Ethan sank into the plush leather armchair in his study, a rare moment of quiet settling over the mansion. Sophie was busy in the garden, tending to her lavender plants—because apparently, her life now had a lavender theme—and he finally had a moment to relax.
But, as fate would have it, relaxation wasn't in Grandma Vivian's vocabulary.
The double doors of the study burst open with dramatic flair, and in swept Grandma Vivian, dressed in her signature pearls and carrying a mischievous grin.
Ethan groaned internally. "Grandma, don't you knock?"
"Nonsense," Vivian replied, waving a hand dismissively. "This is my house as much as it is yours, young man. And besides, I have important matters to discuss."
Ethan arched a brow. "Important matters like what? Rearranging the gardenias again?"
Vivian plopped herself onto the chaise lounge and fixed him with a pointed look. "Oh, don't play coy with me, Ethan. You're married now. I'm talking about your wife."
---
The Big Reveal
Ethan leaned back, crossing his arms. "What about Sophie?"
Vivian's grin widened. "Did she tell you how she found her mother?"
"Yes, Grandma. I was there. And if you're about to make another 'mystery runs in the family' joke, spare me."
Vivian chuckled, clearly delighted. "Oh, Ethan, you clueless boy. Did it never occur to you that I had a hand in all of this?"
Ethan blinked, the realization dawning. "Wait. Are you saying you knew about Margaret?"
Vivian smirked, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Of course, I knew. Margaret is—was—my brother's wife's sister's daughter. A little convoluted, I admit, but family is family."
Ethan's jaw dropped. "You've got to be kidding me."
Vivian tapped her nose. "I never kid. Well, not about important things. Bringing Sophie into your life? That was no coincidence, darling. It was my masterpiece."
---
Ethan's Shock
Ethan ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. "So… the job at the company? The wedding? All of this… was you?"
"Not all," Vivian said with mock modesty. "But I may have nudged a few things along. Sophie needed a fresh start, and you needed someone to knock you off your high horse. A perfect match!"
Ethan groaned. "You meddled in my life. Again."
"Oh, don't be so dramatic," Vivian said, waving him off. "You're married to the love of your life, aren't you? You're welcome."
---
Sophie Joins the Party
At that moment, Sophie walked in, wiping dirt off her hands. "What's going on in here? Ethan, you look like you've seen a ghost."
Ethan pointed an accusing finger at Vivian. "Did you know your grandma-in-law is a scheming puppet master?"
Sophie's eyes widened, her gaze darting between the two. "Oh, no. What did she do this time?"
Vivian smiled sweetly. "Nothing too outrageous. Just reunited you with your long-lost mother and ensured you married my insufferable grandson. A little matchmaking. A little sleuthing."
Sophie gaped. "You mean you… you orchestrated all of this?"
Vivian shrugged. "I prefer the term facilitated destiny."
---
Teasing Ethan
Sophie burst into laughter, doubling over as Ethan scowled. "You mean to tell me all those awkward moments when Ethan couldn't flirt to save his life were part of your grand plan?"
Vivian chuckled. "Oh, absolutely. I had to be patient, though. Ethan's as dense as a brick when it comes to romance."
"Hey!" Ethan protested.
Sophie grinned, walking over to pat his shoulder. "It's okay, honey. You've got other talents. Like, um…" She trailed off, pretending to think.
Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Really?"
Vivian chimed in. "Oh, don't be so sensitive, Ethan. You've got charm in a broody, 'I'll buy you a mansion' sort of way. Very attractive to some."
---
Vivian's Secrets
Sophie leaned against Ethan's desk, shaking her head. "I can't believe this. Grandma, you've been meddling in our lives this whole time?"
"Darling," Vivian said with a sly smile, "I've been meddling in everyone's lives since the '60s. It's a hobby."
Sophie smirked. "What else have you meddled in?"
Vivian's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let's just say the lavender envelopes might not have been entirely Margaret's idea. Someone had to nudge her memory about that lighthouse."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "You're telling me the cryptic riddles were you?"
Vivian sipped her tea, completely unfazed. "Margaret wrote them. I just gave her a little… inspiration."
---
A Family Affair
Sophie burst out laughing again, clutching her sides. "I can't believe this. My life has been one big Vivian production!"
Ethan groaned, leaning back in defeat. "You're unbelievable, Grandma."
"And you're lucky to have me," Vivian replied smugly.
Sophie wrapped an arm around Ethan, still giggling. "Come on, Ethan. Admit it. If it weren't for her, we might not have ended up together."
Ethan sighed, finally cracking a small smile. "Fine. Thanks, Grandma. But if you meddle again, I'm changing the locks."
Vivian grinned, clearly unbothered. "Oh, Ethan. You'd miss me too much."
---
A Toast to Chaos
Later that evening, the three of them sat around the dining table, toasting to their unconventional family.
"To love, destiny, and meddling grandmas," Sophie declared, raising her glass.
"To finally getting credit for my brilliance," Vivian added with a wink.
Ethan shook his head, smiling despite himself. "To surviving this madness."
And as laughter filled the room, Sophie and Ethan realized that, chaos and all, they wouldn't trade their family for anything in the world.