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“Maria,” I murmur, squeezing her back. “I’ve missed you so much.”
We stay like that for a long moment, just holding each other, until a polite cough sounds behind me. I turn to see Alex, Ethan, and Liam standing there, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amusement.
“Guys, this is my sister, Maria,” I say, pulling away from the hug and gesturing to her. “Maria, these are my… boyfriends.” The word feels odd on my tongue, insufficient to describe the depth of our connection.
Maria’s eyebrows shoot up, her gaze flickering between the three men. “My, my, Ava, you’ve been holding out on me.” Her tone is teasing, but I can hear the undercurrent of protectiveness, the unspoken question of whether these men are worthy of her little sister.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Maria,” Liam says smoothly, stepping forward to shake her hand. “Ava has told us so much about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” Maria quips, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
“Of course,” Ethan chimes in, his smile warm and genuine.
“Come on in,” Alex says, reaching for her bags. “Let us show you to your room.”
As we make our way inside, I can feel Maria’s curiosity burning, her gaze taking in every detail of the luxurious house. I know she must have a million questions, and I brace myself for the interrogation I know is coming.
But first, we settle her into the guest room, a spacious, sun-drenched space with a plush bed and a view of the gardens. Maria flops on the bed with a happy sigh.
“This is heavenly,” she murmurs, her voice dreamy. “I might never leave.”
I laugh, perching on the edge of the bed next to her. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”
Maria’s eyes open, and she fixes me with a knowing look. “So, this living arrangement… it’s serious, then?”
I nod, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. “It is. I know it’s unconventional, but… I love them, Maria.”
She sits up, her expression softening. “I can see that. And I can see how much they love you, too. It’s written all over their faces.”
I reach for her hand, squeezing it tightly. “Thank you. For understanding, for being here.”
“Of course,” she says, squeezing back. “I’ll always be here for you, Ava. No matter what.”
We sit there for a moment, just holding hands. But then a mischievous glint enters Maria’s eyes, and I know the interrogation is about to begin.
“So…” she starts, leaning forward conspiratorially. “How did this whole thing even begin? And how on earth do you keep up with three men? I can barely handle one!”
I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s a long story. But the short version is, things just… happened. As for keeping up with them…” I shrug, a sly smile playing at my lips. “Let’s just say I’m never bored.”
Maria cackles, clapping her hands excitedly. “I bet! Oh, the stories you must have.”
We spend the next hour gossiping and giggling like schoolgirls, trading stories and secrets like we used to when we were kids. It feels so good to have her here, to share this part of my life with her.
But eventually, we hear a knock at the door, and Ethan pokes his head in. “Sorry to interrupt, ladies, but dinner is ready.”
We head downstairs to find the dining room table set with a feast, candles flickering and crystal glasses glinting in the soft light. Alex and Liam are already seated, their faces lighting up when they see us.
As we take our seats, Maria leans over to me and whispers, “They cooked for us? Marry them. All of them.”
I choke back a laugh, shaking my head at her antics. But as I look around the table at the men I love, I can’t help but feel a rush of warmth.
The conversation flows easily as we eat, laughter and stories filling the air. But I can see Maria watching the guys closely, her eyes assessing and her questions purposeful.
Finally, she sets down her fork and fixes them with a piercing stare. “So, boys, let’s cut to the chase. What are your intentions about my sister?”
I feel a flutter of nervousness in my stomach, but the guys don’t miss a beat.
“To love and cherish her,” Alex says, his voice deep and sincere.
