They settled into a quiet corner booth at The Pudding Recipe, away from the chatter and clinking dishes. The warm scent of caramel custard drifted in the air.
Ciara leaned forward, resting her arms on the table. "Alright… let's do this properly. Kendra...no, Sunshine," she said with a warm smile, "I'll call you Sunshine since that's the name I know you by. Now… tell me, what really happened to you all these years?"
Sunshine glanced at Mama Cruz, then at Kane, her eyes heavy with guilt and confusion. "I… I don't remember everything," she admitted quietly. "All I know is that I woke up on the shore. He said I was unconscious for several hours…" She swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "I didn't even remember my own name… until I saw it on the name tag of my shirt."
Mama Cruz reached across the table, taking her trembling hand. "But you're here now, Sunshine. That's what matters."
Kane leaned back, arms crossed, fighting the sting in his eyes. "I thought… I thought we lost you forever."
"I didn't mean to forget you," Sunshine whispered. "My mind just… locked everything away. Until today."
Ciara cleared her throat softly, a proud smile on her face. "And now… I've finally found my niece."
Valerie's face lit up, her smile wide and joyful.
Kane exhaled sharply, a mix of relief and lingering frustration. "So what now? Are you coming home with us?"
Sunshine hesitated. The café grew quieter around them, as if waiting for her answer.
"I want to," she said finally. "But… we still
need to talk. All of us. There's so much I need to understand."
Mama Cruz nodded. "Then we'll take it one step at a time. Together."
For the first time since she regained her memories, Sunshine felt something warm settle in her chest.
Home.
She was finally finding her way back.
In the meantime, Hansen and Lucas had been stuck at the shop for over two hours, with no sign of Sunshine or Ciara.
Hansen's patience had long passed its limit. Without a second thought, he barged through the main entrance, instantly catching the attention of the women nearby.
"Wow… he's so handsome and energetic.
How can a man be this nice?"
"Isn't that the CEO of HAG Company?" someone whispered.
Hansen overheard it and straightened his back, quickening his pace toward the car.
"Hey! Slow down… I'm not ready to die yet!" Lucas shouted in panic as Hansen floored the accelerator, weaving through the lone trees. Within moments, the car screeched to a halt in front of the house.
"I'll sue you next time for this madness!" Lucas threatened, slamming the gate and adjusting his cap.
Hansen ignored him and strode into the house. The hall was empty. He placed his keys on the table and started climbing the stairs toward his room.
By the fifth step, a faint noise drifted from the music room.
"Did you hear that?" Hansen asked, frowning.
"Yeah… thought you told the maids to stay away from there," Lucas replied with a suspicious look.
Hansen's lips curved into a mischievous grin. "I'll go see for myself."
Descending the stairs, he approached the room, Lucas trailing reluctantly behind.
Inside, Valerie ran forward, throwing herself into Hansen's arms.
"I've missed you so much, my handsome and annoying uncle!" she exclaimed.
Hansen's face lit up. "I told you my girl is still alive!" he shouted, lifting her high into the air.
"You've grown taller and even more beautiful! Who's been taking care of you?" he asked, peering at her warmly.
"My role model's mom," Valerie replied happily.
Hansen raised an eyebrow. "Role model?"
Lucas whispered, nodding toward Mama Cruz. "Isn't that Mrs. Cruz from HAG? Hansen, you might want to confirm…"
Mama Cruz stepped forward, her eyes gleaming. "I am Kendra Sunshine Cruz's mother. Sunshine here is my long-lost daughter."
Hansen blinked, stunned. Lucas exclaimed, "Mrs. Cruz? That's really her!"
Sunshine, now fully alert, stood close to Hansen, still processing everything around her.
"This is my son, Kane Cruz." Mama Cruz introduced, her smile beaming.
Hansen chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "A good omen indeed… now I can finally speak freely with my mother-in-law."
Lucas frowned. "Wait, Hansen… she is an employee of yours and you don't know her?"
Hansen shrugged casually. "I'd heard of her name and the impact she has on the company. Today was the first time I set eyes on her." Lucas threw up his hands. "Unbelievable, Hansen."
Mama Cruz tilted her head. "Do you… know me by chance, Hansen?" she asked cautiously.
"Mother-in-law?" Hansen repeated, as if tasting the word.
"Mother-in-law?!" Mama Cruz, Kane, and Valerie all exclaimed, nearly in unison.
"Wow… that's amazing! My model and my handsome uncle… perfect match, Mom!" Valerie shouted.
Kane groaned, wiping tears from his cheeks. "Not again, Sunshine! We just found you and now you're already married? How can I catch up with you?"
Sunshine laughed softly, patting him on the back. "Kane… you misunderstood. We're not married yet."
Hansen rolled his eyes, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. "What's the problem here?" Kane threw his hands up in exasperation. "Do you know how I felt waiting all these years for this moment?"
Hansen's tone softened, almost teasing. "Hey kid, I want to marry your sister, yes but that doesn't mean I'll keep her from you. You're welcome to stay with her if you want. Just… keep calm."
He turned to Valerie, who was nestled in Lucas's arms. "And you… are you staying with us, or running off again withy mother in law?"
"Uncle handsome, I want to stay a while," she replied happily.
"What about me, Hansen? I want to spend the night with them too," Sunshine said with her hazel eyes wide.
"That charm of yours isn't working on me tonight love," Hansen teased, lifting Sunshine's chin playfully.
Seeing Mama Cruz watching with a gentle smile, Hansen grimaced. "Alright… since mother-in-law's making me feel awkward, I'll leave you to it. Stay the night with them."
With that, he strode away, head held high, leaving the room buzzing with excitement, laughter, and relief.
Sunshine, Kane, Valerie and Mama Cruz gathered in the cozy living room. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Lucas and Ciara lingered nearby, giving them space, while Hansen leaned casually against the doorway, silently observing.
Sunshine took a deep breath, her hands folded tightly in her lap. "I… I think I can tell you everything now," she began, her voice soft but steady. "After I… was kidnapped, I ended up far from home. I was rescued, but I couldn't remember anything. My memories… they were gone."
Mama Cruz reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Sunshine's face. "Oh, my baby… I can't believe what you've been through."
Kane gripped her hand tightly. "I thought I'd never see you again. I've been angry, scared… lost." His voice cracked with emotion.
Sunshine nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "I kept calling my dad's name when I realize I was in danger. I think that's what helped me finally remember. And Hansen… he was there. He found me on the shore and brought me here. He made sure I was safe."
Valerie's eyes sparkled. "That's amazing! So that's why she's alive and here with us!" She ran to Sunshine and hugged her tightly.
Hansen's gaze softened as he watched the family embrace. Sunshine looked up at him and smiled faintly. "Thank you… for saving me." Hansen shrugged modestly, his usual confident air returning. "It's what I had to do. You belong with your family now."
Mama Cruz wrapped her arms around Sunshine and Kane simultaneously. "We lost you once… but now we have you back. I won't let anything separate us again."
Kane's voice was muffled in her shoulder. "Promise me you won't ever go anywhere again."
"I promise," Sunshine whispered.
Lucas stepped forward, still grinning. "So… do we need to celebrate the return of the long-lost daughter and long-lost niece with dessert? Or maybe a huge family dinner?"
Valerie jumped in, excited. "Dessert! Definitely dessert first!" Ciara laughed, shaking her head. "Leave them be. Let them have this moment."
Sunshine leaned back into Mama Cruz's arms, a weight lifted from her chest. For the first time in years, she felt complete safe, loved, and surrounded by her family.
Hansen closed the door behind him quietly, letting the family have their space. He lingered for a moment, smiling to himself, knowing that no matter what challenges came next, this reunion had restored what really mattered, family.