She looks up at me with her big blue eyes and frowns. “Why are you crying?”
“I’m not.” I chuckle, wiping at my eyes.
She doesn’t believe me. “Tyler, hold my caterpillar.” she tells the teenage boy who’s nearby. He’s always there, her shadow. I’m not sure how I feel about that now. Tyler fumbles, but takes the caterpillar from her.
“Here.” she climbs into my lap, sitting on the other thigh from Nova. “Hugs always make me feel better.” She wraps her little arms around my neck and squeezes me tightly. It takes everything in me not to break the fuck down.
Nova gets up, giving me the room to wrap my arms around her.
I hold onto her longer than I should, earning a sound of protest from Tyler.
“Your caterpillar just shit on my hand.” Tyler growls.
Rica bursts into giggles as she pulls away from the hug and climbs off my lap. “Shit is a bad word Tyler."
“So are half the things people around here say, sugarplum." he rolls his eyes.
"Doesn't mean we should say it too. It’s not lady-like.”
“Good thing I’m not a lady.” Tyler hands her the caterpillar back.
“But I am.” she lifts her chin.
“Nova swears and she’s a lady.” Tyler throwing my Omega under the bus and Rica’s little eyes widen.
“No swearing, Nova.” she huffs.
“Of course, of course. No swearing. Nothing but nice words from me from now on.” Nova is trying not to laugh.
“Good.” Rica nods then looks over to Tyler. “See.”
“Whatever. I’m going to wash my hands.” Rica trails after Tyler, chatting away.
I watch the two of them go, my heart so damn full.
“Are you going to tell her?” Nova asks, sitting back down on my lap.
I nod. “Yeah. Eventually. First, I want to build a house on the compound. Big enough for not only Rica, but a room for Tyler if he wants to stay over. And rooms for our future babies.”
“You want to move?”
“We can keep the house on the beach, but yeah.” I look around. Ian is playing with the kids, running around like he’s a big kid himself. Nick is over by the grill, Tucker helping him cook some steaks. The two of them smile at one another and Tucker shakes his head as Nick slaps his ass.
This place is filled with family, the one we built ourselves. It’s a life I never thought I’d have but damn glad I do.
“I think a house on the compound, close to family, is a good idea. And you know Tyler won't want to be away from Rica.”
He’s going to hate me when I take Rica to come live with us. But that little girl is mine and I’m not wasting any more time without her.
I’m so damn fucking happy I have a supportive Omega who’s willing to welcome her with open arms, and a pack to do the same.
Since Julia’s sister Robyn started caring for Rica, Tyler moved into the house with them. Tyler was living with Rafe, butsince he was never home, because he always wanted to be with Rica, Rafe and Robyn agreed to work together to take care of Tyler.
If you ask me, I think Rafe has a thing for the pretty young Omega. But I warned him not to start anything with her if it’s going to cause issues. He swears he doesn’t feel anything for her, but I don’t believe him.
I see the way he, Marshall and Bo look at her when she’s not watching.
“I think that’s a good idea, not to take her away from what she already knows. It will help with the changes to come.”
