Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16684 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16684 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 83(@200wpm)___ 67(@250wpm)___ 56(@300wpm)
“Grant, why does your dog have an eggplant emoji toy?” she asks, giggling as Oreo proudly parades his toy around.
I lean back in my chair. “Honestly, I took him to the pet store, thinking he’d choose something normal, like a bone or a teddy bear. But nope. Oreo went straight for that thing and wouldn’t drop it. I guess my little man has a taste for the unique.”
Gianna laughs harder, shaking her head in disbelief while Oreo continues to prance around with the eggplant like it's a trophy.
Dad chuckles and reaches down to give Oreo a loving pat. “Well, I love your toy, Oreo. It suits you, buddy,” he says with that endearing Grandpa tone.
Oreo basks in the attention, blissfully unaware of his quirky choice or the peals of laughter it has inspired.
As the laughter dies down, Gabe—never one to miss an opportunity—leans in, mumbling just loud enough for the whole table to hear, “I’m surrounded by pussy-whipped assholes.”
The table erupts again, everyone doing their best to cover up amused snorts. Even Lennon lets out a little giggle, shaking her head at Gabe’s antics. I just grin and shrug, draping an arm around her. “You hit that nail right on the head, big brother,” I shoot back, unbothered by his teasing. “And it’s not a bad thing to be.”
It’s moments like these that remind me why I love having my family around. Sure, they’re a bit over-the-top at times, but the love and camaraderie are genuine. Seeing Lennon fit right in, laughing and swapping stories about Oreo’s exploits, makes my heart swell.
As the night wears on, I find myself grateful for every chaotic, love-filled moment. After all, what’s life without a little laughter, even if it’s at the expense of a stuffed eggplant emoji?
After my family says their goodbyes and the door closes behind them, the cabin feels suddenly quieter, the echoes of laughter and conversation still lingering in the air. I turn to Lennon, who’s tidying up the last remnants of our dinner party, and my heart swells with love for my stunning mate.
I step up beside her, gently pulling her into my arms. Her warmth melting against me feels heavenly. I lean down and press a soft kiss to her lips, savoring the sweetness and the comforting familiarity of the moment.
I brush a stray hair from her face. “I have something to tell you.”
She freezes for a second, worry flitting across her features. “Is everything okay? Did I mess up tonight?” she asks half-jokingly, but I catch that little edge of anxiety.
I chuckle softly, shaking my head. “No, nothing like that. It’s good news, incredible actually,” I say, pausing for a heartbeat. “You’re pregnant.”
Her eyes widen in shock, her hands instinctively flying to her belly. I watch as her initial surprise melts into joy, her face lighting up with happiness that takes my own breath away.
“Oh my God, really?” she asks, a mix of disbelief and elation in her voice, tears glistening in her eyes. “How do you know? My period isn’t due for several days.”
“I can smell it. Your scent went from sweet and sugary to warm and spicy.” I hold her close, letting my happiness flow between us.
We stand there, wrapped in each other and the enormity of the moment. But then, as if a light bulb flicks on, I see a different thought flash across her face.
“Wait a minute,” she says, stepping back slightly with horror flashing in her eyes. “Could your entire shifter family smell it, too?”
I nod a bit sheepishly, knowing exactly how smothering and curious my family can be. “They’re your family now, too.”
Her eyes widen, a mix of wonder and mild embarrassment dancing there. “And they didn’t say anything?”
“Guess they were leaving it to us to figure out.” I grin, hoping she finds it as endearing as I do.
She shakes her head, laughing nervously, a hand resting gently on her belly as she does. “I’m gonna need some time to get used to all of this.” She tries out the mental link between us.
I pull her back into a hug, feeling her relax again in my arms. “We’ve got all the time in the world. You, me, Oreo, and our little one.”
“This is going to come in so handy when the kids try to get one over on us.” She wraps her arms around my waist and hugs me tight.
And just like that, I realize how lucky I got when the universe chose Lennon as my mate. With her by my side, I know we can handle anything.
Epilogue
LENNON
Six years into this magnificent, unpredictable adventure with Grant, our life has found a rhythm that’s both beautiful and slightly chaotic. Standing at the back door with a cup of coffee in hand, I gaze out at the familiar, heartwarming scene unfolding in our backyard.