Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 23578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 118(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23578 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 118(@200wpm)___ 94(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
“Could have saved us a lot of trouble,” Magnus added. “Remember how intense and brooding Julian was? Always growling at everyone? It was exhausting.”
Lainey laughed, nudging me with her hip. “I kind of liked brooding Julian.”
I narrowed my eyes playfully and whispered to her. “One brooding grizzly bear shifter coming up tonight, just for you.”
She gave me a salacious smile. “I can’t wait.”
I’m so happy we’re all together again. Our little one, Angelica, is growing up so fast.
She’s resting on Lainey’s jutting hip, playing with her mom’s blonde hair and laughing her adorable little head off as I cook the burgers on the grill.
“This is so wonderful,” Mom says as she looks around at all of the smiling faces. “Love, laughter, and a full house. I’m so proud of you, son.”
“Thanks, Mom,” I say, blushing.
“And I’m proud of this little one,” Mom says, reaching for Angelica. Angelica smiles wide when she sees her grandmother’s outstretched arms and reaches for her back.
They both giggle as Lainey hands her over. The instant my mom has our little grizzly cub, Lainey sidles up beside me and slides her hand up my back.
“I love you,” she whispers.
I kiss her temple, feeling like I might float away on the next breeze. “I love you too.”
“And where are your mates?” Dad asks Victoria and Magnus who are sitting around the table on our porch.
Victoria sighs as she cracks open a beer. “I was hoping you knew.”
“They’ll come when it’s time,” Magnus says, his jaw tightening as he stares out at the mountains. “I’m not worried. Do I look worried?”
“A little bit, yeah,” Dad says. That man has never had a filter and it’s only gotten worse with age.
“I have to go take a whizz,” Magnus says, quickly heading into the house.
I take a deep breath as I flip a burger. I hope his mate comes soon. Magnus has always been the most level-headed out of all of us, especially when it comes to mates, but he’s been having a hard time lately.
I know that seeing me and Lainey together is starting to upset his bear, and now that we have Angelica too—it’s getting rough for him.
“When is it my turn to hold her?” Dad asks, putting his hands out with a big smile on his face.
Angelica sees her loving grandpa and squirms out of Mom’s arms. She lands on her feet and wobbles as she tries to keep her balance.
“Is she about to—?” Lainey whispers, watching with bated breath.
I’m burning the burgers, but I don’t care. My baby girl is about to take her first steps.
Angelica pushes off my mother’s knee and wobbles on her feet, determination taking over her face.
We all gasp, none of us moving.
My heart stops.
Then—
She takes a step.
And another.
Then a third before she wobbles and tumbles forward, right into my father’s arms.
For a second, we all just gape, too stunned to move. Then, we all burst out in cheers.
Lainey lets out a squeal and claps her hands, running over and dropping to her knees beside Angelica. “Oh my God, baby! You did it!”
My mother gasps, pressing her hands to her chest, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m so happy I got to see that!”
“That’s my girl!” Victoria says, rubbing Angelica’s little back.
My father just hugs her, soaking in her baby scent.
And me?
I feel like my heart is about to explode. I drop to my knees and steal Angelica from my dad. Her little hands grasp my face and she giggles, knowing she did good.
“That’s my girl,” I whisper, kissing her all over as she squeals with delight. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart. Those legs will take you on many more adventures throughout your life.”
Lainey leans in, kissing our daughter’s forehead, then my cheek. “She’s incredible.”
“Just like her mama,” I say before kissing her lips.
This is more than I ever expected out of life.
I don’t need anything more than this.
My mate, my child, my family—this is more than I ever dreamed possible.
Dad winks at me. “You do realize she’s going to be running everywhere soon, right?”
I laugh, holding Angelica close, breathing in her baby-soft scent. “Let her. I’ll always be here to catch her.”
Lainey reaches for my hand and intertwines our fingers. Her eyes are shimmering with love and happiness.
I’m glad my grouchy days are over. Being a lover definitely beats being a grump.
“The burgers!” Magnus shouts as he walks back out.
“Oh shit!” I gasp when I see the smoke billowing out of the barbecue. I hand Angelica over to my girl and rush over to the grill.
“What’s going on out here?” Magnus asks, looking confused as I flip the burnt burgers.
“Angelica just took her first step!” Mom says proudly.
“Ah, I missed it!” Magnus says, frowning.
Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m taking first steps too.
Opening myself up. Letting myself be happy. Enjoying the world.