25. Thea

"Thea! It's so great to see you," Nicole says, taking me into her arms and hugging me tightly.

"Hey, Aunt Nic," I murmur, returning the hug.

"How are you doing, sweetie?"

"I'm good."

She pulls back to look at me and I feel awkward. I've never felt this way around any of my family before. Dom must pick up on my emotions somehow, because his arm snakes around my back and his fingers rest against my waist as he brings me closer to him.

Nicole watches us and then the strangest thing happens. She gets this huge grin on her face, and she claps her hands. "Well, thank God."

"Mama?" Dragon asks. She turns to look at him, still smiling so big that I think her face must be hurting her at this point.

"Our son finally got his head out of his ass. You didn't tell me this dinner was a celebration," she says, swatting him. "Thea? How about you come into the kitchen and help me finish getting dinner on the table?"

"Mom, you're freaking Thea out. Stop it before you scare her away."

"Bull. Thea is one of us. She doesn't run away scared."

"I—"

Nicole waves Dom off, stopping his response. Then she winks at me. "Besides, Dom, you're a younger version of your father. You won't let her get away from you."

"Dom and I aren't?—"

"You're right, Mom. I won't let her get away," Dom interrupts firmly, stopping my attempt to keep Nicole from acting like I'll be her daughter-in-law soon. I can feel my eyes go round with shock as Dom puts a hand under my chin and makes me look at him. Before I can get my brain to cooperate, he leans down and kisses me. It's not a deep kiss. Sadly, it's over pretty quick. It's not innocent, although not over the top either. I'm not ready for it to end, but as he pulls away, his lips find my ear. "We are, too."

I frown at him. "You don't know what I was about to say," I grumble.

"I could guess, and I think tonight proved this is serious."

"Dom," I almost growl, forgetting his parents are watching us. "We still have a lot to?—"

"Do you need another reminder that you're my woman, Gorgeous?"

My mouth opens in shock as I feel the urge to panic. Unfortunately, my knees also go weak. I can also feel my body betraying me. My damn panties even get a little wet. That probably sucks the most because after having sex with Dom, it took me quite a bit of time to dry them under one of those hand blower machines in the gas station restroom.

Nicole giggles, pulling my attention back to her. I've known her since I was freaking born and I can't remember her ever giggling. Ever. "You might as well give in, Thea. I've learned with Dragon that it's best to pick your battles. This is one you'll not win. I think we both know that."

Shit. She's right.

"Mama, give her room to breathe and let me get my hug," Dragon complains, stepping in to take me in his arms. "Good to see you again, darlin'."

"You too, Uncle Dragon. How does it feel being a grandpa?"

"I'm feeling fucking old," he laughs. "Little D might be tiny, but he's a terror. Tam is still at the sleep-most-of-the-day stage, thank God."

"I need to go see Tamsin, I haven't yet."

"We can go next week. I'll call T and set it up. I haven't got to see her yet, either."

I look back over my shoulder at Dom. "You sure?"

"Yep."

"I'd like that."

"Maybe we can do a family get together. Thomas and Lyla have talked about coming here for dinner. Kayden and Chains could come, too."

I tap down my panic this time because my eyes are locked on Dom's. He doesn't seem spooked at all. He seems content and even smirks at me. I have no idea what that's about, but it has my insides melting.

"Sounds good, Mom. Just let me know. Thea and I will be there."

I blink, finally breaking eye contact as I step away from Dragon. I feel like I've fallen through a trapdoor to some alternative reality—one I've always secretly wanted. I'm afraid I'm going to wake up and find out all of this is a dream.

Nicole speaks up, and I find myself following her to the kitchen. My heart is running away with me, and yet, I'm happy, too. I find myself praying that if this is a dream to never wake up.

Sadly, life has taught me all too well that you always wake up.