They stayed in each other’s arms while they ate their breakfast and fought yawns. An hour later, John slid in front of them, looking ten years younger.
“Jasper arrived early,” he told them, grinning. “The sheriff pulled some strings to get the judge there immediately. Thirty minutes with them both, and the girls were sentenced to a year of community service. They have to remain in Maine during that time, but otherwise, they are free to return home and be the kids they are meant to be.”
Mal whooped loudly, startling the other customers. Then he leaned against Cain and closed his eyes. “Just a little nap, then we’ll go get Teddy and the critters. Just ten minutes, okay?”
Hours later,Mal woke to the sound of pages slowly turning. He lay in the most comfortable bed he had ever been in. The cool sheets were light gray, and the fluffy comforter was a calm pattern of blue, white and gray stripes. The bed itself was large, easily a California king size.
Best of all was the purring bundle of fur tucked against his abdomen. Truffle enjoyed communing with the monster baby, and Mal would never object because the purring always calmed the baby.
Mal sniffed, then rubbed his eyes before sitting up. Even though he had never been there, he knew that he was in the new room he would share with Cain. The walls were a faint greyish white while the furniture was handmade of white oak.Harper’s work, he thought, smiling. The room was big with a large window seat. Next to the window seat were two very comfortable looking reading chairs.
He smiled at the man sitting with a book in one of those chairs. “Grandpa Lucas.”
Lucas looked up, brown face brightening when his dark eyes fell on Mal. “You’re finally awake, son. You didn’t even rouse when that alpha of yours carried you in here.”
Mal shifted and climbed out of bed, careful not to disturb Truffle. “I don’t even remember getting home. Having kids is hard, Grandpa Lucas.”
The large man stood and pulled him into a hug. “It really is. You started with a teenager too. That’s even worse.” Lucas gave him a mischievous look. “You look really happy, Mal. Tired, yes, but also happy.”
Mal stretched his body and grinned. “That would be because of Cain. Have you met him?”
Lucas nodded and gently settled Mal into a chair before draping a soft, knitted blanket over him. “I have.” He sat in the other chair, looking delighted. “I have to say I was expecting another Rick, but your Cain is very different. He has such a calm presence and serious demeanor. He hasn’t let anyone else hold Teddy since everyone arrived home.”
Grandpa Lucas was the only one in the family that knew about Mal’s feelings for Rick. He knew all of Mal’s secrets.
“Don’t let Cain fool you.” Mal smirked. “He helps me with my pranks all the time.”
Lucas chuckled. “I don’t know if you should be proud of that or not. Oh, you wouldn’t know yet, but the Wilsons are all here.David, Vivi, Addy, and Laurel cooked a large amount of food. Paul, Kat, and I set up picnic tables in the backyard since it isn’t raining. Take a look.”
Mal peeked outside. The large backyard was partially shaded by two large oak trees and gently sloped down to the lake. Normally, it was rather bare, but now, it had several picnic tables, a buffet table covered with food, and a lot of Wilsons. Each of Gerard and Laurel Wilson’s children were there with their spouses and grandchildren. The grandchildren had in turn brought their own partners and children. It was a very full backyard.
Fairy lights twinkled in the trees and small candles and a pretty, elaborately decorated box lay center on each of the picnic tables. He smiled when he saw Betty trotting in and out of the crowd, begging for food. Van and Mark were even there, cuddled together at one of the tables.
The door opened and Susan peeked inside. “You are awake. Good timing, dear.” The lovely blond was perfectly put together in designer clothes and tasteful makeup.
Mal grinned, thinking of how he would appear next to her in his ripped jeans, oversized flannel shirt, and flip flops. His hair was a mess too, likely standing up in places it shouldn’t. He couldn’t say he minded, though. Cain liked him just as he was, be it in his sexy clothes or hiking clothes.
Susan answered his grin with one of her own. “Oh, Mal. When Cain first told us about you, I was worried that the two of you were moving too fast. However, now that I have seen you together, I could not be happier.”
Lucas stood and smoothed down Mal’s hair. “I empathize, Susan. They have certainly moved quickly, but the Reed family tends to do that.”
She laughed. “So do the Bensons.”
“Is he awake?” Dean came in the room, smiling when he saw Mal. “Thank you for trusting me with Teddy last night, Mal. That is one sweet baby.”
Mal nodded. “Truth, brother.”
Susan pursed her lips. “I had almost forgotten you two know each other. I must say, Mal, I was not pleased to learn you were the one trying to steal my best friend.”
Mal gasped dramatically, as he was often wont to do. “I would never steal Dean from you. I just coldly use him for information on the Wilsons for my pranks.”
“And he sends Christmas and birthday presents each year,” Dean added, smiling innocently. “We often meet for coffee and talk over prank ideas. Oh, and I didn’t tell you this, Susan, but Mal and I went foraging for blackberries once too. Without you.”
Susan’s face scrunched up as she pouted. “Never again. You must always take me with you when you go for coffee or go foraging. Whatever that is.”
“Traipsing through the woods looking for edible yummies,” Lucas explained, amused.
She looked horrified and glared at Dean. “You tricked me. I told you several times now that I do not care for hiking.”
