Luna

The butler showed me inside the mansion, and I handed him the cake I baked for the family.

"You're late. It's already time for lunch." Grandpa Kristov said when he saw me, then he checked his watch.

I showed up 45 minutes late, which was pretty bad. Everyone's supposed to show up at 11:30 a.m. — which is half an hour before lunch. Being 15 minutes late is cool, but if you're 30 minutes late, you better have a good reason.

"I got caught in traffic." I lied.

His frown got even worse.

"It's Sunday, and it'll only take you 15 minutes to get here. Where's your fiancé?"

I let out a big sigh. I was late because of Barry. He said he'd come, so I waited for like an hour for him to pick me up. But then at 11:45, he called saying he couldn't come. He had a throbbing head earlier and now has a terrible headache. No doubt, he was suffering from a hangover after getting wasted at our engagement party last night. He was super happy and couldn't resist sharing his emotions with his buddies.

"He's got a headache." I told grandpa the truth. One lie is enough.

"Yeah, that's no surprise. I heard he was partying at the venue until six in the morning, drinking. What's up with your fiancé? He's guzzling drinks like there's no tomorrow. Tell him he needs to control himself."

I had to defend Barry. It's not a regular thing. He was just thrilled about our engagement. But I decided to keep quiet because I disappointed him already.

"Yup, I will, grandpa."

Thank goodness. Grandma Pia joined us in the living room.

"I'm glad you're here, dear. I thought you weren't coming today." She gave me a brief hug. "Where's Barry?"

Grandpa huffed, looking annoyed, and left.

"What's the matter?" Grandma wasn't happy.

"He's pissed that Barry can't make it again." I shrugged. "He's got a terrible headache from last night."

"Aw, you must understand, your grandpa. You know how important this Sunday gathering is for us." She gave me a nice back rub and said, "let's go. It's time for lunch."

"Where's everyone?"

"Gareth, Celine, and the kids are already in the dining room. Your mom's in the kitchen with Sweet, and the others are in Sebastian's study."

The others, meaning Dad and Sebastian.

I heard laughter and then the guys came out of Sebastian's study. I was surprised to see someone else with them. Colton. They really meant it when they said to invite him.

My heart raced when I saw him again. He looked ridiculously good, even in casual clothes. He had on a basic white polo shirt and blue jeans but still looked like a supermodel.

I breathed in deeply to relax my all-over-the-place breathing. I need to pull myself together, especially emotionally.

Sweet and Mom came out of the kitchen as well, and everyone greeted me with hugs and kisses. Except for Colton, of course. As usual, he gave me a nod.

"I thought you wouldn't show up. I'm glad you did," Mom said when she greeted me.

"Where is Barry?" Sweet asked, and my response was the same. Everyone seemed to understand and didn't inquire about him anymore.

All took their seats at the dining table. I was surprised to be seated next to Colton. My heart thumped rapidly. I was so anxious, my hands shook. In an attempt to remain calm, I played with my fork and it slipped from my hand, falling to the floor.

"Oops." I said.

"I'll get it," Colton offered, but I still tried to pick it from the floor.

It happened so fast, but my mind replayed it in slow motion. We had our heads down, his face buried in my neck and his lips softly touching my throat.

My heart went crazy from the electricity of the contact, and I almost fell out of my chair. So embarrassing! But he rescued me. He grabbed my waist and pulled me back into my seat.

"Are you two alright?" Grandpa Kristov asked.

"Yeah, yeah." I said and glanced at Colton, who said yes to Grandpa as well.
But I was trying to stay relaxed. There was so much sexual tension, it was intense. His body was so warm next to mine, and it sent tingling sensations all over me.

Chill out Luna. Get a hold of yourself. You're about to marry a great guy, and this guy next to you used to date your fiancé's ex. I warned myself.

Colton grabbed the fork and handed it to the server for a replacement.

"How's the weather in Dansville, Colton?" Grandpa Gareth, who sat across from him, asked.

My eyebrows went up. I was shocked that even with Grandpa Gareth's Alzheimer's, he still remembered Colton's name and where he was from. Unlike Barry, he did not know what his name or hometown was.

"I checked earlier, and it's sunny, Grandpa Gareth," Colton said, and everyone looked at him.

"Great! I'd love to visit Dansville and help on your family's farm someday."

"Definitely. We can do that one day." He assured grandpa Gareth, and that pleased everyone.

"Hey Colton, do you have a supplier for machinery and equipment in your new hospital?" Mom asked. "If you haven't, I can suggest one. They can hook you up with the best deal."

"Absolutely. That would be a great help. Thank you, Elena." Colton answered.

Seriously, a new hospital? I had no idea he was constructing a hospital. I was wondering what else he was involved in.

"I seasoned the Wagyu steak perfectly. I know how much you love it." Grandma Celine said to Colton.

"Appreciate it. I can't wait to try it." Colton immediately got a slice of Wagyu steak from Grandma Celine.

"Mmm, this is so good, Grandma Celine. I'm loving it. This is the best I've ever had."

He really knew how to butter up grandma Celine. Her smile got even bigger.

"I made this banana cake when I found out you were coming. You were really into it last time, remember?" Grandma Pia sliced the banana cake and gave one to Colton.

"Super yummy." He gave her a thumbs up after he had tasted the cake. "I really want another slice. Hope you don't mind."

I was trying so hard not to roll my eyes. Colton was totally flattered by the attention he was getting. Grandpa Kristov went all out and opened a special wine just for him, pouring him a glass.

They were totally comfortable chatting with him about random stuff, like he was part of the family, and when they asked for his thoughts on businesses and investments, they took it super seriously. My family liked him, but Barry was having a tough time fitting in.

And that made me feel down. I was really pissed off and jealous on behalf of Barry. That wasn't fair. They acted all awkward and distant towards Barry, and exerted little effort to connect with him when he was my fiancé. They need to start liking Barry and welcoming him into the family.

I didn't let my anger get to me and just let it slide. The last thing I wanted was to start a drama with my family. I didn't want people to think I was too sensitive, especially since my wedding is in less than a month.

We were all too caught up in eating, drinking, and talking, when suddenly, Grandpa Gareth throws a question at me and Colton.

"So, when are you guys tying the knot?"

I nearly spit out my wine. I coughed, and Colton handed me a glass of water.

Everyone was just as shocked as me. The ladies were giggling, and Sebastian was cracking up.

Zoe's eyes popped in surprise. "I knew it! Uncle Colton thinks Aunt Luna is pretty. Just like me."

"No...no..." I said, shaking my head hard. Then I turned to grandpa Gareth. "Grandpa, Colton and I are not getting married. I'm marrying another man. Barry. You met him yesterday.. Remember? Blond hair...blue eyes."

"Nope, can't recall the guy." He shrugged his shoulders, then pointed at Colton. "You should totally marry him. He's a great guy."

Zoe pouted. "That's right, Aunt Luna. I'd be the happiest."

"Zoe, it's time for dessert." Sweet diverted her daughter's attention to food.

I looked at Colton briefly and apologized. He smiled and said 'it's okay.'

That was so embarrassing, but luckily, Sebastian changed the subject to his kids - everyone's favorite topic in the family. It was a total laugh fest as the kids shared their dreams for the future.

After lunch, the kids went to their nannies to play and have a nap. The guys were on the balcony, chatting about cars, sports, and business, while the ladies hung out in the living room.

"How's the wedding preparation?" Sweet asked me. "Can the wedding coordinators handle the rush?"

"Well, they were really surprised when I told them this morning. They said they'll give me another quotation tomorrow."

"That's gonna cost you a fortune, especially with the rush." Grandma Pia pursed her lips, then continued. "And you're gonna have, like, 300 guests there?"

"Nope, around 500." I shrugged when their eyes widened in surprise.

"If you need any help, just let me know, alright?" Sweet offered. She did most of the planning for her wedding and it turned out amazing without spending too much.

"I think I will." I agreed. "I'm trying on my wedding dress on Wednesday. I need some help from you all."

"Sure, we'll definitely be there." Mom held my hand, and everyone gave a nod of approval.

"Are you excited?" Sweet asked.

"I can't wait, I'm so excited." I giggled. "I'm feeling kinda on edge. Now that we're rushing through everything, you know? Deciding on a dress, trying out cake, tasting food, looking at the decorations, and all that good stuff."

"You should take your time, dear. You can't rush weddings. It's super important to plan well. It's a one-time thing and really special." Grandma Pia said.

"That's what I said to her. They've made up their minds, so we'll just have to show our support." Mom informed everyone.

"Exactly." Grandma Celine agreed. "We've got your back. We only want what's best for you."

"Just make sure that you are 100% sure about the person before deciding to walk down the aisle. If you aren't sure and have some doubts, then don't do it. You can still change your mind. Marriage is a huge decision, you know," Mom said.

I let out a deep breath and said to her, "I'm 100% sure of Barry, Mom. I'm going to marry him."