Page 34 of Steel Beauty

I spent most of the afternoon at home, sprawled on the couch with a rugby game on, trying—and failing—to focus on anything other than the conversation I need to have tonight with Charleston. No matter how hard I try, my thoughts keep circling back to what I need to say to make her agree to give us a shot.

I have to be careful. Thoughtful. I suspect Charleston isn’t someone who can be swayed by charm or impulsive gestures. If I want her to say yes, I need to approach this the right way.

What will resonate with her most? Honesty? Reassurance? The promise of something simple and carefree? The truth is that I’m not sure. But there’s one person who might have the answer.

Laurelyn McLachlan. She’s the only woman I know who’s ever agreed to something like what I’m about to propose.

Jack and Laurelyn’s casual arrangement somehow turned into forever. If anyone can give me insight into how to approach this the right way, it’s them.

I grab my phone and scroll until I find Jack’s name. He picks up on the second ring. “Alex, mate. What’s going on?”

“I was wondering if you and Laurelyn are doing anything this afternoon?”

“Not much. Just hanging out at home.”

“Mind if I swing by for a bit? I need to talk to you and Laurelyn about something.”

“You know you’re always welcome here. What’s going on? Are you in some kind of trouble?”

“Not yet,” I say with a half laugh. “But I need a little advice.”

“Say no more. Come on over, mate.”

Jack and Laurelyn’s place isn’t far—just a short drive through Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The house serves as their home base, though it’s only one of many. Jack’s wineries are scattered across Australia and New Zealand, so they’re often on the move between vineyards. But no matter where their travels take them, this place remains the heart of their family.

Stepping inside, the silence feels almost unsettling. I shrug off my jacket as I glance around. “Where’s the circus?”

Jack leans back against the kitchen counter, a small grin tugging at his lips. “With Mum and Dad.”

No doubt they’re having the time of their lives. Henry and Margaret are the kind of grandparents every kid dreams of. They’ve mastered the art of grandparenting.

Someday, I know my parents will be the same. If Tina’s constant hints about wanting grandchildren are any indication, she’s been ready to step into that role for a while.

As the eldest, I’ve been getting reminders from Tina—more often than ever—about the importance of family. I can practically hear her voice now, laced with affectionate impatience:Aleki, you’ve used rugby as an excuse for years. No more excuses. You’re thirty-two. It’s time to get serious about starting your family.

The pressure hasn’t let up since the day I retired. If anything, it’s only grown. But I wasn’t ready before—not for that kind of commitment. Not for a family of my own. And definitely not with Celeste Warrington. She wasn’t the right woman to marry, not after everything she pulled. She didn’t wantme. She wanted theidea of me. The rugby star. The public life. The fame.

No, Celeste wasn’t the one. But now, for the first time, I feel ready to be a husband. I’m eager to find something real and lasting.

“Sorry to interrupt your alone time,” I say as we move into the living room.

Jack waves me off with a grin. “No worries. The kids have been with Mum and Dad the whole weekend. Plenty of alone time to go around.” He glances slyly at Laurelyn, his grin widening. “And trust me, I’ve made the most of every second.”

Laurelyn smacks his arm, her cheeks flushing. “Honestly, Jack Henry. Alex doesn’t need to hear that.”

Jack laughs, unbothered, while Laurelyn shakes her head, clearly amused despite herself.

He winks, completely unfazed. “Just letting him know how important it is for a man to seize the moment.”

I watch them with quiet admiration. Their banter flows naturally, full of warmth and humor—the kind of easy rhythm that only comes with real love. It’s the kind of connection I’ve been searching for—steady, genuine, built to last.

I clear my throat, shifting slightly in my seat. “Actually, I came by because I want to run something by you both.”

Jack raises a brow, curiosity lighting his expression. “Sounds serious. What’s going on?”

I shift in my seat, exhaling slowly. “The thing with Cleopatra isn’t going to work.”

Laurelyn’s lips curl into a smile. “Of course it’s not going to work. You’re not even remotely into her. You’re into Charleston. It’s about as subtle as a neon sign.”

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