“Thank you, Ethan. You look very handsome, by the way.” She looked him over in his dress pants and button down shirt. The man was insanely gorgeous. If she wasn’t in love with Stone, she would be harboring a major crush on Ethan.
“Why thank you, Miss Wallace.”
There were many voices coming from the living room. Loud, happy greetings. Sadie’s hand was still on Ethan’s arm as they entered the living room. There were people everywhere. Sadie scanned the room for Stone but didn’t see him. This was awkward, these people were all family, and she was a complete stranger to them. A large woman came barreling at them and grabbed Ethan in a hug. He was taken aback. Sadie pressed her lips together, suppressing a giggle at his reaction.
Sadie watched as everyone smiled and hugged one another. There were two men and two women about John’s age that she assumed were the aunts and uncles. There were three men who seemed to be about mid-twenties gathered with T, Roxanne, and Emory.
Her eyes scanned again and locked with a beautiful dark-haired woman. She was probably in her late twenties as well. She had a chin length bob of black silky hair. She was tall and had an amazing body, thin but curvy. She was stunning. She looked like she belonged in magazines. Once her perusal of her was done Sadie realized her dark eyes were giving Sadie a death stare. She smiled at her but the woman continued her glare.
“Sadie?” She heard from her left. Ethan was back from his bear hug and now had his hand on her back. She looked at him to see a questioning look.
“I’m sorry, I must have zoned out,” she explained while trying to recover from the death stare.
“I should introduce you to the family since Stone isn’t down yet.” He looked curiously at Sadie.
“Oh sure.” She tried to compose herself.
They were about to walk over when John raised his arm to get everyone’s attention and walked toward Ethan and Sadie.
“We have a very special guest for dinner tonight, everyone. The beautiful Sadie Wallace is with us today, her first Thanksgiving of many, I hope, with our crazy clan.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she sunk into him. He felt like protection. He felt like a dad.
“Well, welcome to the crazy, Sadie. It’s so lovely to meet you. I’m Ethan’s aunt, Judy.” The woman who hugged Ethan reached out her hand for hers with a big welcoming smile and clasped Sadie’s between hers. She kept her hand while looking between Ethan and Sadie. “Beautiful, just beautiful. You two are perfect together, you’ll make gorgeous babies.” She winked as Sadie’s eyes enlarged and Ethan laughed uncomfortably.
****
It had taken Stone longer than expected to get ready. Helping his Dad earlier and then being beaten to the shower by Bogs had made him the last one to make his way down into the living room. He checked Sadie’s room but it was empty. He was hoping they’d get a chance to talk about moving in together.
She seemed concerned and reluctant when he asked her earlier. He knew she was thought it was too soon. He also knew from the look in her eyes that she wanted it, she just wasn’t ready to say it.
He headed downstairs and heard his family. Before he hit the last step, he looked over to see his aunt holding Sadie’s hand grinning at her. His extended family would love her, he thought and smiled.
“Beautiful, just beautiful. You two are perfect together, you’ll make gorgeous babies.”
Stone lost his smile. What the fuck? He stalked into the living room and came up behind Sadie.
He grabbed her waist from underneath John’s arm and pulled her backward into the wall of his chest. Stone’s arms curled around her with his hands resting at her stomach.
“The only babies she will be making are mine.” His tone was harsh and possessive.
The room went quiet and slightly awkward. He noticed his dad suppress a laugh and Ethan doing the same. His aunt Judy, on the other hand, looked embarrassed. He knew she got the wrong impression of Ethan and Sadie standing together. He knew she didn’t mean any harm from her statement. But Stone couldn’t contain his possession. Sadie was his and someday, she would carry his children, this he knew without a doubt.
A female laugh came from the other side of the room. All eyes turned to his cousin Nina. Stone tried to keep from rolling his eyes. Nina was a bitch. Always had been, ever since they were kids. She sauntered over to stand in front of Stone and Sadie. Nina looked right at Sadie before placing her hand in front of her.
“Hi Sadie, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Nina.” Nina smiled but Stone saw right through it. She wasn’t happy to meet Sadie, she was just happy to hear Sadie wasn’t with Ethan.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Sadie replied cordially.
She smiled at Stone, then her gaze landed on Ethan. Stone watched her peruse Ethan before she turned around and headed to the kitchen. Ethan had really fucked up with that one. Dumbass.
“Let me introduce you to everyone else. C’mon babe.” Stone took Sadie’s hand and led her in further into the room.
Stone introduced her to the entire family. They were very welcoming, as Stone knew they would be. He had a great family with the exception of Nina. He knew they would love Sadie.
Stone rolled his eyes when he heard one of his uncles say, “Sadie, you ever hear about the first time, we took Stone fishing.” The room erupted in laughter and he looked down at Sadie, who seemed eager to hear the story. For her, he’d let them share it.
Stone had Sadie’s hand in his while his uncle told the story. He noticed
