Chapter 11
Crew
Five Years Later…
The scent of vanilla cake and warm syrup drifts through the house, wrapping around me like a blanket as I step into the kitchen. The soft morning sunlight filters in through the windows, casting a golden glow over the scene in front of me.
Vera stands by the stove, her back to me, wearing one of my old T-shirts that hangs off her curves in a way that makes my bear rumble with satisfaction. She’s flipping pancakes, her hair tumbling down her back in soft waves, and I swear my heart still skips a beat every time I see her like this.
At the kitchen table, our daughter, Willow, sits with her elbows propped up, staring at the stack of presents on the counter with a determination that makes me grin.
"Willow, baby, you can't open them until after breakfast," Vera calls over her shoulder, barely holding back a laugh.
"But why ? They're just sitting there, Mommy," Willow whines, pouting.
"Because rules are rules," I say, stepping up behind Vera and wrapping my arms around her waist, pressing a kiss to the side of her neck. She tilts her head, giving me better access, and I take full advantage, nibbling softly before pulling back.
"Morning," she murmurs, leaning into me.
"Morning," I reply, squeezing her just a little tighter before letting go. "Need help?"
"You can keep the birthday girl entertained," she teases, flipping another pancake onto the growing stack.
"I think she needs a distraction." I glance at our daughter, her golden-brown curls messy from sleep, her little nose scrunched as she eyes the gifts again. "Willow, how about we play guess the present ?"
She gasps, turning to me with wide eyes. "Really?"
"Really."
She practically launches herself out of her chair, running to my side, her excitement making my chest swell.
This— this —is everything I ever wanted.
I never thought I’d have a life like this. A mate, a family, a home filled with love and laughter. For so long, I never let myself believe it was possible. But Vera changed everything.
She gave me everything .
My bear rumbles happily inside of me, and I smile. The two of us have never been happier or more content, and I love it.
Willow tugs my hand, dragging me toward the counter where the gifts are stacked. "Okay, Daddy, let’s do it!"
I sit on one of the stools, lifting her onto my lap. "Alright, birthday girl. Pick one and guess what's inside."
She scans the pile like a hunter tracking her prey, then points to a small, rectangular package wrapped in bright pink paper.
"This one! Hmm… I think it's…a book!"
"Good guess," Vera chimes in, glancing over at us with a knowing smirk.
"Is it?!" Willow bounces excitedly.
"I'm not telling," I tease, chuckling as she huffs dramatically.
"Mean, Daddy!"
"Alright, alright, another one," I say, nudging her.
She continues guessing, her giggles filling the kitchen as Vera finishes making breakfast. Just as she sets the plates down, the sound of tiny feet pattering across the wooden floor catches my attention.
I turn just in time to see our younger son, Caleb, stumbling into the kitchen, his chubby little legs moving as fast as they can.
"Up! Up, Daddy!" he demands, reaching his arms toward me.
I scoop him up easily, settling him on my other knee. "Morning, little man."
He blinks up at me sleepily, then looks over at Willow and beams. " Birfday! " he shouts, clapping his hands.
Willow giggles. "Yep! It’s my birthday, and I get to eat pancakes first! "
"Not if you don’t sit down and eat," Vera warns with a pointed look.
Willow slides off my lap so fast I barely have time to react before she’s at the table, grabbing her fork.
With Caleb still in my arms, I carry him over and settle into my seat, watching as Vera brings over the stack of pancakes, covered in syrup and whipped cream.
"Alright, birthday girl," Vera says, placing a plate in front of Willow. "Make a wish before you take your first bite."
Willow grins, scrunching her eyes shut dramatically. She clasps her hands together, whispering something under her breath, then takes the biggest bite of pancake I’ve ever seen.
I glance at Vera, shaking my head. "Think she wished for more presents?"
"Absolutely," she laughs.
A few hours later, our backyard is filled with laughter, music, and the scent of grilled food. The entire pack came to celebrate, and now the yard is packed with kids running around, chasing each other, while the adults chat nearby.
Tucker and Nori are over by the grill, arguing about who makes the better burgers, while the rest of our friends mingle.
Vera is standing with some of the other women, a drink in her hand, her laughter ringing out over the noise.
And me?
I’m watching our daughter open presents, her face lighting up with every tear of wrapping paper.
"Oh, oh, this one !" Willow squeals, grabbing the pink package she guessed about this morning.
She rips it open and gasps. "It is a book!"
"You guessed right," I say, ruffling her curls.
She hugs it to her chest, then moves on to the next gift.
As she opens the presents, my gaze drifts to Vera again.
She catches me staring and gives me a look—one that says what? —even though she knows exactly what.
I shake my head, grinning, then make my way over to her, slipping an arm around her waist.
She leans into me instantly, her body fitting against mine like it was made to be there.
"She’s having the best day," Vera murmurs, watching Willow with a soft smile.
"She deserves it."
Vera looks up at me then, eyes filled with so much love it makes my chest ache.
I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "You happy, baby?"
Her eyes soften even more, and she nods. "More than I ever thought I could be."
I cup her cheek, tilting her face up to mine. "Me too."
She smiles, then stands on her toes, pressing a kiss to my lips.
I kiss her back, slow and deep, ignoring the whistles from Tucker and some of the others.
When we pull away, Vera rests her head against my chest, watching our kids, our family, our life .
And for the first time in forever, I realize—I have everything I’ve ever wanted.
And I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure Vera and our kids always have this .
Love. Safety. A home.
Because this?
This is forever.