“Mine don’t even say hello, they just go right for the baby,” Brandt said.
“Well, we’ve seen you all your life,” Lily said. “He’s brand new. I’m sure your parents feel the same,” she said to Brandt.
“Clearly,” Brandt said, chuckling.
“Who do I hear?” Carrik asked, his voice reaching them before he actually entered the room.
“It’s me. I’m delivering Elijah for Mom,” Tempest said.
“And me! And my mate and my in-laws!” Boon said. “Future in-laws,” he corrected.
“Future mate,” Daniel said.
“No, she’s already his mate. Whether or not she accepts the mating is another thing entirely,” Lily said between cooing at Elijah.
Angelle’s gaze had been wandering around the house as she admired Lily and Carrik’s home, but she quickly snapped her attention back to Lily.
“Whether or not?” Boon asked.
“She does have that right,” Lily said. She reached out with one hand and laid it softly on Angelle’s shoulder. “You do have aright to refuse, you know. He’s my brother and I adore him, but that doesn’t mean that you have to.”
Angelle nodded shyly, but at the same time she realized that she felt calmer than she had previously and actually allowed herself to relax a little.
“I am being a terrible hostess. I’m sorry. My first grandchild and all… But I’ve made a jambalaya, and Carrik fried some fish he and my father caught this morning.”
“It’s good, too,” Carrik said, enveloping Tempest in a huge hug.
“Hi, Dad,” she said, melting into his arms for a second.
“Hi, baby,” he said. When he released his daughter, he reached a hand toward Brandt and vigorously shook his hand. “Good to see you, Brandt. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thanks. I’m looking forward to a few days getting to know everyone and taking advantage of the time we have here,” Brandt said.
“Boon, Angelle, welcome. Mr. And Mrs. GreyStorm, thank you for accepting our invitation,” Carrik said.
“Daniel and Avaleigh,” Daniel said. “And thank you for extending it.”
“Won’t you come into the kitchen and have something to eat?” Lily asked.
“Thank you,” Avaleigh said, falling in step behind Lily as she led the way, still holding Elijah. “I get it, though. I have no doubt I’ll be the same way when one of ours finally gives us our first grandchild,” Avaleigh said.
“I hadn’t even really thought that far ahead, but now I can’t stop thinking about it,” Daniel said, as he took a few quick steps to catch up to her and slid his arm around her waist.
“I’m thrilled that you’re all here. What would you like to drink?” Lily asked. She noticed Boon and Angelle hanging back. “Come on, you too. Come fill your bellies.”
“You want to eat?” Boon asked.
“I’m a little hungry,” Angelle said, giving a slight shrug.
Boon nodded and led her toward the kitchen. They waited for a second while everyone found a place to sit before taking the remaining chairs.
“Here, you hold him while I serve the plates,” Lily said, handing Elijah to Carrik.
“There’s my big boy,” Carrik said, holding him so that they were face to face.
Elijah lifted one of his hands and tried to grab at Carrik’s nose.
Carrik laughed and pretended to bite at Elijah’s hand.
