"You ordered Christmas cards without asking us?" Theo says with amusement.
"I was optimistic about our future!"
"That's very presumptuous," Grayson teases.
"Shut up and get in position! It's about to be midnight!"
I tell my TikTok followers that we're taking a quick photo and to hang on. The viewer count has climbed to almost 900 now.
The comments are still flooding in with support and excitement and love.
We rush together in front of the massive Christmas tree. Sarah the photographer positions herself a few feet away, adjusting her camera settings and checking the lighting. The tree glows brilliantly behind us, lights twinkling in every color, ornaments reflecting the glow.
I stand in the middle because I'm shortest and need to be front and center. I bend down and scoop up Biscuit with both hands, holding him against my chest. He's still small enough to fit comfortably without overflowing from my arms, his little golden body warm and wiggling with excitement. His tail wags against my coat.
Nash positions himself directly behind me, tall enough that his head will be clearly visible over my shoulder. His arms come around my waist, holding me steady. His motor-oil-leather scent surrounds me, mixed with the crisp winter air.
Theo moves to my left side, standing slightly angled so his face is visible. His gunpowder-pine scent is strong and reassuring. His hand rests on my shoulder protectively.
Grayson takes my right side, mirroring Theo's position. His maple-honey scent completes the pack scent cocoon around me. His hand finds my other shoulder, warm even through my coat.
My vanilla-caramel scent mingles with all of theirs, creating that perfect pack blend that smells like home and safety and belonging and family and love and everything I've ever wanted.
My pack.
My family.
Mine.
Sarah positions her camera, checking through the viewfinder.
"Perfect! You all look wonderful! The tree is framed beautifully behind you! On three, say 'Merry Christmas!' Ready?"
We all nod, grinning at the camera. Biscuit barks as if he understands what's happening.
Somewhere in the distance, church bells start chiming.
Midnight.
Christmas Day.
December 25th.
The official launch of Grayson's book.
The official start of our first Christmas as a real pack.
"One!" Sarah counts.
The town square lights seem to glow brighter.
"Two!"
Snow starts falling gently from the sky, perfect timing, like something from a movie.
"Three!"
"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" we all shout together, our voices mixing and overlapping and creating this perfect harmony of happiness and joy and celebration and love.
