Betty
“Who’s a handsome little cub?” Betty cooed at little Mikey, getting a gummy smile in the process. Currently, her table was taken up by smiling grandparents with their little ones. Scott had a napping Dolly in his arms. Henry laughed with Stella after telling her a story about Carter when he was little.
Jackson bounced a fussy James, looking more nervous by the second. “I haven’t held a baby since Grace.” He gulped, “I’m not sure I’ve still got the touch.”
“Don’t worry dad, it’s not you.” Lani popped up out of nowhere. “Besides, he’s hungry, and you don’t have want he wants.” She laughed, taking the young pup from Jackson.
“You’re not going to cry on me too, are you?” Jackson asked with a raised red brow.
“No Grandad.” Stella giggled, “But maybe we could get another piece of cake?” The little girl was too cute. Batting her eyes with an innocent smile.
“I could’ve sworn Carter said one piece was enough.”
“But Grandad,” Stella whined.
“No buts, Birdie. You know the rules.” Stella slumped in her chair. “I heard somebody just enrolled in dance?” That perked the girl right up.
“Yep. Gracie took me to Frostford since I’ve always wanted to try it.” She paused, glancing at Grace and Carter dancing. “I’m really thankful they took me in. They don’t treat me any differently, Gracie even called me her daughter at the dance studio.”
“You are their daughter. Blood doesn’t always make a family, what you feel in your heart however, can.” Jackson scooped the little girl up, placing her in his lap. He may not have known what to do with James, but he sure knew how to handle Stella.
“This is the last dance of the night, can Stella please join her parents out on the floor.” Carter picked up Stella, swinging her around before pulling Grace close to him. Seeing the three of them together made Betty’s heart warm. Jackson was right. Family wasn’t about blood.
It was about being there for each other. About loving each other through the good and the bad times. This town was a family. The humans wanted to tear them apart, instead their attack had only made them stronger. Damn fools.
As the song came to an end, Mason took the microphone from the DJ. “Attention everyone, let’s quiet down for a moment.” The alpha didn’t have to wait long. “Carter is my best friend. Actually, he’s my brother. I googled human weddings, and apparently, the best man is supposed to give a speech.
“It probably shouldn’t happen at the end of the night, but hell, I’m the alpha so what I say goes. In all of my twenty-seven years, I’ve never seen Carter look as happy as he does right now. Never seen him so in love, either. These two together are a force to be reckoned with. They can conquer any foe, take down any enemy.
“Although, I think Grace could put a beatdown on someone by herself.” Mason chuckled, shaking his head. “The point though, is that they don’t have to do things alone anymore. They have each other. Thank you, Grace, for bringing my brother back to life.
“And Carter, thank you for giving Grace a love she deserves.” Everyone applauded Mason on his speech. Betty didn’t miss Carter hastily wiping his face or the happy tears Grace had. “There is one more thing, a wedding present.”
Mason motioned Ella to his side. She pulled a piece of paper out from behind her back. A teary, happy smile on her face. “Everyone here knows why we’re standing on this land today. This is where everything started, and this is where your story should flourish.”
He handed the microphone to Ella, who bounced around like an energizer bunny. “Which is why we held a town vote. Redwater is safe because of you, Grace. And we wanted to repay you in a way that would make a difference in your life. This paper in my hand is the deed to the land in this exact spot, and it’s yours.
“This land now officially belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Carter Montgomery.” Grace let out a loud, happy cry, turning to look at Carter with disbelief in her eyes. He pulled her close giving her a kiss on the forehead, all the while holding Stella with her other arm.
“Thank you.” Carter’s voice was rough with emotion.
“Hot damn, now that’s the way to end a wedding. Wonder what they’ll give us when we get married.” Scott leaned over, kissing Betty softly.
“You haven’t even asked me to marry you. Heck, knowing these young shifters we’ll just get more little ones.”
“Act like you don’t love the idea of more grandkids all you want darling, but we both know the truth. And I haven’t asked you, yet.” Scott rolled his eyes at her. An act so unlike him it made Betty burst into a fit of giggles. “Laugh all you want right now, but just wait and see. I’m going to make you my wife.”
Betty had no doubt her last name would soon be Harrison. The only question was when and where.