Friday, October 1st, 2027

Braelyn's POV

"Braelyn, if you are worried about how I feel, don't. When Rocco told me he had a crush on you, I was excited. My brother likes my best friend. Of course, it's going to be weird, but that's okay. Rocco was nervous about your reaction, but I told him don't be. And, if he hurts you, I'll take care of him. That's a promise."

I would never have to worry about getting hurt because Aunt Kam and Uncle Cris will chew Rocco out. Rocco will never be like my dad. I know that for sure. I took a deep breath before giving my answer.

"Okay, I don't know this relationship stuff works, but we will not be doing anything that will make either of us uncomfortable. And, we are going to have two squealing mothers when we tell them the news."

"That I already know. We are only fourteen. Don't forget when mom and Aunt Layla tell Aunt Bliss too."

"Ashton, you and Braelyn should switch seats for homeroom. I don't bite," Dia then says. We all laughed at the last comment.

The rest of our lunch break was peaceful. We kept stealing glances at each other. I found myself blushing. I still can't believe Rocco had a crush on me, and I said yes. My mom is picking me up today. I can see it already.

We heard the bell ring.

"Time to go to our next class."

Rocco and I have Gym and Math class together, which is our next two classes.

Once we left the cafeteria, Dia and Ashton went a different way to their classes.

"For two years?"

"Ever since the day Dia and I were on that right at Lakewood. That kid had no right blaming you for what happened. Sorry for bringing up that day."

"It's okay. You didn't mean any harm. That's always going to be a part of my past, and I need to leave it there. Let's get to class."

******************

As we waited for our parents to come to pick us up, the same group of girls Trent was talking to walked near us.

"Those are the girls I saw talking to Trent before lunch."

Rocco then says, "One of them is the one who approached me the first day of school. The girl's name is Beckie. I told her to leave me alone. She is a senior. She probably was trying to pull the same stunt as Trent. I may be fourteen, but I'm not stupid."

"My dad just pulled up. See you guys tomorrow." Ashton waved then ran to meet his dad.

"Uh oh, prepare your ears for the loud scream. Aunt Kam and my mom just pulled up to the school."

Dia, Rocco, and I walked over to where mom and aunt Kam parked.

"Hi, kids. I wanted to come to pick you up today. It's my first time seeing the school. How was your day?" Aunt Kam asked.

"We had a good day. Rocco and Braelyn had an even better day," Dia says with a silly grin on her face.

Here comes the squealing. "Rocco admitted that he had a crush on me. So, we are taking a chance. We know we're only fourteen, so nothing is going to happen that will make us feel uncomfortable."

Mom and Aunt Kam looked at each other and screamed so loud that every kid outside looked our way. Then they began dancing. Can we hide already?

Layla's POV

"Layla, our babes are growing up. Rocco and Braelyn, you both are responsible so, I am okay with it. Wait until Cris and your Nonno hear this." Kam was still dancing while she mentioned that.

"I am okay with it too. We are going out to dinner to celebrate. Wait until I tell Ryan, Bliss, and Shane."

"I'll get my dad to reserve a room for us for tonight. We'll see you later."

Before Kam and the kids left, she squeezed Braelyn tight. "Aunt Kam, I can't breathe."

"Sorry, Braelyn. I'll see you later."

Kam's POV

We got in my truck, and I drove us home.

"I am proud of you, Rocco. I'm sure you were nervous, but you overcame your nerves and spoke up to Braelyn."

"I sure was nervous. And, Dia elbowed the heck out of my arm."

"I sure did because you were slow in talking to Braelyn."

"You can take a deep breath now. You got the girl you wanted. I will warn you, though. Be careful of any girls, or even boys, who may try to break you and Braelyn apart. It has happened to me, Bliss, and Layla. Sadly, there are a lot of jealous people in society."

"Thanks for the advice because I don't care about anyone else. I care about Braelyn."

"That's my boy."

*************

As soon as I parked in the driveway, I called my dad about reserving a room for dinner. He asked what the occasion was. I told him it's a surprise and he will love it. I texted Noeli and the family and told them to come if they could make it.

Dia and Rocco laughed at me as they got out. Hey, I can't help it that I am super excited about Rocco and Braelyn.

Cris and Marco watched the kids for us today at the daycare. They said Noeli and I deserved a break, which I thought was sweet of them to do.

The kids were in the dining room doing their homework. They like to do their homework as a group. Yes, Gabby and Angelo have homework assignments. It's not much, just a reading assignment. Dia and Rocco help the younger kids if they have any questions.

"Bella, Kekoa, Devin, Gabby, and Angelo, we are going to Nonno's restaurant for dinner today. I want you all to be ready to leave at 6:30 pm."

"Okay, mama," Isabella replied. The others agreed.

I went to the daycare center. Cris and Marco were talking to several parents who came to pick up their kids. I waited until they finished talking. Once the kids saw me, they ran over to where I was standing. Their names are Karie and Katie. The girls are fraternal twins.

"Mrs. Kam, we missed you today," Karie says as both girls hugged me.

"I missed you too, sweetie. I will be back tomorrow. Did you have fun today?"

"We did, Mrs. Kam."

"I am glad you had fun. Girls, your mommy is calling you."

"Bye, Mrs. Kam." After the girls waved their hands, they ran over to their mom.

Cris and Marco looked worn out. I had to chuckle.

"How were the kids today?"

"The kids were okay, but I am tired. I am glad our kids are different ages." That was Cris.

"I had fun but agree with Cris about the worn-out part. We could definitely do it again, so let me know when you need a break."

"Thank you, Marco and Cris. I came to tell you we are having dinner tonight at dad's restaurant. Be ready to leave at 6:30 pm."

"From the big smile on your face, someone has news to tell," Cris says with arched eyebrows.

"I can't tell it, but you will be surprised. Now, rest up until it's time to leave the house."

*****************

We saw Bliss and Shane parking at the same time as us. As soon as she got out, she was just as happy as I was. We both squealed. Layla must have called her.

"Cris, why are Kam and Bliss so excited about eating dinner tonight?" Shane asked. "I asked Bliss what she was so happy about, but she didn't tell me."

"Shane, I have no idea. Kamea didn't tell me anything either. Whatever the news is, it is good."

"It sure is good news. You two should already know by now how Bliss and I are. Now, get on inside. Jordan, come to Auntie." As soon as I picked him up, he giggled like crazy. "Jordan, babe, you smile just like your mommy."

Shane and Cris mumbled the whole walk into the restaurant.

"Bliss, will our guys ever learn?"

"No, they won't."

"How are little Shane and Pilar doing with school?"

"So far, they love it. Shane loves it so much that he likes to wake us up way too early. Papa Shane mumbles every time. "

"Shane, you're no fun. That's what comes with having kids. You never know what they will surprise you with."

Layla and her crew were already here. Dad, Salomé, and her crew came too. Austin came with Matthew and Giselle. Look at Rocco and Braelyn sitting next to each other. They are so cute together.

Jordan and I took a seat.

"Okay, Kami, what is the reason for the dinner tonight?" My dad asked.

"Nonno, mom, and Aunt Layla wanted to celebrate because today at school, I told Braelyn that I had a crush on her. And, she said yes for us to get together. Nothing serious is going to happen until we are older."

"That explains why Kami, Bliss, and Layla are grinning from ear to ear. I am okay with it, as long as you, Rocco, and Braelyn are responsible in your relationship. I have no doubt that you will be," Cris says.

Austin added, "I'm okay with it too. I agree with Cris."

"I'm sure Kam and Layla warned you already, but watch out for those pesky kids who want to break you both apart. Don't let them tear down what you and Braelyn are about to build. And, don't rush yourselves."

Rocco and Braelyn replied in unison, "Thank you, Aunt Bliss."

"Rocco likes Braelyn? Girls are gross and have cooties." I should have known Kekoa was going to say something. We seriously have to teach our child not to be chauvinistic. Cris just sighed.

"Girls are not gross! Are we, mama?" Isabella chimed in.

"Kekoa Lorenzo Fiore, hush your mouth. You will change that thinking when you grow up. Count on it. Girls are not gross. Boys are not gross either. Now, both of you be nice."

"Layla and Kamea, do not start planning their wedding. Rocco and Braelyn are just kids and getting to know each other on a different level now. Got it?" Cris looked right into my eyes and, then he glanced at Layla when he said that.

Layla and I replied at the same time, "We promise." I sure was going to start looking at wedding books for ideas. Several waiters began bringing food and drinks to the table.

"Let's dig in."

**********************

Jordan stayed with me the whole time. He is asleep now. After dinner, we just sat and talked about what is going on with everyone. It's been a while since we gathered together like this.

"Shane, Pilar, and Giselle, how do you like kindergarten?"

Giselle answered first. "I like it, Aunt Kam. Pilar and I are in the same class."

Pilar went next. "I like it too, Aunt Kam. I can write my name. And, I can write my mummy and daddy's name too."

"That's great. Good job, Pilar. How about you, Shane?"

"I like school too, Aunt Kam. One of the kids gave me a gift."

Papa Shane replied, "Yeah, some little girl in his class gave Shane a gift. When I saw the girl's mother, I knew she was trying to be a matchmaker for her daughter and Shane. I told Shane to give the gift back, and I had a long chat with the mom. Let me just say that Shane will not be getting anything else from the daughter or any other kids in the class."

"Nothing surprises me anymore. That's ridiculous. They are only five-year-olds."

Bliss added, "Kam, both Mason, and Shane are already getting looks from girls. And, I believe the parents are doing that because of their last names. I had to put a mother in her place when I overheard her conversation about Shane and Mason. She was already talking about how her grandchildren would look if Shane and her daughter got married. I almost punched her in the mouth on school grounds. Adrian now takes the kids to school and picks them up. I don't know what she said, but it worked."

"Adrian Landes is not a woman you want to annoy or cross. Any parent that is using their child like that only sees dollar signs. That is just disturbing and ridiculous. Natasha and Logan, how do you like school?"

"I like it now, Aunt Kam. It's not like the last school I went to," Natasha replied. I am so happy for Natasha about overcoming her fear. I'm sure Layla and Ryan are happy too.

"I like school but don't like getting up early, Aunt Kam," Logan says, causing us all to chuckle.

Ryan answered, "He sure doesn't. I have no issues getting Dakota and Dalton up, but with Logan, it is tough. He is a deep sleeper."

"Austin, how are you doing with Giselle and Matthew?"

"The kids are fine. I can't fix Giselle's hair right, though. As for me, upset is the word to use."

"Can someone else do my hair? Daddy makes it a mess. Aunt Bliss fixes it for me before I go sit with Pilar in school." Out of the mouths of babes. Giselle had us cracking up.

I had to roll my eyes at him. "Austin David Mitchell, look at all of the women and girls around the table. Layla, Bliss, and I all have girls. Boy, you even have Braelyn. Any of us would be happy to help you. You have my number. What's wrong that has you upset?"

"Well, I might as well tell everyone. Kim served me with divorce papers this morning. She even already signed her name."

"She what?!" Every adult, along with Braelyn, Rocco, and Dia, suddenly looked at Austin. Shane and Bliss started coughing like something went down the wrong way. Layla then looked at me, and we must have both been thinking the same thing. His actions are coming back to bite him. But, I am not going to let Matthew and Giselle get hurt.

"And, Kim is not asking for visitation rights for the kids."

"Austin, I love watching Matthew. He is an angel. Bring the kids over when you need a break."

"Giselle and Pilar are inseparable, Austin. You can bring the kids over anytime. Plus, Shane and I talked about letting the kids have sleepovers. Matthew can come too with little Shane and Jordan. Layla is even going to bring Logan."

"Kim obviously doesn't care, so let her disappear so you can focus on Matthew and Giselle. They are more important. Ultimately, the choice will be up to you," Shane says.

"I have no intentions of letting her see the kids again. I'm signing those papers quickly. I better get going. Matthew is getting fussy. Giselle, princess, let's go home."

"We should get going too. Austin, bring the kids over tomorrow. We'll cook on the grill, make pizza and watch movies. Why don't everyone come too? We'll have a family movie day."

"We'll be there, Kam. Thank you." Austin, Giselle, and Matthew then left the restaurant.

"Kami, we already paid for dinner, so go on and get the kids home."

"Thank you, dad and Salomé."

"You're welcome, Kami."

"Kam, I'll take Jordan. Thank you for holding him."

"You're welcome, Bliss. Hey, how about Monday bringing Jordan over like we talked about the other day?"

"What time should I bring him?"

"You can bring him early."

"Thanks, Kam. Call me if he gives you any problems."

You're welcome. Fiore kids, let's go home."

***********************