Chapter 46
MACKENZIE
Jenson and Amara’s house is already alive with music and conversation when we arrive. The scent of grilled meat lingers in the air, mixing with laughter spilling from the open patio doors. Inside, the warmth is immediate—glasses clink, voices weave together, and there’s an energy here that feels like something unshakable. A family, forged in blood and loyalty.
Creed’s hand rests on the small of my back as we step through the doorway, Gabriella close beside me. She hesitates for just a second, her fingers twisted in the sleeve of her hoodie. She needs to take her time, breathe all this in at her own pace.
Flynn notices us first. He leans against the kitchen island, arms crossed, his sharp gaze flicking from me to Gabriella. His expression is one of awe.
“So this is lovely, Gabriella?” he says, smirking down at her. “It is good to meet you officially.”
Gabriella lifts her chin, her voice steady but quiet. “It is good to meet you too.”
Larken steps forward with a smirk. “Hope you’re ready for this circus, Gabriella,” he says, gesturing to the room, the chaos of conversation and familiarity wrapped around all of them. “We don’t bite. Much.”
Gabriella’s lips twitch, almost like she wants to smile but isn’t sure if she should. Larken is great with kids.
Amara approaches next, her warmth immediate and effortless. “It’s so good to meet you and have you in my home,” she says, genuine kindness threading through her words.
Gabriella nods once, shifting a little closer to me. She isn’t rude, just cautious. Observing, measuring, trying to find her place in all of this.
Jenson waves a hand toward the living room. “Make yourself at home. You’re family here.”
She meets his gaze for a second before looking away, another small nod. It’s not rejection—it’s hesitation. And I understand it, more than anyone.
Creed’s fingers brush against my back, his silent way of checking in, of asking without words if our daughter is okay. And she is. She just needs time. This is all new to her and to us. She’s been spending a weekend with us every alternate month to get to know us. Mia and Michael are amazing to let us bond with Gabriella.
Kaden, Flynn’s son, soon wins Gabriella over talking about games, and Creed and I get drinks.
“So, how are you doing?” he asks, kissing the lobe of my ear.
“A lot better than I thought I’d be. I’m just glad we’re here, together. There’s not much more I can ask for.”
He wraps an arm around my waist as we watch our daughter. She looks at us across the room and raises her hand in a small wave. It makes my heart squeeze, just knowing she sought us out in the crowd.
I suppose this is the way my life was always supposed to be. I had to come undone to be put together again.
THE END