"And we’ll bond?"
"For sure," Kellan said.
She turned to me.
“You don’t know my answer?” I kissed her, wanting there not to be a single doubt about what I wanted. “I’m already yours.”
She looked at Kira. "What do you think?"
"I think you should do what feels right," Kira said.
Naomi closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. When she opened them again, there was something different there. Something decided.
"Okay," she said. "I want to build a life together." She looked at us. “Let's be a family."
Her words stalled the anticipation.
"Are you sure?" I had to ask one more time.
"I'm sure." She reached for both of us, pulling us closer. "I'm sure about you. About this. About us."
It was Kellan’s turn to kiss her, reverent and full of promise.
When he pulled back, I took another turn. Pouring everything I felt into that kiss.
"Now we talk to your parents," I said. "Get their blessing."
She nodded. "Okay. Let's do that."
Edgar and Leilani took the news better than I expected.
Leilani cried happy tears, she assured us. Edgar looked stern for about thirty seconds before breaking into a smile that transformed his face.
"A grandchild," he said wonderingly.
"And a bonded daughter," Leilani added, looking at Naomi.
"Yes," Naomi confirmed.
"Then you have our blessing," Edgar said. "All three of you." He paused. "Though I have to ask, will you stay here on pack lands?"
"No," Naomi said immediately. "I'm sorry. I know you just found me and you want me close. But I have a life in the city. Plans. The learning center. Kira. I can't just abandon all of that."
"We're not asking you to," Leilani said gently. "But, perhaps, visits? Holidays? Let us be part of your life, even if it's from a distance?"
"Yes. I'd like that."
"And when the baby comes?"
"We'll figure it out," I said. "Together. As a family."
Edgar nodded slowly. "Alright then. Keep her safe. Whatever it takes."
"Always," Kellan and I said in unison.
"Good." Edgar stood, moving to embrace his daughter. "Then welcome to the family. Officially this time."
We left the next morning.
