There was a lot of excited chatter that followed as the whole family congratulated us.
Stefan came over and pulled Gabe into a hug. Then he held his hand out for me. “You too, son.”
I burrowed into Stefan’s broad chest. Gabe’s dad was taller, broader, and more muscled than he was. Truth was, neither he nor Jon looked old enough to have kids in their mid-thirties.
“I gotta call my brother. He gloated last year when Coop and Nicole had their little one,” Stefan said. “Now I get two for one.”
“Don’t antagonize your brother,” Frederic said, even though his lips twitched.
Jonathan snorted and pushed his mate aside. “Our grandbabies are not coupons.” He hugged me first, then Gabe. Soon we were enveloped in hugs from the whole family.
Until Rhys pulled me out of the fray. “I told you everything would be fine.” My best friend and I began strolling around the yard.
“Was I that obvious?” I sighed.
“Not really, but I’ve kinda know you forever. I could tell you were anxious earlier, but I figured telling you not to worry wouldn’t do any good.”
“You know me so well,” I said, leaning against him.
We were quiet as we walked until Rhys came to a stop. We faced each other, and he pulled me in for a solo hug this time. “Congratulations, Kee. I’m so happy for you.”
“You know I could never thank you enough, right?”
Rhys’s lip lifted at the side, a small smile appearing. “Mmm, I need to get your mate to buy me something crazy big and expensive.”
I laughed and linked our arms and got us moving. “You absolutely should.”
“Without you, I definitely wouldn’t be here right now.” I bumped his hip, and he bumped mine right back. We grinned, sharing a smile. I knew Rhys was happy for me, but the longing on his face was unmistakable. I couldn’t imagine what it was like knowing there was this one perfect person for you out there and not knowing when you’d meet them.
“I know you’ll find your person, Rhys,” I whispered, stopping before we made it back to the family. “And he’ll be amazing because you deserve the absolute best.”
He held my gaze, his eyes glistening, and he swallowed before saying, “Promise?”
“Promise.”
“Next time someone talks smack to you, let me know. I’ll fight them,” Rhys said.
I snort-laughed. “I know you will.”
“What’s this about a fight?” Hunter slipped between us, linking each of our arms through his.
“It’s nothing—”
“Ignore him,” Rhys interrupted me. “I can’t believe you’ve not heard.”
We were back with the family, and I so didn’t want them to hear this. Didn’t even need the thought crossing their mind.
“Gabe handled it,” I tried.
“I wish I could have really handled it,” Gabe growled. I sighed and slipped out of Hunter’s arm and went over to my mate. He immediately pulled me down to his lap.
“What’s this?” Stefan asked.
“Nothing,” I tried again.
“Nope, ignore him.” Rhys shushed me. “I heard that Brian Miller said we’re diluting the bloodline.”
Sofia growled. “Not this shit again. That’s what they said when Frederic’s great-grandparents wanted to mate. That’s how Asheville and a lot of other shifter towns exist. Can’t believe that shit is going on today. Here.” She was fuming.
