, stepping closer. “I just hope she feels the same.”
Eleanor straightens, turning to face me. “Of course she does. I see the way she looks at you, the way you look at her. That kind of connection isn’t easily shaken.”
I nod, the weight of her words settling over me. “Thanks for always supporting me, Mom. Even when I didn’t deserve it.”
Her expression softens, and she places a hand on my arm. “You’ve always deserved it, Levi. And now, you have the chance to build the life you’ve always wanted. Don’t waste it.”
“I won’t,” I say firmly.
As we prepare to leave, Tania lingers in the foyer, chatting with Andrew about some upcoming charity event. I watch her from a distance, the ease with which she fits into my family’s world filling me with a quiet sense of joy.
When she notices me watching, she excuses herself and walks over, her smile soft. “Ready?”
“Yeah,” I say, taking her hand. “How’d it go?”
She raises an eyebrow. “Better than expected. Though Andrew’s jokes were borderline.”
“He’s incorrigible,” I reply, laughing.
She leans closer, her voice dropping. “Your family is wonderful, Levi. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with me.”
“Thank you for being part of it,” I reply, brushing a kiss to her forehead.