Connor had yanked off his booties four times in the thirty minutes Reese had been standing outside airport security while Connor sat in his stroller. The two of them were not-so-patiently waiting for Jane and his mother-in-law to wrap up their conversation. How much more could the ladies talk about? They spoke every damn day of our weekly long trip and they’d been chatting for hours already today.

Every few minutes they’d stop and hug, promising to call, write, or text, and then one of them would ask a question and the process would start all over.

First, Ginger had wanted Jane to know that lavender essential oil on Connor’s bedding would help him sleep through the night. That’d kicked off what felt like a never-ending conversation about their son’s sleeping habits.

All the while, he and Lance had stood back, the luggage at their sides and Connor squirming to get back into his grandpa’s arms.

Still, Reese couldn’t bring himself to break the women apart. And based on the way Connor hadn’t bothered to call for Jane and made do with him and Lance proved that the boy felt it, too. Jane needed this time with her mother—however short of a time it would turn out to be.

Reese glanced at Lance, and the older wolf rolled his eyes and gestured at his own mate. “She’s on an essential oil kick lately.” Lance glanced at his watch. “You may miss your flight.”

Reese bit back a laugh.

“Actually.” Lance rubbed the back of his neck. “Since we have a minute, there was something I wanted to ask.”

Reese raised his eyebrows. “What’s that?”

“God knows it’s not my business. You know, after everything that happened.” Lance’s cheeks held the slightest hint of red. “But…how are the Colemans? How’s the pack?”

Frankly, Reese had been surprised the other man hadn’t asked him about the pack right on the heels of seeing his daughter again. For a former alpha, it had to be a tremendous pain to be away from his people. To not know how they were handling being under a new alpha’s leadership.

“Honestly?” Reese sighed. “They’re adjusting as well as any of us can. It’s not easy for wolves to accept a new alpha.”

Lance rolled his eyes again. “It should be. After the way I acted…”

“You were still the alpha,” Reese reminded the older wolf. “You’ll always be in their hearts.”

Lance opened his mouth and then snapped it closed, giving Reese a solemn nod. “You don’t have to pander to me because I’m Jane’s father. I can handle—“

“I’m not.” He shook his head. “We don’t have an easy road ahead, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel.” The breeze picked up and Reese enjoyed the caress of the wind. “I will say it’s been paradise getting away from the squabbling for a little while.”

Lance grunted. “It’ll all end in good time.”

“Yeah, all in good time.” He tipped his head toward Connor. “And Jane is there to keep your legacy going.”

“And this little guy.” Lance ruffled Connor’s hair, drawing a giggle out of his grandson.

“You could come back with us? See everyone.”

Lance’s smile turned sad. “I can never go back there. Too many memories. And to be a member of a pack I used to rule…” He shook his head. “What little pride I have left couldn’t survive the trip. Besides, the wolves won’t accept you if I’m there. No, Ginger and I will stay here. There’s plenty for us to do. We can start fresh. Heal.”

“I had a feeling it was something like that.”

Lance shrugged.

“It doesn’t change the fact that Jane will want you around.” Reese had to point out the obvious.

Lance grinned. “And we’ll always have a guest room for you. The door is always open. Always.”

“You’re a good man, Lance.”

Lance shoved a hand through his thinning hair. “I’m getting there.”

Together, they looked at their mates, the two women still locked in conversation. Now they discussed teaching Connor how to hunt.

Studying the joy and interest on Jane’s face…it took everything in him not to walk over and wrap his arms around her waist. To soak up some of that warm, loving energy.

“Oh my gosh, is that the time?” Jane’s yelp rose above the noise of the crowd, and his mate spun to face him. “We’re going to miss our plane. I can’t believe you and Daddy were talking so much you almost let us miss our plane.”

Lance and Reese grinned at one another.

“You think missing our flight is funny?” Jane glared at them, but he spotted the smirk she fought to suppress.

Yeah, she knew who was at fault for the delay and it sure as hell wasn’t the men in the family.

In a bustle of energy and tears, Jane hugged her parents again and allowed them to squeeze the baby one last time before everyone said goodbye. They took their place in the security line while her parents headed toward the exit. It wasn’t until her parents were out of sight that Jane gave Reese her full attention.

“Do you think they’ll be okay?”

“Honestly?” They paused and Reese stared down at his mate, smoothing a hair away from her face and tucking the strand behind her ear. “I think they’re going to flourish. This is home for them now. And it’s time we get back to our home, too.”

Jane nodded. “You’re right. I know you’re right.”

Since she was agreeing with him and they were headed in the right direction, he didn’t remind her that he was often right. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah.” She glanced back one last time before giving the security line her full attention. “Remind me to ask for a motion sickness bag as soon as we get on the plane.”

“Why?” Reese bent and grabbed Connor’s bootie. Again.

A brilliant grin split her beautiful face. “I was going to wait to say anything, but…I don’t handle flying well when I’m pregnant.”

“You’re… When…” Reese gasped and hauled his mate into his arms, capturing her mouth in a deep kiss. Fuck security. Fuck the crowds. Fuck the whole world.

They were going to have another baby. Another little miracle.

And in that moment? He wasn’t sure he’d ever loved her more.

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Interested in more Howls Romances from Celia Kyle & Marina Maddix?

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