Stella's POV
My Sunday afternoon was pure bedlam. Three dogs zipped around the house like furry tornados, a giggling little girl hot on their heels, a teenager who couldn't stop talking, a boyfriend whose hands seemed magnetically drawn to me, and somehow I still needed to prepare lunch for everyone.
Juggling all of these elements simultaneously tested even my multitasking abilities.
We'd invited our closest friends over for a poolside barbecue. I'd specifically told Atlas to include Vera and her sister Joy, and I'd extended an invitation to Vaughn who, thankfully, had the day off. It promised to be a lively gathering.
Damian and Scarlett arrived first, followed closely by Hazel and Liam with Leo and their four adorable children. The noise level instantly doubled as Leo became completely enchanted with our canine companions, rolling around in the grass with Miranda and the dogs within minutes.
"Stella, three dogs? Really?" Hazel eyed me with a mix of amusement and disbelief.
