We were in the nursery, watching the baby nap—or do everything to avoid napping. My girl was a wriggly little monster and was far happier interacting with the world around her than closing her eyes.
I was so incredibly lucky that I had four mates who could take shifts being awake so we all got some sleep. I’d heard horror stories of sleep deprivation from people who only hadonemate, and I’d quickly determined I would have lost my marbles in a situation like that. I probably would have done something wildly stupid, like turn down my push presents—the shiny newBirkin from Hunter, the pink diamond necklace from Avery, our upcoming vacation to Costa Rica from Logan, and the four-seater Rolls Royce from Parker to fit car seats and besties for girl time.
My mind would truly have to be addled to say no to those.
Maggie turned to me, her face serious. “I know I’ve asked a dozen times since, but are you doing okay?“ It wasn’t hard to know what she meant. That basement had turned my first time meeting my daughter into a nightmare. The guys had grilled me on the experience, and while I knew it had scared the shit out of them too, they could never truly understand the terror I’d felt down there.
Only Maggie could.
“I’m good, really,” I said softly, looking down at Blossom. “I’ve been lovingly bullied into trauma therapy, and it’s helping.”
Next to me, Avery gently rubbed my lower back. The simple, reassuring gesture was much appreciated.
“And are they letting you go out for air occasionally?” Maggie said, her tone playful but with a hint of something more serious underneath.
Avery chuckled. “Our mate can go wherever she wants, albeit supervised. I think it’s going to be a while before we can all relax enough for solo outings.”
I nodded. “I’m happy to stick close to home while Blossom is still little. The most excitement I get lately is a trip to Meadow’s to visit her, sapling, and her new little seedling. Savannah is so fucking cute. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that I love my pack.”
“Speaking of packs, I still can’t believe your dads convinced Parker to gocamping.”
I cackled. “I’ve been getting photo updates, and everyone is entirely too adorable in their flannel. Look,” I said, fishing out my phone to show her my alphas crowded around a campfire in a selfie with my dads.
Maggie glanced at Avery. “You’re not feeling left out?”
“Nah. I get to hang out with the prettiest lady on the planet while they’re getting splinters learning to rub sticks together to start a fire.”
“I think it’ll be good for Parker,” Maggie said with a laugh. “Please forward all the most embarrassing pictures of him to me.”
“Obviously.” I stuck my tongue out at her, turning to coo at Blossom when she let out the most precious squeal. “Oh my goodness, my sweet girl has quite the set of lungs. You singing to us, honeybunch?”
“She’s so cute, italmostmakes me want one.” Maggie booped Blossom’s nose with a gentle smile.
“How’s your situation going? No bodyguards today, or have they developed invisibility powers?”
Maggie grimaced. “If my mother had anything to say about it, they’d be with me night and day.”
“I understand the mama urge to protect a lot better now, but I get how it could be frustrating. Everyone just loves you a lot.”
Maggie rolled her eyes, but the curve at the corners of her mouth belied her annoyance. “Sure you’re not just siding with Mom because she thinks you’re the best thing since sliced bread?”
“Might beslightlyinfluenced by that.” The Ashcroft matriarch had been intimidating for all of two minutes when I’d finally met her. She’d melted for Blossom and was straight-up delighted to see Parker happily bonded—and relieved he hadn’t scared me off with his nonsense.
“Parker’s brutes follow meeverywhere,and they’re driving me up the wall.”
“And where are they now?” I asked, craning my head to look out the window. If they were waiting outside, they were doing a damn good job because I hadn’t noticed them.
My sister-in-law’s face flushed. “I may have ditched them…”
“Maggie!” I laughed loudly.
“How the hell did you do that?” Avery asked. “I thought they were pros at keeping tabs?”
“I climbed out my bedroom window. Look, if I’m going anywhere, like a public mall or somewhere I’m seeing strangers, yes, I’ll take them. I understand the risks, but I only wanted to come here and see my niece! The most dangerous thing I’m gonna face is a poopy diaper.”
“There’s always spit-up,” Avery commented as Blossom started to fuss, casting a mischievous smile at Maggie. “You want to take this one, Auntie?”
She beamed. “You know I do!” Before she’d even finished speaking, she was scooping up our daughter to cuddle her, nuzzling her close and kissing the top of her head, making little cooing noises.
