Page 133 of Rebellious Hearts

In love.

Married.

42

SOFIA

“Ican’t thank you enough, Eleanor,” I said to my new mother-in-law.

“Oh, please, call me Mom,” she said with a smile. “And there’s nothing to thank me for! I would give everything for every one of my children. And now, that includes you.” She cupped my cheek, her hand warm and her smile warmer.

Her chestnut hair, streaked with gray, was pinned back neatly, and she wore a light pink dress suit and nude shoes. She looked classy and polished.

I blushed.

“Thank you, Mom.” It felt strange to say it, but I would get used to it. “And thanks to you, too,” I said, turning to Charlotte. She was dressed in one of the wine-colored bridesmaid’s dresses and her hair had been braided with roses and diamonds, like all the others.

“Of course!” she cried out. “I’ve always wanted a sister.”

I laughed when she smiled at me. That was right—she was my sister now.

Someone brought a toddler to her.

“Oh, here he is,” Charlotte said, scooping up the toddler and nuzzling his neck. He kicked his little legs and giggled.

“Hello, cutie,” I said and squeezed Tommy’s hand. His mom ruffled his blond hair, and he turned his blue eyes to me. Those were Alex’s eyes. He was the perfect combination of his mother and his father.

I was so relieved that Charlotte was a mother. I could talk to her about my fears, and when I needed help, I could call her. She’d already told me she would be there for me, no matter what.

Ben arrived at my side and brought me a glass of alcohol-free wine. He kissed my cheek.

“How are you feeling?” His eyes searched my face. “Everything okay?”

“I’m perfect,” I said with a smile. “Thank you for this.”

“Of course.” He pulled me closer. “The guys are really having a good time.” He glanced toward the open bar, where the men were all drinking, cheering, laughing.

“And you?” I asked.

“I’m having a great time,” he said with a grin. “But I can’t wait to be alone with you later.” He leaned his forehead against mine. “Have I told you how beautiful you look in this dress?”

“You have.” I giggled, caught up in our own world again where no one else existed.

“It’s a stunning dress,” he said.

“Thank you.”

“It will look fantastic on my floor,” he murmured.

I giggled, blushing bright red and heat washed over my body.

“I think we should test your theory,” I breathed.

Ben kissed me, his lips locking on mine, and when he broke the kiss, I was breathless.

“Get a room, you two.” Charlotte laughed.

“We plan to,” Ben said with a cheeky grin before he kissed me on the cheek again, squeezed my hand, and left me with the girls to join the guys again.