Page 84 of Deceptive Desires

We decided to wait to tell his family in person, since we were visiting soon. We come almost every Sunday for family dinner, and I just know they’re going to be happy. I can’t wait to call them family.

We enter the sitting room, and Mrs. Montclair sees the ring immediately. While it’s not gaudy, it’s also certainly isn’t small by any means.

She flies out of her chair and wraps her arms around me.

“Welcome to the family, Cecilia! We’re so glad to have you,” she tells me as her eyes brim with tears.

“Thank you. You’ve always been so welcoming. I’m honored to call you family.” I return her fierce hug.

“Evelyn, let the girl breathe,” Mr. Montclair says as he pulls his wife off of me. Then he turns to me, “Cecilia, you’ve been like family since the first time Roman brought you over. We’re glad he’s making it official. We’ll be honored to have you as a part of the Montclair family.” His eyes soften as he talks.

“What’s going on?” Matthias’s voice echoes from the doorway as he takes in the scene.

Before anyone can answer, Margot leaps forward.

“Oh my God! Welcome to the family! I’ve always wanted a sister! And Evelyn and I are way outnumbered! This is amazing!” she gleefully says as she pulls me in for a hug.

After exactly three seconds of contact, Matthias pries her from me and glues her to his side. There isn’t a breath of space between them. Margot just rolls her eyes at her fiancé’s jealousy.

Bash, having witnessed the full transaction from his spot, stands up. He shoots Roman a wary look then brings me in for a hug.

“You’re already like a sister to me. I’m excited to have you around.” Then he leans in and lowers his voice so only I can hear. “You’re good for him. You bring out a better side of him. Just… just don’t give up on him when things… change. He’s a good man for you, and that’s all that matters.”

With those confusing words, he pulls back and slaps Roman on the back, congratulating him once Matthias lets go of him. Then Matthias turns to me and hugs me quickly.

“Margot and I love having you around. Give him hell but always have room for forgiveness. Your heart is big enough for it. That’s how you’re able to look past his… shortcomings,” Matthias tells me, and I just stare at him, unable to comprehend either brother’s bizarre advice.

We sit down around the room, Roman and I on a loveseat small enough that I’m practically glued to his side. He doesn’t seem to mind though, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me in tightly.

Dom walks in and looks around the room skeptically noting the excitement in the air. He’s the only one I’ve had an issue bonding with, but it seems Margot is in a similar position. Roman tells me Dom is just closed off and has a difficult time trusting. I guess working in security and seeing people’s terrible actions can do that to you.

His eyes land on me and Roman, and they narrow further.

“What’s going on?” he demands.

“Cecilia and I are engaged,” Roman tells him in what has to be as few words as possible.

“Engaged?” Dom repeats.

“To be married,” Roman says with an eye roll.

“Obviously,” Dom grunts, clearly not impressed with Roman’s sarcasm. “Are you sure this is a good idea?” he asks, locking eyes with Roman.

Roman’s grip on me tightens, as though he’s scared I’m going to change my mind and try to flee.

“I don’t see why it wouldn’t be. Making the love of my life my wife seems like the best idea,” Roman responds darkly.

As Roman and Dom have a staring contest, communicating silently, Margot steals my attention.

“So, Cecilia, do you guys have any wedding plans yet? Any idea of when or where you’ll get married?” she asks.

“Oh, umm, it’s all so new. We haven’t had a chance to talk about it. I’d rather have a shorter engagement. We’ll of course wait until after your wedding. We don’t want to take any attention from you,” I say in a light voice, not wanting her to feel like her wedding is being overlooked.

“Don’t worry about that. Plus, my wedding is in two months. I don’t think even the best wedding planners could get a wedding done before then.” She laughs. “If you need any help with anything wedding related, please reach out to me. I’d love to help out and pass on what I’ve learned,” she offers sweetly.

“That would be amazing!”

The rest of the evening goes well. Everything is a normal Montclair Sunday family dinner. Down to Dom’s cagey attitude, and Bash and Matthias’s curious gazes.