Autumn's crimson eyes softened as she smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
I gave her a teasing grin, my eyes flickering with a playful spark. "Good, because once you're part of this family, there's no turning back."
Autumn's smile deepened, but there was something more behind it now, something warmer, almost vulnerable, that made the air between us feel more intimate. Her gaze lingered on me, but before she could respond, Rosalia, sitting close beside me, gently ran her fingers through my hair, her touch familiar and soothing.
"You know, sweet baby," she said softly, her pink eyes gleaming with affection as she spoke the nickname she'd always used for me, "you're just irresistible sometimes. I don't blame Autumn for falling for your charm."
I smiled at her, the warmth between us undeniable, as I leaned down and kissed her hand. "And you know, Mom, you're the one who taught me everything I know."
Rosalia chuckled, her voice low and sweet. "Oh, I know. And now you're out here charming every spirit in the forest."
Autumn raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the banter between us. "So, this is what it's like to be part of your family?"
Rosalia leaned against me more, her body warm and soft as she rested her head on my shoulder. "Oh, Autumn, you have no idea. Rosé here has always had a way with words… and with hearts."
I met Autumn's gaze, my smile turning playful again. "She's not wrong. But I'm curious, Autumn… do you think you can keep up?"
Autumn's crimson eyes flicked toward Rosalia, then back to me, her smile curving into something more mischievous. "I think I'm starting to get the hang of it."
Rosalia chuckled softly, her lips brushing my cheek in an affectionate gesture. "She's a quick learner. But don't let him tease you too much, Autumn. My sweet baby can be relentless when he wants to be."
I leaned into the warmth of Rosalia's touch, feeling that familiar bond between us that had only grown stronger over the years. "Only because I've had the best teacher."
Rosalia's smile softened, her eyes filled with love as she gazed at me. "Always my sweet baby," she whispered, her voice full of warmth and affection.
Autumn watched the exchange between us, her expression shifting from playful to something more thoughtful. There was no mistaking the deep bond I shared with Rosalia, and I could see it affecting Autumn, drawing her in, making her want to be a part of it.
"You two… you're really close," Autumn said, her voice soft, as if she were trying to understand the depth of the connection she was witnessing.
I nodded, my arm wrapping around Rosalia's waist, pulling her closer. "She's my mom, my family. There's no one more important to me."
Rosalia smiled, her eyes glistening with affection as she reached up to cup my cheek. "And he's my sweet baby, always and forever."
Autumn's expression softened even more, as if the love between us had touched something deep within her. Her gaze lingered on me, her voice quieter now. "I can see why Cassie speaks so highly of you, Rosé. There's something special about you… about both of you."
Rosalia chuckled softly, her hand gently caressing my arm. "Oh, Autumn, you're already a part of this family. You don't need to say anything more."
Autumn smiled, her eyes warm with gratitude and something else—something deeper, as if she was letting go of a weight she'd carried for a long time. "Thank you… both of you."
I gave her a soft smile, my tone teasing but kind. "You don't have to thank us, Autumn. This is your home now."
Before she could respond, Cassie, who had been sitting quietly in my lap, suddenly piped up, her voice full of excitement. "Hey, don't forget about me! I'm still here too!"
I laughed, kissing her on the top of her head. "I could never forget about you, Cassie. You're far too important."
Cassie beamed, her small hands resting on mine as she leaned back into me, clearly pleased with the attention. "Good! Because I'm your favorite, right?"
I smiled down at her, my tone playful. "You're definitely up there."
Cassie giggled, her orange eyes gleaming as she shot a mischievous look at Autumn. "See? I told you I'm his favorite."
Autumn laughed, shaking her head in amusement. "I don't doubt it."
The light banter continued between us, but beneath it was an undeniable warmth—a sense of belonging that wrapped around all of us. Autumn seemed more at ease now, her initial curiosity giving way to something more comfortable, more intimate.
Rosalia, still nestled against me, kissed my shoulder lightly, her voice soft in my ear. "You always know how to make people feel welcome, sweet baby."
I turned my head slightly, my lips brushing her temple as I whispered, "Only because you taught me so well, Mom."
Rosalia smiled, her eyes closing for a moment as she soaked in the affection. "Always my sweet baby," she murmured again, her voice full of love.
Autumn watched us, her expression softening even more as the conversation between us flowed. There was something in the way she looked at me now—something deeper, as if she were starting to understand the heart of this family and what it meant to be a part of it.
"I can see why you're so loved, Rosé," Autumn said softly, her voice almost reverent. "You have a way of making people feel… important."
I smiled at her, my eyes warm as I met her gaze. "That's because they are important. And now, so are you."
Autumn's eyes glistened with something unspoken, and I could tell that my words had reached her in a way that went beyond mere conversation. She was falling deeper into the bond we were creating, drawn in by the love and warmth that surrounded us.
Rosalia leaned forward slightly, her pink eyes gleaming as she spoke to Autumn. "He's right, Autumn. You're part of this family now. And we take care of our own."
Autumn smiled, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm starting to understand that."
Cassie, still curled up in my lap, grinned up at me. "See? She's already fitting in!"
I laughed softly, kissing Cassie's cheek. "You're right, Cassie. She is."
Rosalia chuckled, her hand resting lightly on my chest as she leaned into me again. "We're a lucky family, aren't we?"
I looked down at her, my heart swelling with affection. "The luckiest."
The conversation continued, the warmth between us deepening as we spoke. The teasing and flirting became more frequent, more playful, but beneath it all was the undeniable closeness that had always been a part of our family. Autumn, now fully a part of that bond, seemed to fall deeper into it with every word, her crimson eyes glowing with contentment.
And as the four of us sat there, talking and laughing, the love that filled the room was tangible—an unbreakable connection that bound us all together.
This was our family. And now, Autumn was a part of it, too.