14. Jaxson

Iwas deeply engrossed in my latest project when the doorbell rang. I frowned in confusion, glancing at the clock. It was mid-afternoon, and I wasn’t expecting anyone. Rhys had a key, and wouldn’t hesitate to come in. Trying to recall if he had mentioned a package being delivered, nothing came to mind. The bell rang again, more insistent this time, and I quickly rose from my desk.

I moved through the house quickly. Emilia was napping, and I didn’t want the doorbell to disturb her. Though the thought of her waking up no longer filled me with panic. Rhys had helped me form a wonderful bond with my little daughter. But I still valued her nap time as a precious window of peace for both of us.

As I approached the door, I found myself hoping it might be Rhys surprising me with an afternoon quickie. The thought made me smile; he had a knack for brightening my day with his spontaneous affection. But when I opened the door, my smile faded, replaced by a puzzled frown.

Two men stood on my doorstep, both tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of familiarity that nagged at my memory. They shared similar features: strong cheekbones, sharp eyes, and a presence that commanded attention.

The leaner of the two stepped forward, extending his hand. “Hi, I’m Hunter. This is my brother, Gabe.”

Recognition struck me like a bolt of lightning. “You’re Rhys’ brothers,” I said, shaking Hunter’s hand.

Hunter nodded, a smile playing on his lips. “That’s right. We were hoping to find Rhys here. Seems he’s been avoiding us lately.”

I stepped aside, gesturing for them to come in. “You sure about that? I couldn’t help asking, “Doesn’t he work with Gabe?”

Gabe chuckled, “Okay. Yeah, he does.”

As the brothers entered, I couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance they shared with Rhys. Though Rhys was leaner and not quite as tall, the family resemblance was unmistakable. All three shared the same confident demeanour.

We moved to the living room, and I offered them seats on the couch. “Can I get you anything to drink?” I asked.

“We’re fine, thanks,” Gabe replied, his deep voice resonating through the room.

I sat down across from them, waiting for the interrogation to begin. “So, you were nominated to come find him?”

Hunter chuckled. “Something like that. Rhys has been a bit scarce lately, and we thought it was time we came and introduced ourselves. We haven’t seen much of him since he started seeing you.”

My face heated, feeling a mix of embarrassment and curiosity. “I wonder if he’s hiding us from you, instead of the other way around.”

Gabe’s eyes softened, and he leaned forward slightly. “Trust me, I know my brother, and that’s not it.”

“Okay, I believe you,” I replied. I wasn’t sure why I did but I did. “But Emilia and I mean a lot to him. I think he’s trying to figure some stuff out.”

I wondered if Rhys had to tell his family the same thing he needed to tell me. Either way it wasn’t my place to break his confidence.

Hunter glanced around the room, his eyes lingering on a photo of Rhys, Emilia, and me on the mantel. “Well, it looks like you’ve got the most important parts figured out.”

“We do,” I said, a warm smile spreading across my face. “He’s been wonderful, and Emilia adores him. But I also know how important family is to him. So it never made sense why he didn’t introduce us. The way he talks about all of you, I can tell you’re close.”

Hunter looked thoughtful, then nodded. “We are, but I’m sure you and Rhys will figure it out. It’s still early days.”

I nodded, relieved that this hadn’t been as bad as it could have been. I really had wondered why Rhys’ family lived like a ten minute drive away and I’d yet to meet them. I knew he worked with his brothers. He had no issue talking about them and their partners. He clearly loved his nieces and nephews… It hadn’t made sense. A part of me had wondered if they wouldn’t approve of us. Maybe because I already had a child… several reasons had come to mind.

But meeting them now they were nothing but welcoming.

“He’s not home right now, but he should be back soon. You’re welcome to wait here if you’d like.”

Gabe exchanged a glance with Hunter, then nodded. “Yeah, he was in a meeting when I left.”

As we settled into conversation, I got to know Rhys’ brothers. Hunter and Gabe shared stories from their childhood, painting a picture of a close-knit family that sounded incredible, which raised the question yet again: why didn’t Rhys want us to meet?

It was clear that their bond ran deep, and I began to understand why they would show up to check me out.

As the afternoon wore on, Emilia woke up from her nap and joined us in the living room. She was initially shy around the unfamiliar faces, but Hunter and Gabe quickly won her over. It was clear they were used to being around little ones. Watching them interact, I could see the same compassion and kindness that I loved in Rhys.

Eventually, the sound of the door opening signalled Rhys’ return. He walked in, stopping short when he saw his brothers sitting on the couch with Emilia giggling on Hunter’s lap.

“Rhys,” I said, smiling at his stunned expression. “Look who’s here.”

Rhys blinked, then looked between his brothers. “Hunter! Gabe! What are you doing here?”

“We came to meet your ma— Jaxson,” Gabe said with a laugh, standing up to embrace his brother.

Rhys returned the hug, clapping Gabe on the back before turning to Hunter. “You guys could’ve called, you know.”

“We wanted to surprise you,” Hunter said, hugging Rhys as well. “And it looks like it worked.”

Rhys glanced at me. I could tell he was checking to see if I was okay with them being here. “We’ve been getting to know each other.”

As they settled back onto the couch, Rhys reached for my hand, pulling me in for a quick kiss. When Emilia noticed he was back, she started making sounds to be picked up.

Hunter waved a hand dismissively. “No need to explain. We get it. We just wanted to see you, meet the new family, and make sure everything’s good.”

“It is,” Rhys said, squeezing my hand. “It really is.”

We spent the rest of the afternoon sharing stories some of Jayson and laughing. The initial tension Rhys carried melted away. I saw a side of him I hadn’t seen before, one that was deeply rooted in family. It made me love him more and also made me wonder why he hadn’t introduced us.

When Hunter and Gabe finally left, promising to visit again soon, Rhys turned to me, his eyes shining with happiness. “Thank you,” he said softly. “For welcoming them, and for understanding.”

I hugged him tightly. “You could have introduced us ages ago. They’re great.”

Rhys snorted, “Yeah they are but wait till you meet the whole family in one go.”

I wanted to ask him why he’d waited so long, but decided I would trust he had a good reason. He’d never given me a reason to doubt him, so I wasn’t going to start now.