God of Temptation

Chapter 63

~Teal~

Ronan ends the call with a smile that stretches from cheek to cheek, his excitement palpable as he invites everyone over for a celebration. Despite the fact he will be fifty soon, still he remains the life of the party. Today the reason of the party is that Kaitlyn, Daniel's daughter broke up with her boyfriend and Daniel is over the moon and is in the mood to party and it hell will freeze before Ronan declines one. 

I had a hunch they might not last, as their eyes lacked the sparkle of those truly in love. Yet, they surprised me by staying together longer than I anticipated.

"Ronan, that's not nice," I chide gently as he takes a sip from his cup of tea.

"Yeah, because it is very nice," he retorts with a twinkle in his eye, prompting me to stifle a giggle. "As long as I can party, the reason doesn't matter." Ronan says mischievously before smooching a kiss on my cheek. 

Remi saunters in, engrossed in his phone, a broad grin lighting up his face. He looks up, "Good morning, Mom and Dad."

"Good morning," we respond in unison, though I omit the playful 'punk' that Ronan adds.

"Your father's planning a little soirée tonight, in light of Kaitlyn's newfound single status," I inform Remi, whose eyes widen with a mix of surprise.

"When did this all happen?" he inquires, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Kaitlyn broke the news to her parents this morning," I explain, as Ronan is too busy tapping something on his phone.

"But is she alright?" Remi's voice carries a note of concern as he pauses, considering whether to offer Kaitlyn his comfort.

"Yes, she's fine. Do you think Daniel would ask me to throw a party if her daughter was sad?" Ronan chuckles, taking another sip of his tea.

I wish I could be that cup.

Our eyes meet, and it's as if he can read my thoughts his dark eyes darken further. He winks, sending a warm flush up my neck.

"Mom and Dad, please," Remi's exasperated tone slices through our moment, and Ronan shoots our son a mock glare.

"What brings you here?" Ronan asks, feigning annoyance.

"I'm waiting for Ariella; she's due to arrive any minute," Remi replies. And as if on cue, Ariella steps into the living room.

Her gaze lands on Remi first, rewarding him with a sweet, sincere smile that sends a rosy hue to the tips of his ears. My son, blushing—what a sight!

Ariella embraces both Ronan and me. "Good morning, Aunt Teal and Uncle Ronan," she greets us, placing a cake on the table.

"Oh, Ariella, you shouldn't have," I say with mock severity, though I'm impressed by her thoughtfulness.

She shrugs nonchalantly. "I wanted to," she says, gesturing towards the stairs. "I'll go meet Vivian."

"And what about me?" Remi interjects, his lips curving into a playful pout.

Ariella's smile softens, a delicate blush coloring her cheeks. "I'll catch up with you afterward," she promises, then hurries upstairs.

We observe Remi, his gaze following Ariella as she ascends the stairs, a tender smile gracing his lips. It's a look of love and adoration, reminiscent of the way Ronan looks at me—every day when I walk through the door after work, every time I flash him a smile, every morning when I wake to find his eyes already on me, and every night when I snuggle close, using his arm as my pillow.

"So, son, comment c'est?" Ronan inquires with a knowing grin, watching as Remi, who schools his expression before settling onto the couch.

"What do you mean, Dad?" Remi asks, playing the oblivion game.

"How's it going with Ariella?" I ask, my voice laced with the warmth of a mother's curiosity.

Remi's smile blooms slowly, a reflection of the joy he finds in her company. "It's like nothing I've ever experienced. Every day with Ariella is a new adventure, where I get to see a different version of her. She can be the most stubborn woman to ever exist, driving me bonkers with her sassy retorts. And then, there are moments when she smiles, and it's so breathtakingly beautiful, it just hits me in the gut every single time. Sometimes, she's so tender that even the smallest of gestures brings tears to her eyes, and I feel honored to be the one who touches her heart in a way no one else has, never can, and never ever will. Being with Ariella is the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. Every morning, I wake up determined to treat her as wonderfully as she deserves."

As Remi speaks, I feel a warmth spreading across my cheeks, tears of pride welling in my eyes. My son has blossomed into a man, one who has found his true love. My heart swells with pride.

"Then, perhaps we should start preparing for grandchildren, eh? Should I alert Cole to the possibility?" Ronan teases, but his eyes have the same sheen of pride. He, too, is amazed at how beautifully our children have grown.

Remi's laughter fills the room. "You might want to, Dad. But for now, I'm off to steal Ariella away. Vivian has monopolized her long enough."

As Remi climbs the stairs, I turn to find Ronan's gaze on me, tender and full of love, the look I'll never get used to, and never want to. "What is it?" I ask, moving closer to him.

"Were you crying, mabelle?" Ronan inquires, his fingers gently encircling my wrist, guiding me to sit with him.

"Just tears of happiness, Ronan," I assure him as he tenderly wipes them away, his lips brushing the corner of my mouth in a sweet kiss.

"I'm so happy for Remi," I whisper, my fingers idly playing with the hem of his sweater.

"Tout comme moi, mabelle," he replies, drawing me close against his strong, comforting form—the place where I've always belonged.