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Baer parked the SUV, and they all seemed to hesitate for a second But that was silly It wasn’t like they could hide in there all night Lucien opened his door and the rest of theroup of kids ran up to greet him

One little girl threw her ar “Uncle Gio, we ood?”

Gio laughed and hugged her back “Hey, Mindy I love Savannah That’s my home now, but I visit here often and you know it”

“But I didn’t get to see you the last time” She beamed up at him

Tugging one of her ponytails, Gio srade are you in?”

“Third” She looked at Lucien, her blue eyes going wide “Wow, you’re tall”

Before Lucien could answer her, the other kids started tossing questions at Gio, and he laughed as he answered them Wiley and Baer stood to the side while Calder walked up and slipped his hand into Lucien’s

“Are you as nervous about this as I am?” he whispered

“Nah, they’re just people,” Lucien said, realizing that it was the truth The tension had melted away the second Calder had linked their hands “Either they accept us or they don’t Either way, Gio is ours”

An older wo sray hair that spilled to her shoulders and as she drew closer, Lucien could see Gio in her eyes and nose She pulled Gio into a hug, her head co up to his shoulders An expression of pure joy spread across Gio’s face, and Lucien smiled This was definitely his mother

“Oh, it’s good to see you And you brought guests? Which ones are your new beaus?”

“Marcello’s such a tattletale,” Gio said with a huff, but there was a playful look in his eyes Gio reached for Lucien’s hand, drawing his and Calder Saito I like them a lot, Ma Guys, this isand Wiley Stuart, both friends of mine”

Lydia looked up at Lucien, then at Calder, her smile warm “Welcome to my home Any friends of Gio’s are friends of ours” Sheeveryone’s hands “There’s lots of food that will be ready soon Make yourselves at home Get to know everyone” She looked around “It’ll be dark soon, so come inside when you’re ready”