Between our hands

Chapter 52: His First Lunch.

Before joining the family for lunch, Maëlle and Samy returned to Maëlle's suite to freshen up. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and a gentle nervousness. Once in the room, Samy, still a bit flushed with emotion, tried to mask his embarrassment with a teasing smile. "Next time, give me a heads-up before making such an announcement! You really caught me off guard!"

He let out a nervous laugh before collapsing onto a soft cushion, burying his face in it as if to escape the explosion of feelings that overwhelmed him. His shoulders trembled slightly under the weight of the emotion, and his heart raced, a mix of joy, surprise, and relief.

Amused by his reaction, Maëlle gently approached him, sitting down beside him. She caressed his back in a soothing gesture, her heart filling with tenderness. "You did really well," she murmured, her eyes sparkling with kindness.

Samy slowly lifted his head from the cushion, revealing his face still tinged with red. His gaze met Maëlle's, filled with affection and gratitude. "I can't believe this is really happening... that everyone knows now," he confided, his voice slightly trembling, revealing the vulnerability within him.

A soft smile spread across Maëlle's lips as she placed a light kiss on his cheek, almost fleeting but laden with promises. "Now we have nothing to hide. We can finally be ourselves," she asserted, her voice gentle yet filled with conviction.

Samy felt a sense of calm wash over him, gradually dispelling his doubts. He looked at her with admiration, realizing how lucky he was to have her by his side. This simple moment of sharing strengthened their bond and gave him the confidence he needed.

Suddenly, a mischievous glint sparkled in Samy's eyes. Sitting up straight, he leaped onto Maëlle, gently toppling her back onto the bed. A burst of laughter escaped Maëlle's lips as he began to kiss her, his lips playfully roaming her neck with tender affection.

"Samy, stop!" she managed to say between peals of laughter, trying in vain to free herself from his hold.

Samy, savoring this moment of lightness, didn't let go. He punctuated each kiss softly: on her forehead, her cheeks, and then on her lips. Their laughter filled the room, wrapping the moment in affectionate warmth and joyful carefreeness. After several moments of this playful game, he finally stopped, looking at her with a triumphant smile.

"You're so beautiful!" she whispered, still smiling, her gaze wandering over every feature of his face.

Samy then reached out to help her up, a natural gesture that testified to their connection. Once standing, they exchanged one last knowing look, filled with unspoken promises, before heading together to the dining room, their hearts light and filled with enthusiasm.

Upon their arrival, the dining room was already lively. Maëlle naturally settled between Victor and Samy, instinctively seeking the closeness of those who mattered most to her. Sacha sat next to Samy, while Daniel took a seat across from them, his eyes sparkling with mischief, ready to enjoy the situation.

"So, Samy, what's it like to be officially part of the family?" Sacha asked, his tone teasing, betraying his delight in provoking.

"Yeah, especially, are you ready to handle Maëlle on a daily basis?" Daniel added with a laugh, a playful glimmer in his eyes.

Samy, though slightly embarrassed, smiled. "I think I'm ready for anything, even managing your incessant teasing," he replied, his tone light yet determined, causing Maëlle to smile, knowing that his declaration carried weight.

The teasing continued for a while, questions flying from all directions. Every family member wanted to know more about Samy, his likes, hobbies, and even his little quirks. Laughter and exchanges were warm, creating a joyful, almost festive atmosphere. Maëlle, observing this tableau of conviviality, felt immense gratitude to be surrounded by so much love.

Meanwhile, Maëlle discreetly kept her hand resting on Samy's, which lay on her thigh. This tender gesture didn't escape Victor, who watched the couple with an approving smile. He leaned slightly toward Maëlle and whispered in her ear, his gaze kind: "It seems you're really happy, Maëlle."

"I am, Victor. Every moment with Samy is precious," she replied, her smile radiant.

Sacha, on his part, noticed their closeness. With a conspiratorial wink, he threw a question at Samy: "So, are you planning to keep her close to you?"

Samy nodded confidently. "I'll do everything for her. I want to be worthy." His words, sincere and full of commitment, touched Maëlle, making her feel safe by his side.

The meal continued in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The dishes were delicious, prepared with care, and the conversation flowed effortlessly, childhood stories and family memories making everyone burst into laughter. The exchanges between family members were fluid, each taking turns to speak, contributing to a festive ambiance.

As lunch went on, Maëlle and Samy cherished every moment together. They exchanged knowing smiles, glances filled with emotion, and every gesture became gentle, almost significant. Maëlle felt fulfilled, surrounded by her loved ones, but also in a bubble of happiness with Samy by her side.

Personal questions resurfaced from time to time, and Maëlle's brothers didn't miss the chance to inquire about Samy's intentions. "So, tell us, what's your plan to win and keep Maëlle's heart?" Sacha asked with a provocative smile.

"My heart is already won, boys; he doesn't have to worry," Maëlle retorted with a laugh, looking at Samy with a tenderness that made his heart beat a little faster.

The lunch stretched on in a relaxed atmosphere, where everyone took their time to share stories and laughter. Maëlle, delighted by this acceptance, watched her family surround Samy with love, each interaction bringing them closer.

At one point, Marie, Maëlle's mother, spoke up, her gaze shifting between her daughter and Samy. "You know, I'm so happy to see you both like this. Samy, you're welcome in our family, and I hope you always feel at home here."

This warm declaration warmed Samy's heart. He sat up slightly in his chair, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, your highness. That's all I wish for. Maëlle means the world to me, and I'll do everything to make her happy."

The other family members exchanged approving smiles, and the atmosphere relaxed even further, as if a protective bubble enveloped this new couple. Conversations resumed, but this time with a feeling of shared joy and mutual acceptance.

Finally, after this outpouring of human warmth and affectionate exchanges, the meal came to an end. The plates were cleared, and discussions continued over coffee, everyone enjoying this moment of conviviality. Maëlle, her heart light, knew she had just experienced an important milestone in her life. She turned her head toward Samy, who smiled at her, his eyes sparkling with happiness.

It was then that she realized how deeply rooted their relationship was in her life, despite its recentness. She gently stood up, leading Samy with her, and made her way around the table to hug each member of her family, marking this moment with an indelible imprint.

At the end of the meal, Maëlle and Samy found themselves a bit apart, enjoying a moment of calm. "Thank you for being so brave today," Maëlle murmured, sincerity glimmering in her eyes.

"Thank you for giving me this chance," Samy replied, his voice full of promises. They exchanged a knowing glance, a hint of the future drawing between them, and together they headed toward the living room, ready to savor the rest of this memorable day, hand in hand.