Chapter Sixteen
Melanie
The wedding was set for Christmas the following year. It wasn’t so much that Melanie and Tye had wanted to wait almost a full year. It was just that Christmas meant so much to both of them that it just seemed right to wait and say their vowels then. Tye pouted a little bit since he was ready for her to be his in all ways, but they had already performed the mate bond with his family. The wedding was just a formal process for her family, and the government.
Melanie was already using Tye’s last name since they went into practice together just outside of his Haven. Melanie treated humans, while Tye was learning a lot from the local healer so that they could accept Shifters also. Melanie’s dad had finally come around, and had been ecstatic to help them get the office up and running.
He was no longer demeaning or harsh with Melanie either. Their whole relationship had changed, and Melanie had forgiven him for everything in the past. She wasn’t sure what had finally changed to make her father come around, but she was thankful. She was pretty sure it was Tye and his family. They were so warm and welcoming it was hard not to adapt to their ways. Tye and her father had become fast friends, and regular fishing buddies. Her dad was still trying to talk Tye into fishing in his bear form, but Tye refused.
Melanie had fallen in love with Tye’s mom. She was so joyful all the time. She was always stopping by their place to chat, and worked over time to help get the office open. She also took great pains to make sure Melanie felt accepted into the Haven. Melanie had been nervous about the move at first, but everyone had welcomed her as Tye’s mate. She could see why Tye was a different person when he was home. This place was such a community.
There were always kids outside playing, and neighbors always having get gatherings. Everybody came together to help over the least little thing. Ethan was adjusting to his new home as well. He had moved out not long after Melanie moved in to give them space. He had moved in with Tye’s little brother Jake, which made everyone a little nervous since the two were notorious when together.
“Melanie, are you home?” Tye yelled for her as he threw the front door shut.
“Yeah I’m in the bedroom.”
“Right where you should be I see. Waiting for your mate to come home, and satisfy him.” His grinned told her he was joking, but she bristled none the less.
“Oh is that right? I thought I was just in here putting away my mate’s laundry. I see that I am in need of a lesson.”
“I would be happy to provide that lesson to you mate.”
“I can see that.” She whispered as she leaned into his body. He gathered up a handful of her hair, and tugged her head up so that he could capture her lips. Melanie would never tire of desire and affection for her.
“What really brought you home early today?”
“I stopped off and got your blood work results from the lab today.”
Melanie had completely forgot she had her blood drawn last week. She hadn’t been feeling well, and had just chalked it up to all the changes in her life. Tye had insisted she get her blood work sent out though.
“Thanks. I completely forgot about that. Anything?”
“Yeah actually. You’re pregnant!”
“I’m what?” Melanie’s heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest. Never in a million years had she dreamed she’d be pregnant. She definitely wouldn’t have had Tye pick up her blood work. She didn’t even remember asking for a pregnancy test.
“You’re pregnant. When I told mom you were having blood work done because of you not feeling well she suggested it. It’s positive! We’re having a baby!”
Tye’s excitement was contagious. Melanie never dreamed that walking into a coffee shop one day would have changed her life forever. Tye picked her up and swung her around.
“I love you so much Tye!”
“I love you too Melanie. We’re going to make fantastic parents.”
“Will our baby be a Shifter I wonder?”
“According to the research I did, and your father; yes.”
Melanie’s excitement tripled. She loved Tye’s Shifter clan so much she knew that they would welcome their baby in either way, but to be a Shifter he would always have love and support in abundance. Their baby would never strive to please anybody either. She would make sure of that.
“Maybe we ought to bump up our Christmas wedding a bit?” Melanie didn’t want to be enormous for her wedding.
“Well I was thinking a Christmas wedding would probably allow for our little one to be a part of our big day. What do you think about that?”
“It sounds like the perfect Christmas!”