Chased

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Lennon

The Posadas are getting together.

My niece’s birthday is this Saturday.

Get ready!

“What?” I whisper-shout as soon as I get the message from Ruben.

“Everything all right?” Trisha asks from the other side of the cafeteria table, where we’re having lunch.

“Ruben’s family is getting together to celebrate someone’s birthday.”

The thought of going to a big family gathering makes my stomach churn.

Why didn’t he start with a low-key dinner or coffee with just one sibling?

Something manageable, like with Gabriel, his oldest brother who lives in the city with his family.

“Don’t you want to go?” Trisha asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. “I thought you two were serious.”

I’m so confused, so overwhelmed. “We are… it’s just…”

“What?” Trisha presses, leaning forward like she’s expecting juicy gossip.

“Unexpected,” I finally say, grateful to have found a word that makes sense.

“Well,” she starts, smirking, “as your man said, get ready for the weekend.”

“Gosh, I need to buy a present for his niece,” I mutter, mostly to myself. “Ruben has two. Which one is the party for?”

“Maybe tomorrow, after your shift you can run to a store…” Trisha suggests, but the occasion requires something unique. Special.

After some frantic searching, I settled on the cutest handmade Mexican doll I can find on Etsy. I have to pay extra for the gift wrapping and expedited shipping, but I don’t care. Fingers crossed she likes it. Then there’s the inevitable spiral of “what am I going to wear?” and the most important question of all: “will I fit in?”

After telling her the whole story, Nikki can’t stop teasing me, of course. She says soon enough she’ll have the whole home for herself now that I just go there to pick up more stuff that is filling one of the closets at Ruben’s condo.

? ? ?

The party is on Saturday at a stunning house in a gated community in Palo Alto. Ruben told me he will be wearing jeans, so I decided to do the same, just elevating the whole look wearing a pretty dusty blue blouse and my nude wedges. Around my neck, I’m wearing the beautiful diamond studded pendant Ruben got for me in Buenos Aires.

Ruben’s hand rests casually on my thigh as he drives us south to his brother’s home. The warmth of his palm is a grounding comfort, though it does nothing to quell the nerves swirling in my stomach. We’ve been sleeping together every night, and I’m undeniably in love with this man, but meeting his entire family in one go? For a three-year-old’s birthday party? It feels like jumping into the deep end of a pool without checking for water.

“Relax,” Ruben says, his deep voice laced with amusement. He glances over at me through the smutty glasses he’s wearing today, smirking. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. They’ll love you.”

I twist my fingers on my lap… again. “Do you think so? This is kind of overwhelming.”

His laugh rumbles through the car. “It’s just a party, so just calm down. Family, cake, a few balloons, and a pinata. You’ll be fine.”

As soon as we pull up to the driveway, my jaw practically hits the floor. The house is breathtaking, with classic and modern lines mixing together beautifully. Tall stucco walls, massive windows, and perfectly manicured landscaping.

“Ruben, this is not a house, it’s a fucking mansion .”

“My brother does well,” Ruben replies casually as he parks.

There’s no jealousy in his voice, just the purest pride. He’s genuinely happy for his brother. But the house isn’t even the biggest surprise. It’s the backyard. Or should I say, Candyland. There are giant lollipops, gumdrop-shaped beanbags, long tables with huge centerpieces, pastel balloon arches, and enough sweets to give a dentist the worst nightmares. It’s an actual fairy tale. My head spins just looking at it.

“Wow,” I say, still taking it all in. “Cake, a few balloons, and a pinata?”

Ruben chuckles while shrugs. “Overwhelmed yet?”

“A little. Is this… normal?”

“Not really,” he admits, slipping his hand into mine as we make our way through the rainbow-colored extravaganza. “This is definitely… extra .”

A stunning couple who seem just as surprised as I feel, comes to greet us with open arms and wide smiles. Destinee’s slim figure, blonde hair and bright blue eyes give her an understated elegance, while Martin’s resemblance to Ruben is striking, especially with the same well-groomed beard that makes my man so irresistible.

“We had no idea it would turn out like this,” Destinee says with an apologetic laugh while straightening the pink jacket she’s wearing over a short dress. “Martin’s assistant took over the planning since I’ve been so busy at the clinic. She really went all out. We only found out about this when the party rental trucks were parking in front of the house.”

“Went all out?” Ruben teases, raising an eyebrow. “Destinee, this is a full production. What time does the TV crew arrive?”

Martin laughs, adjusting his glasses. “If a crew shows up, I’m billing them for the rights. Ruben, don’t give anyone ideas.”

Ruben smirks. “Just looking out for your app’s PR opportunities , hermano . ‘Tech Genius Throws Extravagant Candyland Bash’… catchy, no?”

“And yet, here you are,” Martin counters, “fully enjoying the sugar-coated perks of my success.”

Ruben claps his brother on the shoulder while they both laugh. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

The love between the siblings is palpable, evident not just in their banter but in the way they look out for each other. It’s humbling to witness, and just a little intimidating.

Ignacio, the patriarch of the family, is a tall skinny man who hugs me like I’m his long-lost child. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lennon,” he says. “We’ve heard a lot of you.”

“Good, I hope.” Ruben’s hand is on my back, warm and reassuring.

“Just the best,” he admits. “You’re making my son happy. That’s all I can ask.”

“And don’t forget how gorgeous she is,” adds Ruben while kissing my check.

“I think you chose well, hijo .” Ignacio praises his son looking at him with a gaze full of pride.

At that moment, sadness overwhelms me. I’ve never had this. I never will. Ruben feels something is happening. Of course, he does. So his hand moves to my waist, holding me closer.

“I told you, Lennon, they are loving you already.”

I move a little to find Ignacio’s eyes on us, a smile on his face. Okay, I can relax now. All seems to be alright.

Suddenly, a little voice calls out, “ Tío Ruben!”

Ruben turns, his entire face lighting up as a whirlwind of curls and sparkly shoes barrels into his open arms. It’s Emmie, Elena and Cardan’s seven-year-old daughter. She’s adorable, with Ruben’s smile and enough energy and sassiness to power a small country.

“Emmie!” Ruben exclaims, lifting her up effortlessly. “Look at you, getting taller every day. I brought you something from my work trip.”

Her eyes go wide. “Really? What is it?”

“It’s in the car, so you’ll have to wait and see,” he says, tapping her nose. She squeals with delight, planting a big kiss on his cheek before running off to tell her father.

Cardan looks like a Viking god—tall, broad-shouldered, effortlessly commanding. Handsome barely covers it. His chiseled features and green gaze demand attention, but it’s the way he carries himself, the quiet confidence, that makes him impossible to ignore.

Beside him, Elena is breathtaking. Her dark hair cascades over her shoulders, framing a face as striking as it is captivating. She shares the same intense gaze as his older brothers, but there’s something softer in hers, something that belongs only to him. Together, they are a magnetic force that draws every eye in the room.

But it’s not just their looks that make them stand out. It’s the way Cardan’s fingers are wrapped around hers, the way she leans into him like he’s the only solid thing in the world. And then there’s the way they look at each other—like the rest of the world has faded away, like nothing and no one else exists. It’s not just attraction. It’s love. It’s devotion.

Ruben glances at me, pointing at where his niece is playing with a balloon, his expression soft.

“She’s the apple of my eye. Can you tell?”

“Just a little,” I tease, my heart melting at the sight.

As the party progresses, the Posadas’ dynamic becomes even more evident. They’re a tight-knit bunch, blending teasing and warmth. Their love for each other is woven into every interaction. There’s an ease between them, a rhythm that speaks of years of inside jokes, shared history, and unconditional support.

I find myself enchanted by the way they say each other’s names in Spanish and the way the syllables roll off their tongues with a natural grace. Instead of the clipped, Anglicized Ruben that I’m used to, they call him Rubén, the soft emphasis on the second syllable making it sound richer, more melodic. It takes me a few tries to get it right, but once I do, I don’t want to go back. There’s something about saying his name the way his family does that makes it feel more intimate, more his.

Gabriel and Erin are wrapped up in their newborn son, doting on him with that awestruck new-parent glow. Every few minutes, someone stops by to coo over the baby, and Gabriel beams with pride while Erin gently sways, cradling the tiny bundle against her chest. Nearby, David and Melanie keep a watchful eye on their little boy, Davi, as he scrambles up a rock wall installed a few feet away. His laughter rings through the air, fearless and full of life.

Melanie, visibly pregnant, radiates that kind of maternal glow you only see in movies. She moves with ease, one hand resting protectively on her belly, the other reaching out instinctively whenever Davi gets too close to the edge. David watches them both with quiet devotion, the kind that doesn’t need words to be felt.

And as I take it all in—the warmth, the laughter, the effortless love that flows between them—I realize how easy it is to feel welcomed here.

After dinner, Ruben goes to the bouncing castle to delight his nieces and nephew, while Melanie and I stay alone at a table. I stare at the centerpiece looking for a distraction, so this is magnificent. “Lennon, breathe,” she says with a kind smile.

I nod, trying not to let my nerves show. “I’m trying.”

“Welcome to the family,” she says, her tone genuine. “I know it can feel a little overwhelming at first… it’s a lot to take in. Just relax and enjoy.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “That obvious, huh?”

“Trust me, I’ve been there,” Melanie confesses, resting a hand on her belly. “When I first met them, I felt like an outsider, too. To make it worse, I was a single mother. Davi was four when David found out about him.” Surprise is inevitable on my face. “Yeah, a complicated story.”

“Wow,” that’s the only thing I manage to say.

“But they made me feel like one of them immediately, and that hasn’t changed. They’re good people, Lennon. They’ll make room for you, just like they did for me. For us.”

Her words hit me in a way I didn’t expect, and I feel myself relaxing a little. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

“Ruben… Well, he’s never been happier. That’s obvious to all of us.”

My cheeks heat at the compliment, but it feels well. Very well, indeed.

“So,” she says, changing the subject with a playful glint in her eye. “How’s the theater coming along?”

“Good,” I say, smiling. “I’m glad David’s involved. The repairs are going really fast, and it feels like things are finally coming together.”

“I can’t wait for the reopening party,” Melanie says. “It’s going to be amazing.”

But before I can respond, Ruben appears from behind us, placing his hands on my shoulders.

“What are you two plotting?” he asks, and I turn to find his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Just welcoming Lennon to the madness,” Melanie replies, winking at me. “Good luck with this one.”

“She’ll take her chances,” Ruben says, his voice low and full of promise. And just like that, my nerves dissolve, replaced by the steady warmth of his presence.

As the hours pass, something becomes apparent to me. I’m not just falling deeper and deeper for Ruben. I’m falling for his family, too.

Ruben takes my hand for us to walk around the beautiful garden, there’s a huge variety of games organized for the kids… and the older guests. This party has been amazing. The food, the drinks, the company. Just perfect.

David calls his brother, and as I make the short line to get a row of stars painted on my face, a girl stands in front of me, examining me from head to toe. She’s wearing a rainbow dress with sparkling shoes. “The girlfriend, eh?” she finally says while walking to the place where I am.

“Yeah, I’m Lennon.”

“I know,” she adds, pushing a strand of her black hair over her shoulder. She owns a stunning pair of green eyes. She’s gorgeous.

She has a hand below her chin, she looks like a scientist examining her new experiment.

“He will love me forever,” she says, almost adding a hashtag to the statement.

“I know.” What is this girl doing to me? My lexicon has been reduced to a two-word sentence.

And confident. I wish I was this bold at her age.

“Do you speak any Spanish?” she asks.

“No, just French and German.” Freya taught me; she said learning another language was a skill that could come in handy at some point.

“You’ll learn.” The conviction in her voice is unmistakable. “All the Posadas do. So does my father, even if he’s a Malone.”

“Ok…” What else am I supposed to say?

“He always dances with me. Always.” That sounds like a warning. Her expression is so serious that it almost makes me laugh. “And if you make him cry, I’m coming to kick your shins and pull your hair.”

Now, I can’t help it anymore. A huge laugh leaves my chest.

“So, are we allies now?” I dare to ask, thanking God my vocabulary is back.

“We are,” Emmie concedes after a few seconds of consideration. “I need another baby cousin. Make it a girl so we can call the majority.”

Another laugh, this girl, she’s amazing. “Let’s see what I can do.” Truth be told, the thought of having kids with Ruben fills my chest with a bubbly feeling. After seeing him with his nieces and nephews, there is no doubt in my mind. He will be an amazing father. Just the best. Like everything else he does.

By the end of the day, I’m exhausted but happy. The Posadas are a lot in the best way. They’re warm, loving, and unapologetically themselves. They really know how to party. Later, when just the family was left, La Banda arrived and the real party started. I found myself dancing and laughing, surprised by the way Ruben moves. Even if I was a lost cause, he never made me feel embarrassed. He encouraged me to follow his lead in the middle of the improvised dance floor.

Several times, I caught Ignacio looking at his litter. Nostalgia and happiness mixed in his features. He’s still mourning the loss of his beloved wife and celebrating the family they created together. Love, what a complicated feeling you are.

At some point, Elena took my hands to dance with me. Melanie was right; they are making room for me and for the first time in my life, I feel part of something bigger than me.

As Ruben drives us back to the city, I find myself glancing at him, wondering how I got so lucky. He’s the jackpot.

“What?” he asks, catching me staring.

“Nothing,” I say, a smile tugging at my lips. “Just… you.”

He smirks, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “Get used to it.”

“I’m so in love with you, Rubén Posada.” The words get out of my chest before I can’t stop them.

He says nothing, and for a moment embarrassment floods me like a heavy wave. Can I get out of the car at the next red light? Then, slowly, so slowly a huge grin threatens to split his face in two.

Oh, I’m back in the game.

“Don’t you have anything to say?”

“Oh, Chispita ,” he replies. “Wait until we are home. I’m going to say it and then, I’ll show you how much.”

“This is promising,” I add, grinning as an idiot. An idiot in love.

“I’ve been waiting,” he says. “Now that the cat is out of the bag, are you ready to deal with the consequences?”

Heat pools between my legs. I like this. The serious, bossy Ruben… oh, I’m ready.