But Sebastien immediately stands and approaches us with a warm smile.
He leans in, hugs me tight and kisses my cheek, then he kisses Bay’s cheek as well.
"Thank you for coming, Alex." His voice trembles slightly. "I know this all took some time, but—"
"It’s all good, I also needed to be ready, to be at a point in my life when I have… an extra source of strength." I send Bay a look and he gives me a gentle smile as he strokes my arm.
Sebastien takes my hand and leads us toward the head of the family.
My grandfather sits at the table in a large impressive armchair, he turned ninety today, but he is still perfectly sharp and honestly does not look his age, his remarkably bright sapphire eyes focus on me.
The entire hall is quiet, and I only hear the soft whispers exchanged between some family members.
"Father," Sebastien says, "I want to officially introduce my son Alex today, together with his True Mate, Bay Nolan."
The patriarch’s gaze moves across my face, and his wrinkled features stretch into a kind smile. He has short, thick snow-white hair and, as befits an alpha, he still has quite an imposing build that age hasn’t bent.
"Come here, child," he says, opening his arms. "Give an old crank a hug, it’s always a great joy to welcome new people into our family. Long overdue."
A little startled, I step closer and my grandfather pulls me in and presses another kiss to my cheek, apparently this is a Lowen family custom.
"I’m delighted to meet you. You should have been here with us a long time ago, a long time. I scolded my son for that. Sebastien should have brought you here the first day he found out," he says, lifting a finger and wagging it lightly in Sebastien’s direction as Sebastien bites his lip. "We don’t turn our backs on our own."
I have no idea what to say, and Sebastien looks genuinely embarrassed, which my grandfather clearly notices.
"But no point talking about that now," the patriarch says with an understanding smile. "Sit down, today we celebrate my ninetieth birthday, it’s not every day a man wakes up and that nine lands on his papers, so sit, relax, and there will be time to chat after the meal."
He pats my shoulder and adds, "And let me congratulate you on the new addition to the family…" then gestures delicately toward my already slightly noticeable belly.
"Thank you very much… it’s very kind of you, and thank you for welcoming me into the family."
"Of course, child, as I said, we don’t leave our own behind."
He shoots Sebastien another prickly look.
A moment later, guided by Sebastien, I reach a spot that feels thankfully a bit more familiar.
A group of people I recognize is sitting here.
There’s Blue, and next to him Gabriel, who looks very sharp, truly different from when I last saw him, as if his Nolan aura has strengthened and surged, filling him with confidence; he practically blooms. Storm is here too, with my half-brother Damien sitting beside him and giving me a friendly look, and Bay’s brother Winter is here as well, sitting next to my cousin Sariel, Jacob’s son.
Seeing them here gives me a bit of comfort.
We sit down, and Storm, who is on Bay’s side, gives him a quick pat on the back in greeting, as if to say "good job, brother," then leans toward me and says,
"Congratulations, Dr. Nolan. I hear you defended your doctorate with distinction."
"Thanks…" I mutter, blushing.
"So when can we expect the Lowens to take over the college and appoint you the new president?" He grins.
"Gosh, Storm…" Bay grumbles. "Do you always have to start with that kind of jab?" He rolls his eyes, but Blue, sitting beside me, leans in with a specific little smirk and says,
"I don’t sense any jab. It’s reality. And that’s actually a great idea, who knows, Alex, you’re already a doctor, but I have a feeling you will keep climbing the academic ladder. The Lowens haven’t invested in the education sector yet, but who knows, maybe a network of colleges owned by the Lowens… is not such a stupid idea? Alex would do great as a president. After he establishes a solid academic reputation, of course," Blue adds seriously, having earned his own rise to CEO through hard work rather than relying on a family helping hand.
Another wave of heat spreads across my cheeks, I feel overwhelmed by the attention but also strangely happy.
"That’s probably a very distant future, but who knows?" I murmur, echoing his words, trying to give my tone a light, casual touch, and even throw a quick wink at Blue, who will always be my guiding spirit and one of the architects of my happiness."
