Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22480 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 112(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Chapter 14
EMILIA
It’s only once the door swings closed behind him that I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Gianna places her hand on my arm. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I run my hand over my stomach as the news echoes through my mind. “We’re okay.”
“I can’t believe that little shit,” Tilly murmurs, the words barely containing her anger.
“It didn’t shock me at all.” Gianna shakes her head. “He’s never been the brightest bulb in the box.”
“Why don’t we head straight home?” Tilly hands her credit card to the waitress. “I’m betting my son will want some private time with you to make sure you’re okay.”
“Thank you for lunch. I’m so sorry it turned into such an ordeal,” I tell her as we walk out to her vehicle.
“Oh, honey, you don’t have anything to be sorry about.” Tilly smiles as she pulls out into traffic. “I just wish I’d got to see Dillon whip Harold’s ass.”
“Me too.” Gianna grabs her phone and starts flipping through social media.
“What are you doing?” Tilly glances over at her daughter.
“I’m checking out the town’s Facebook page. Hopefully, someone recorded the beatdown. Duh.” Gianna smirks and the resemblance to her brothers shines through.
After Tilly drops me off, I sit on the sofa staring out the picture window. A little bird flies past and lands in one of the evergreen trees that borders the backyard. I take a deep breath, willing myself to relax.
Today has been a little crazy. I can’t freaking believe I’m actually pregnant. The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating. A life is growing inside me, a testament to the eternal bond between us.
I close my eyes for a moment, allowing happiness to wash through me.
The sound of the front door opening pulls me from my reverie, and my eyes open to find Dillon stepping inside. There’s a raw intensity simmering beneath his usually calm demeanor. His eyes meet mine, and a moment passes between us. Love and hunger shine from his dark eyes.
“Dillon,” I whisper, rising from the couch and moving toward him.
Without a word, he crosses the room in swift strides and drops to his knees before me, his arms encircling my waist, pulling me close in a fierce embrace. His head rests against my stomach, and I thread my fingers through his hair, holding him to me, feeling the unspoken emotions churning within us both.
For a long moment, neither of us speaks. The weight of his earlier confrontation hangs in the air, but the warmth of his embrace dissolves it, replacing uncertainty with a deep-seated sense of belonging.
“Emilia,” he finally murmurs, his voice muffled but resonant with relief and something deeper. “I love you, little goddess.”
Tears prick at my eyes; my freaking hormones are already going haywire but I’m so happy. “I love you, too.”
He looks up at me, and I’m met with an intensity that nearly steals my breath. I’m so glad I took the chance of my life and moved to Glacier Pass. I found my soulmate, but his crazy, wonderful family also stole my heart.
Life is good.
Epilogue
DILLON
Nine Months Later
In the hospital room, the light is soft, the air tinged with the faint scent of antiseptic. I look over at the bed and watch as my mate sleeps soundly, her chest rising and falling with each breath. Our tiny, absolutely perfect son lays swaddled in a blanket nestled against her.
Relief cuts through me, and I’m so goddamn happy the worst is over. The birth was long and hard, each moment an eternity, until finally, he arrived, filling the room with his strong, pissed-off cries. His little wrinkled face already wears the Bearly smirk.
The door opens softly, and I look up to see the familiar faces of Wrenlee, Gianna, Bethany, and my mother peeking in. “Have we waited long enough?” A few weeks ago, I sat my entire family down and let them know I wanted time with my mate and new child before they descend on us.
I grin and wave them inside, careful to keep my voice low. “Come on in and meet the little guy,” I say, pride threading through every word as my inner bear celebrates our accomplishment.
They enter quietly and approach the bed. Wrenlee is first, her eyes wide with awe as she takes in the tiny bundle cradled in Emilia’s arms.
“Oh my goodness,” Wrenlee breathes, leaning over to get a closer look. “He’s so handsome.”
Emilia stirs at the sound of her sister’s voice, blinking sleepily before smiling up at the gathering crowd. “Hi,” she whispers, her voice soft and full of warmth.
Wrenlee decided to move to Glacier Pass after her last semester ended, which relieved my mate greatly. We’re letting her stay in the extra apartment until she decides her next move.
Gianna, with her bright, infectious energy, peers over Wrenlee’s shoulder, her gaze transfixed on our son. “Wow, look at him!” she exclaims, just barely keeping her enthusiasm contained. “He’s got your smirk, Dillon.”