The avalanche that covered Kosciuszko National Park was all over the news for the next few weeks. 32 people made it out alive, 45 dead and 7 still missing. Everyone grieved over the death of Kian van Zyl, but Aaron was especially heartbroken. He remembered his last words to him, and they repeated in his head. 

“Go help her,” Kian said and gestured towards Sienna as she walked off. Aaron didn’t need to be told twice and instantly followed after her. 

He wondered if those were Kian’s last words to him for a reason. Was this purpose in life to help Sienna? He prayed for days for an answer and waited for Kian to show him a sign that he was okay. Aaron locked himself in his room and mostly cried while his mind raced with what-ifs and regrets. He wished he hadn’t followed Sienna and died that night next to Kian. At least they could have been together. Then, on the other hand, he felt lucky that he did go after her and could live on another day. Shouldn’t he feel guilty for surviving when so many died?

“Aaron, it’s me, Sienna. I made you my mom’s chicken soup.” She said and knocked on his door. 

“I’m not hungry.” A sad voice replied from behind the door. 

“You haven’t eaten anything all day. Please let me in.” Sienna asked, and she heard movement on the other side. Aaron unlocked his door then went back to bed. She walked in and put the soup next to his bed. “Just try a sip and see how it tastes.” She added and climbed onto the bed next to him. “Damn, how long has it been since you showered? You reek.” 

Aaron chuckled and rolled over to face her. “Maybe a few days. Kian would hate that I smell so bad.” He sniffed with a small smile. 

“Kian wouldn’t want you to be sulking and locked up in your room. Take as long as you need to grieve but at least look like a decent human while doing so.” She remarked and nudged his shoulder. 

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Aaron sighed and sat up. He picked up the bowl of soup and took a sip. The warm liquid and yummy flavours made him feel better. “This is delicious.” He smiled.

“Yeah, a family recipe my mom always made, and I picked it up while watching her in the kitchen,” Sienna stated and climbed off Aaron’s bed.

After the avalanche and Kian’s death, no one bought up that they had kissed. It luckily didn’t make their relationship awkward, but instead, they seemed to have grown closer. Sienna saw Aaron as her best friend and held him as he cried at the funeral. Declan had been different since they were rescued. He was strangely positive and even started being polite to everyone around him. Sienna even noticed a tear fall at the funeral, which he quickly wiped away.

Declan had started to slowly let his emotions show. One day he even made his own bed, which Mrs Grace was shocked to find. He hadn’t done that since he first moved in with the Fosters.

Sienna left Aaron to eat and begged him to take a shower. She walked into the lounge and did some more studying. Declan had agreed to let her finish matric, so she had been preparing for the upcoming exams. He even wanted her to take a business class on the side. Sienna assumed it was because he was impressed by the business meeting and might consider employing her. She would feel more stable if she knew she had some of her own money.

Excited squeals came from the doorway a few seconds after the doorbell rang. They weren’t expecting company, so Sienna walked over to see who was there. A gorgeous woman with cinnamon red hair and bright blue eyes held Mrs Grace in her arms. Aideen’s smile widened when she saw Sienna and ran up to her.

“I’m so happy to finally meet you!” Aideen sweetly said and wrapped her arms around Sienna.

“Nice to meet you too,” Sienna stated and watched a buff man with dark hair and stunning green eyes carry suitcases in.

“Honey, this is Sienna! Sienna, Caleb.” Aideen introduced them. Caleb scanned his eyes over Sienna and raised an eyebrow.

“Hello, Sienna,” Caleb stated and held out his hand for her to shake. He seemed wary of her but remained polite.

“I hope we are not intruding; I didn’t even let Declan know that we were coming over. A surprise visit!” Aideen excitedly added and spun around. “Your place is amazing!” 

“Thank you, Ryan Hoffman did most of the decorating,” Sienna replied.

“Oh my gosh! I completely forgot that Ryan moved here when Declan opened the Cape Town branch. Isn’t that awesome, baby? We get to see Ryan again.”

“Great,” Caleb mumbled sarcastically.

“Let me take the bags to our guest room while you go have a drink outside with our guests.” Mrs Grace offered. Sienna nodded and led the way. She gave them a brief tour of the house and wondered if she should let Declan know that his sister was over. He was still at work, but Sienna wasn’t sure if she should worry him.

“Wow, this view is incredible.” Aideen smiled and breathed in the cool ocean are. Caleb walked over to the bar and grabbed himself and Aideen, each a Smirnoff. 

“What do you want to drink, Sienna?” Caleb asked. 

“Just a water, please,” She responded.

“Oh, come on, have a drink with us. We are celebrating!” Aideen stated and held on to Sienna’s hand. 

“Don’t you drink?” Caleb questioned. 

“I’m pregnant,” Sienna replied and covered her mouth. Caleb gasped while Aideen found the news exciting. 

“Does Declan know?” Aideen asked.

“Not yet,” Sienna lied and covered her face with her hands. If she told them that Declan knew, then Aideen would question why she wasn’t told. She already was upset that Declan never mentioned that he was engaged or seen someone. So, Sienna thought it was best to keep the peace.

“How far are you in the pregnancy?” Aideen questioned.

“Almost two months.” 

“Oh my gosh! When are you planning on telling Declan?”

“After the wedding. I don’t want to scare him with the news that he will be both a husband and father.”

“Does he even want children?” Caleb inquired as they all sat down. He seemed like a very quiet, observant man. Sienna guessed it was because he was a detective.

“I know my brother, and his main goal from life is to have his own family. I think it will be a wonderful surprise!” Aideen replied.

Declan’s sister was bubbly, loud and full of fun. While Caleb was laid back, more of a listener than a talker and always had to be touching his girlfriend. Physical touch was his love language, after all. 

They sat outside and got to know one another a bit more. Aideen was full of questions, and Sienna tried to answer them to the best of her abilities but made up a story for most of the questions. She tried to make the lies sound as believable as possible. Aideen seemed to believe her.

Aaron finally walked outside to introduce himself and offered the guests to join him in a game of pool. Luckily, Aaron had taught Sienna how to play, so she fit right in with the group.

“Sienna is my partner! Women against men, we’ll see who’s better.” Aideen exclaimed.

“Deal, you’re on. Losers jump into the pool fully clothed!” Aaron added. He seemed to have gained some life again, and luckily Aideen was always up for a challenge. Sienna really liked Aideen and thought she had an amazing personality. 

They went inside, and the game was on. Caleb breathed as he focused on hitting the right ball at the perfect angle and speed. He struck, and the white ball hit a solid ball into a hole.

“No!” Aideen screamed and pouted because the men scored another ball. She took her turn and also hit a ball in, then stuck out her tongue at Caleb. The women were in the lead so far, but Aaron was determined to win. After a few more hits, the men had to sink the black ball to win. Aaron carefully calculated his shot and skillfully won.

“Ha! Time to swim, ladies.” Aaron cheered. 

“Wait, I didn’t think you would actually make us swim.” Sienna laughed. They were having such a blast with Aideen and Caleb. 

“Sorry, but these were the terms,” Caleb replied with a shrug. They walked back outside to the pool area while the woman moaned that the men somehow cheated. 

“Okay, 3… 2… 1.” Aideen counted down, then both women jumped into the pool holding hands. The day was ending, but luckily the water was warm. They laughed and splashed around in the water.

“I’m coming in!” Aaron shouted and did a flip into the pool. He also still had his clothes on and just took off his shoes. Caleb sat near the edge and refused to swim fully dressed.

Declan finally got home and followed the noise of laughs and excited shouts.

“Declan!” Aideen yelled as the billionaire stepped outside. She sprinted out of the pool, and he stopped her before she hugged him.

“You’re wet.” He stated, which made her pout. “Hello, Aideen. Caleb. I’m surprised to see you here.”

“See, surprise visit!” Aideen smiled.

Sienna climbed out of the pool and gave Declan a kiss on his cheek to say hello. His sister was still under the impression that they were truly in love and going to get happily married.

“Ah, young love.” Aideen sighed and fell backwards into the pool. She splashed Caleb in the process and devilishly laughed.

“When did they arrive?” Declan softly asked Sienna.

“Earlier this afternoon. I accidentally told them that I’m pregnant, but I said that you did not know.” 

“Okay, I’ll act oblivious. Thanks for the heads up.” He smiled. Aideen gestured for Sienna to push Declan into the pool, but Sienna shook her head. She didn’t want to make Declan angry or have him lose his temper in front of his sister. 

“So, Declan, how’s the branch here?” Caleb asked, and Aaron helped distract the billionaire while Aideen sneakily got out of the pool. Sienna shook her head for Aideen not to do it, but his sister brushed off her warning.

“Sorry!” Aideen said as she pushed Declan into the pool. Sienna looked worried as the billionaire came up for air, but he wasn’t upset, to her surprise. Instead, he was laughing, which made everyone laugh as well. Declan pulled his sister into the water to get her back for pushing him in. The group decided to go back inside after drying off, and Mrs Grace brought through trays of snacks for them to enjoy. They snacked while chatting and enjoying their drinks. Declan and Aideen caught up with one another. 

Sienna noticed that Declan was kind and gentle when it came to his sister. The two were extremely close, and it made her happy that Declan was capable of loving someone as much as he loved Aideen. She also realized that Caleb and Declan weren’t the best of friends but had mutual respect for one another. Once everyone was full, she and Caleb carried the trays back to the kitchen.

“Do you know his secrets?” Caleb suddenly asked when they were alone.

“What do you mean?” Sienna questioned, confused.

“You have no idea what you are getting yourself into. I would get out now if I was you and save yourself a lifetime of heartbreak.” The detective firmly stated, then walked back over to the group. 

Sienna placed one hand onto her stomach, and the other held onto her cufflink necklace. Something about the way Caleb said that made her feel uneasy. She wondered if there was any truth to his words and decided to have an early night.