Epilogue #2
"Right?!" He smiles happily, feeding me another bite. This one is a cookie crumble vanilla with a little marshmallow in it. "It's my favorite, too."
"Which one is that…" Calder leans in closer, taking interest, trying to get a better look at his newest flavor.
Planning our bonding ceremony had become a little hectic between five people all wanting different things.
Ultimately, they just wanted whatever I wanted.
But I still needed to make sure this day was just as special for them.
So, we have an ice cream bar hosted and catered by none other than our lead's favorite: Ethyl's Ice Cream.
Finishing off the last couple small scoops, Sage sets down the proportionate glass on a random table, earning amused glances from the people still occupying it. "Come on, baby, let's dance."
"Um, hello?"
"Uh…hello?" He adds, sliding him a 'look' before glancing back to me like Calder's gone nutty.
"No," Calder chuffs. "I've got dibs on the next dance. What do you think I'm doing standing here?"
"What you're always doing, I don't know."
"What t—"
"There she is! Hi, kitten." Adrian and Ever join us, hand in hand. Upon closer inspection, I notice the rumpled shirts and curls no longer exactly in place.
"What have you two naughty boys been up to, huh?" I tease.
Ever blushes, biting his lip to hide his obvious smile.
In the last year, watching their love story unfold has been the most beautiful thing I've ever had the honor of being a part of.
The pride Adrian displays in showing both Ever and me off to the world is enough to make us both giddy every time.
After their big proposal and grand gesture at the Mount Glow Festival, Adrian actually took it upon himself to begin online therapy.
He's spent the last year working through remaining grief and also learning self-love in being bisexual.
The man before me is far from the man I knew a year ago and I couldn't be more incredibly proud of him and the dedication he's put into personal growth.
Looking over to me, he presses a soft kiss to my lips, holding me close. "Thank you, little one," he whispers, having picked up on exactly how proud I am and how much I love him through our bond.
"Mmm, love you, alpha."
"Love you, too. So much." Pulling back, he reaches for Ever's hand and adds, "You wanna dance with us?"
Next to me, Calder sighs deeply, and I take pity on my big mate that's been patiently waiting for a dance, leaning into his chest. "You two go ahead. Calder's got dibs."
"What the fuck about me!" Sage squawks in a tone that makes me hide my face in laughter in the nook of Calder's arm. "I'd rather third wheel it than be alone."
Glancing up, I flatten my lips, silently asking Calder for permission, earning me a playful eye roll and nod. "It's a good thing I have a front and a back, huh?" I hold my hand out to Sage, to take his place behind me as the music transitions into a sweet, slow melody.
"Oh, princess," he smirks. "Definitely good you have a front and back."
"You're terrible, you know that?"
"Hmm. We'll see who's so terrible tonight, won't we?"
A cough at our side steals each of our attention as Remi stands, imposing, even in his lovely suit, brows raised at Sage. He only shrugs, clearly having been caught, with zero shame.
"Can I have this dance, little one?" His large palm lies flat between us, waiting.
I reach out, smiling, before turning to Calder, trying to hide my amusement.
With a huff, he nods but crosses his arms. The tiny smirk in the corner of those perfect lips and the pleasure from his end of our connection make it more than clear he's happy to share me with his father.
Remi's shoulders curve inward as we sway hand in hand. Even now, the fact that he tries to make his large frame smaller in an effort to make me feel comfortable and safe, doesn't go unnoticed.
"Opal…" My gaze meets his and the depth of emotion that shines through is incredible.
My brows raise, wondering if he's okay. "I am so gods damn proud of you.
" My jaw lowers, lips forming a slight 'o', not sure what to say.
Luckily, he doesn't wait for me to answer.
"You have no idea how lucky we are to have you in our family.
You make Calder, Sage, and the others so happy.
Everything you've done to step up and help with the resort projects.
Finding your place in their pack and in this town.
You've completely rebuilt your life from nothing.
That takes a level of strength most people, even most alphas, couldn't dream of having.
I'm sure those mates of yours do plenty to show you how amazing you are as a person.
But, just know, we couldn't agree more." He smiles, some of the sincere heaviness turning mischievous.
"Don't tell Calder this, but we used to always want a daughter, too.
There may or may not be pictures of him as a tiny pup dressed in frilly dresses.
" Joy at the image bursts through me, manifesting a chuckle.
"Now…we don't just have a daughter. We have the strongest, sweetest, most resilient daughter we could ever have imagined. So proud of you, darlin'."
"Oh, Rem…" Heat builds behind my eyes, threatening to spill over.
"Thank you. I owe my life to you. You're the reason I'm here, the reason I'm with my mates.
" He shakes his head, as if to interrupt.
I keep going before he can. "The reason I got a second chance.
" My smile is watery, but no less sincere in speaking my truth.
"Getting to know you and Silvia, Zennie, and Leon…
has been a dream come true. You've given me yet another wish I never thought I'd ever have.
You gave me a family and welcomed me in without thinking twice.
I will always be grateful for all you've done to support me. "
A little too close to being choked up, he smiles in a tight-lipped line, nodding. "I love you, kiddo."
"I love you, too, Dad."