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I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before speaking. “No, it may never completely disappear. But you can learn to carry it better. You don't have to face your demons alone, Brandon. I'm here for you, for Kira and Alessa.” My voice cracks as I say the last words. “For us.”
CHAPTER 18
Brandon
Istand on Anya’s porch, straightening my shirt and taking a deep breath. It’s our first meeting since I opened up to her yesterday, and I’m still a little embarrassed about it.
We’re having dinner with my family tonight. We’re telling them about Kira, and I’m nervously anticipating my brother’s reaction. It’ll be Kira’s first day meeting them as family, and I want nothing more than happy memories of tonight.
I ring the doorbell and wait, my heart beating a little faster than usual.
When the door opens, I'm stunned into silence. Anya stands there in a beige A-line dress that flows gracefully around her, the soft fabric shimmering subtly in the light. The dress hugs her figure in all the right places, accentuating her curves and giving her an air of effortless elegance. Her hair falls in soft waves around her shoulders, and the delicate silver earrings she’s wearing catch the light, highlighting her radiant smile. In her arms, Kira looks adorable in her tiny yellow dress, her big eyes dilating when they meet mine.
I can’t take my eyes off them. “Wow,” I finally manage to say, my voice coming out a bit rough. “Anya, you look amazing.”
Anya blushes a beautiful shade of pink, and she looks down for a moment before meeting my gaze again. “Thank you,” she replies, her voice soft. “You look great too.”
I chuckle. “I’m wearing just a pair of denim and a shirt. Nothing you haven’t seen before.”
She sighs and laughs too. “So I can’t flatter you?”
“Not a chance.”
She smiles up at me, and it feels like the world narrows down to just the three of us. “I couldn’t decide on what to wear. Gigi chose this dress. Do you like it?”
“Like it? It’s perfect,” I murmur, still mesmerized by her. She looks like she’s stepped out of a dream, and Kira’s tiny giggle adds to the magic of the moment. “Ready to go?”
“Ready,” she says, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze as she adjusts Kira in her arms.
At the car, I open the back door and double-check the straps and buckles of Kira’s baby seat, making sure everything is secure. “There we go, princess,” I say softly to Kira, who watches me with wide eyes, her tiny hands reaching out to grasp at the air.
I lift her gently from Anya’s arms and settle her into the car seat. Kira giggles, kicking her little feet as I fasten the straps around her. “All set, baby girl,” I say, brushing a kiss on her forehead. Her laughter is contagious, and I can’t help but smile.
I turn to Anya, who’s watching me with a tender expression. “You’re really good at this,” she says softly.
“Just want to make sure our little one’s safe,” I reply, closing the door carefully.
Kira drifts off to sleep during the car ride and Anya and I fall into a comfortable silence. We listen to country music playing on the radio, and Anya sings along. She's usually so full of energy, but I can sense her nerves as we head towards the restaurant.
After twenty minutes, I pull up to where we are meeting for dinner. I get out of the car and open Anya's door for her, then go around to the backseat and carefully lift Kira into my arms. She stirs briefly but doesn't fully wake up.
Anya looks at me with love in her eyes. The sight of her was mesmerizing, almost otherworldly in her ethereal beauty. It was as if a goddess had stepped straight out of the pages of a fashion magazine. “Are you nervous?”
She clenches her teeth and lets out a heavy sigh. "I know I'm nervous, but we can't keep avoiding this situation forever."
I gently caress her cheek and lean in, planting a tender kiss on her forehead. "We can face this together."
My family is seated at a small, cozy table tucked away in the far corner of the restaurant. Vibrant flowerpots adorn the windowsills and the walls are made entirely of glass, offering an unobstructed view of the bustling street outside. The soft glow of candlelight dances across their faces as they chat and laugh. The lighting is perfect for a good picture of Anya and Kira too.
My parents don’t look shocked at all as Anya and I sit on the only two chairs left, with Anya sitting next to Alessa and me beside Spencer. His forehead is creased, his lips pouting as if he has a million questions to ask and is barely holding back from doing so.
“Hi, Kira,” Alessa says with a giggle. She’s waving at Kira, whose big brown eyes are now wide open and sparkly. She’s taking in everyone’s faces.
“Hello, Mr. Jackson,” Anya says to my father. “You look stunning, Mrs. Jackon.”
My mother waves. “Well, thank you. You look gorgeous yourself,” she says. “Also, you can drop the formalities now. Just call me Camilla, and call my husband James.”
Anya nods. “Sure, Camilla.”
