Jay's POV
Life had finally become peaceful.
Not perfect.
There were still days when I remembered our baby and cried silently.
There were still nights when Kiefer held me a little tighter because he knew I was hurting.
But we were healing.
Together.
And that was enough.
This afternoon everyone was gathered in the living room.
Mom was preparing snacks.
Dad was reading the newspaper.
Kieran and Kyla were arguing over something stupid.
Keegan was trying to study.
Kaiser was quietly drinking coffee.
And Kiefer…
Kiefer was resting his head on my lap.
"Keif."
"Hmm?"
"You're heavy."
"No."
"You are."
"No."
I rolled my eyes.
Everyone laughed.
Just then the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," I said.
I walked toward the door and opened it.
My eyes widened.
"ARIES!"
My brother grinned.
"Miss me?"
Before he could finish speaking, I threw myself into his arms.
"Idiot! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"Because then I couldn't surprise you."
I hit his arm.
He laughed.
"Come inside."
The moment Aries entered, all eyes landed on him.
Kiefer immediately stood up.
Aries looked at him.
Kiefer looked at Aries.
The room suddenly became awkward.
Very awkward.
"Uh…"
I immediately stepped between them.
"This is my brother."
"Obviously," Kiefer replied.
Aries laughed.
"So you're the famous Kiefer Watson."
"And you're the famous Aries Mariano."
Both of them shook hands.
Dad watched nervously.
Mom watched nervously.
Even Kieran looked nervous.
Because nobody knew if these two would become friends or start a war.
Thankfully…
They both sat down.
⸻
Author's POV
Soon everyone started talking.
Aries fit in surprisingly well.
Kyla loved his jokes.
Kieran laughed for the first time in days.
Even Keegan smiled occasionally.
And to everyone's shock…
Kaiser and Aries got along immediately.
The two men spent almost an hour talking about business.
Meanwhile Kiefer watched quietly.
"Why are you staring at him?" Jay whispered.
"I'm making sure he's worthy."
"Worthy of what?"
"Being your brother."
Jay nearly choked.
⸻
Aries' POV
Honestly…
I was worried.
When Jay married Kiefer, I wasn't sure if this family would treat her properly.
But today…
I understood.
They loved her.
Every single one of them.
Kyla treated her like a sister.
Keegan protected her.
Kieran adored her.
Kaiser respected her.
And Kiefer…
The way he looked at Jay told me everything.
That man would burn the world for her.
And somehow…
That made me happy.
⸻
Kiefer's POV
After dinner I walked out to the garden.
A few minutes later Aries joined me.
Neither of us spoke immediately.
Then he suddenly said,
"You love her."
I looked at him.
"What kind of question is that?"
He laughed.
"Just checking."
I shook my head.
"She's my wife."
Aries smiled softly.
"Good answer."
Then his expression became serious.
"You know she cried a lot when she was younger."
I looked at him.
"She always tried to act strong."
My chest tightened.
"But she's still that same girl."
He looked directly at me.
"So take care of her."
For a moment neither of us spoke.
Then I nodded.
"I will."
"No matter what happens."
"I know."
⸻
Jay's POV
I stood near the window and watched them.
My husband.
My brother.
Talking.
Laughing.
Getting along.
For the first time in years…
All the people I loved were together.
No fighting.
No hatred.
No misunderstandings.
Just family.
And maybe…
That was what happiness looked like.
As Aries prepared to leave later that night, he hugged me tightly.
"I'm proud of you."
Tears filled my eyes immediately.
"Don't make me cry."
"Too late."
We both laughed.
Then he looked at Kiefer.
"Take care of my sister."
Kiefer wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
"Always."
And for the first time…
Aries smiled completely.
Because he finally knew.
His little sister was home.