Page 116 of Steel Beauty

Her gaze doesn’t waver, and after a beat, her expression softens, a small smile curving her lips. “I understand. I wouldn’t want to do anything to go against your family’s values. It’s important to me that they feel respected.”

“Thank you for understanding. That means a lot to me.” Relief washes over me, and I press a kiss to her forehead. “I hope you got enough of me last night to tide you over for a while.”

Her laughter breaks the quiet, the sound light and teasing, carrying that irresistible spark she always has. “I hopeyougot enough ofme,” she fires back, her eyes glinting with playful defiance.

I lean in, my words a rough whisper. “I’ll never get enough of you.”

After six hours in the air, the plane touches down, and we step into the warm, fragrant embrace of Samoa. The sunlight here feels alive—richer, softer, and golden as it spills over the swaying palms and glistening ocean. The air carries the scent of salt and flowers, a blend that always feels like home.

Magnolia steps out beside me, her eyes wide with wonder as she takes it all in. The way her gaze roams over the vivid greens of the palm trees, the impossibly blue sky, and the rolling hills makes me see it all anew. Her awe stirs something deep inside me—pride, knowing I get to share this part of my life with her.

Laughter and voices rise as a group of my cousins comes rushing toward us. Their greetings in Samoan ring out like music, arms wide open as they envelop us in their embrace. It’s a chaotic, joyful welcome, one that’s impossible not to smile at.

Masina, one of my younger cousins, is holding a vibrant red hibiscus flower. She grins up at Magnolia with wide, bright eyes before tucking it above her left ear. “Welcome to Samoa, Magnolia. I’m Masina. It’s good to meet you.”

Magnolia touches the flower lightly, her smile warm and genuine as she meets Masina’s gaze. “Thank you. It’s beautiful. And it’s so lovely to meet you as well.”

Emotion swells in my chest as I take her in—standing here with the hibiscus tucked behind her ear, her smile soft and radiant, the island sun casting a golden glow over her face. She’s breathtaking, more than I ever dared to hope for. This moment etches itself into me, one I know I’ll carry with me forever.

We pull up to my grandparents’ home, and a mix of excitement and nerves churns in my chest. Magnolia’s hand tightens around mine as we step out, her wide eyes taking in the scene before her—the simple beauty of their home framed by swaying palms and vibrant flowers.

On the porch, my grandparents wait with bright smiles, their warmth radiating even before a word is spoken. “Aleki!” Nana calls, her voice strong despite her years, pulling me into a hug that feels like home.

When she turns to Magnolia, her smile softens, and I can see the tension in Magnolia’s shoulders ease a little. Nana takes her hands gently, speaking first in Samoan before switching to English. “We are so happy you’re here. Malie has been telling us all about you, and now I see why.”

“Magnolia, this is my grandfather, Tui.”

Tui smiles warmly. “Welcome, Magnolia. We’re glad you’ve come.”

“Thank you so much for having me. It’s truly an honor to be here and meet your family.”

Nana nods, her approval clear as she squeezes Magnolia’s hands and then pulls her into a brief but affectionate hug.

Family arrives in waves, filling the yard with laughter and warm embraces. Names and faces blur as cousins, aunts, uncles, and neighbors pull me into their orbit. Even I feel a bit overwhelmed, but when I look for Magnolia, I find her blending in smoothly. She’s laughing, chatting, and holding her own like she’s been part of this world forever.

Her gaze catches mine from across the crowd, her smile soft and radiant. It stirs something deep in me—pride, maybe, or awe. She’s not just fitting in; she’s thriving.

When we sit for the umukai, Magnolia takes it all in with quiet curiosity. I lean closer, pointing out the dishes as they’re passed. “Try the palusami.”

I watch as she takes a bite. Her face lights up, and she glances at me with genuine appreciation. “Wow.”

“Told you,” I say, grinning. And for a moment, everything feels exactly as it should.

“Alex, this is incredible.” Her eyes are bright with wonder. “Being here with you, seeing this side of your life… it’s beautiful. I can tell how much your family means to you. They’re such a big part of who you are.”

Her words are unexpected. For a moment, I glance around at the faces I’ve known my whole life, at the laughter and stories flowing between generations. This is home—the part of me that remains constant no matter where I go.

The steady rhythm of drums pulses through the air, drawing everyone toward the clearing for the Siva Samoa. My cousins and sisters form a semi-circle, their bodies moving in harmony with the beat. Torchlight casts flickering shadows across their faces as they sway and step, their movements fluid and storytelling in every gesture.

Beside me, Magnolia is spellbound. Her eyes track each motion, wide with awe, her lips slightly parted as if she doesn’t want to miss a single moment. Without thinking, I glance at her profile, the firelight catching the edges of her features. She doesn’t just watch—she absorbs it, her quiet intensity making the pride swelling in my chest almost too much to contain.

She reaches for my hand, her fingers curling around mine without a word. It’s a simple gesture, but it settles something deep inside me—seeing her embrace my world like it’s becoming hers too.

The tempo builds, and my sister Leilani steps forward, breaking the circle with a playful smile. She motions to Magnolia, her grin wide and welcoming. “Come, Magnolia! Dance with us.”

Magnolia’s eyes dart to mine, her hesitation clear, but I nod, grinning. “Go on. You’ll love it.”

With a small laugh, she stands, taking Leilani’s outstretched hand. My sister begins showing her the basic steps, and while Magnolia starts out tentative, she quickly picks up the rhythm. Her movements become looser, her smile brighter as she sways to the beat, the torchlight highlighting her every graceful turn.

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