Jax left him in the foyer, and he watched his mate set Tabby down on the new playmats they’d ordered in the living room. A lot of little pups would be roaming around the house today, and it was best to sequester everyone into one space. Hence the baby play area he’d set up.
The doorbell rang again, and he finally got moving and opened it. Devon and Roman were the first ones to arrive. “Rome, Dev.” Ryder hugged his brother first, then Devon, then he softly ruffled the top of Madison’s head. “Thanks for coming to the party.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Roman replied.
Ryder stepped back and let them in. “Where’s Jax?” Devon asked.
“He’s in the living room with Tabby. Head on in.”
Before Ryder got the door closed, someone pushed back against it. Ollie and Ronin had arrived, their twins in tow. Ryder welcomed them and sent them into the living room, as well. Then Maddox, Zander, Finn, Dax, followed closely by River and Nix and their little one, arrived.
Then his parents and Rick came and let themselves in.
Everyone congregated in the living room, and hugs and greetings were shared all around. Ryder pulled Jax to the side, and they just watched everyone mingling. Ryder smiled as he glanced at his omega. “How are you feeling, love?”
“Never better.” Jax sighed. Ryder wrapped his arm around his mate, and they just enjoyed the moment. Ryder looked at the baby play area where all the kids were playing. “And to think that we’re going to add another one to the mix.”
Ryder kissed Jax, and then they turned around and waited for the conversations in the room to die down. Jax cleared his throat, trying to get everyone’s attention. When it didn’t work, Ryder helped him out with a whistle, and all eyes turned toward them.
He felt the flash of anxiety that went through his mate, and through their bond Ryder reminded Jax he was right there.
“We want to thank everyone for the love and support while Tabitha and I were … away.” Everyone chuckled at that. “If it hadn’t been for you”—Jax shook his head—“we would’ve had a hard time finding our way back home.” Jax’s voice was choked, and he looked up at Ryder. He squeezed his mate’s shoulder, silently offering support. “I especially want to thank my mate, Ryder. You were there for me every single step of the way, even when I thought I didn’t deserve you.” Jax looked up and smiled at him, and Ryder just had to steal a kiss.
Jax cupped his cheek and smiled before turning to face everyone else. “This year has been rough for many of us.”
“You’ve got that right,” Ollie called out.
“Many of us didn’t know if we would even live to see the outside world again. Some of us prayed for it, but some days believing was hard.” Ryder saw his brothers pull their mates closer too.
“But with the love and support of so many awesome alphas, we’re still here. And maybe it’s completely cliché, but steadfast love and support truly means everything.”
Ryder turned to see Roman and Devon with their foreheads pressed together, whispering. Ronin was now holding Ollie with his mate’s back to his front.
“It doesn’t only take the help and love of a mate, though. Friends and family too, and for some of us, that’s a first, and that’s why we’ve invited you here to celebrate not only that Tabby and I are back, but that Bo can never hurt us again.” There were some cheers in the group. Ryder squeezed Jax’s hand. “We’ve ordered pizzas.” There was a ring of the doorbell, and Ryder snickered. “And they’re right on time.”
Jax had wanted to cook, but he’d told him not to worry this time. He’d only been home a day; he didn’t need to spend the whole day in the kitchen.
Ryder let go of Jax’s hand, so he could go to the door and get it, taking money from his wallet to pay for the pizzas. “Thank you, Clara, keep the change.” Ryder knew Clara; her parents owned the pizza place in town.
“Thanks, Ryder!” She handed him the pizzas, and Ryder carried them into the kitchen. He grabbed the cups and then the drinks from the refrigerator. By the time he got them out into the living room, Jax was done with the first half of his speech.
“Did you tell them we’re pregnant?” he asked his mate quietly.
Jax shook his head. “Not without you, I thought we should share it together.”
Ryder turned to everyone. “Before we eat, there is one more piece of news we wanted to share.” He could barely contain his smile, he looked over at Jax, and his mate wore a grin.
“Jax is pregnant. We’re going to have a baby in a few months.”
His papa whooped, making everyone laugh.
“Awwwwww … Congrats, papas,” Devon said. He came up and pulled Jax in for a hug. They were both pulled away and hugged by their family.
Finally, Jax said, “Now eat!”
Everyone headed to the kitchen and grabbed food. Ryder and Jax stayed behind to keep an eye on the children. “So, do we have a preference, girl or boy?” Ryder asked.
Jax shook his head. “Not really. I mean, it would be cool to have a little boy, but I love Tabby, and it is great raising a little girl, so I’d be okay with that, too. Long as they're healthy, I’m good. What about you?”
