“Clootie dumpling, what do you think?”
“Good,” I say easily, and he leans down to give me a kiss.
The hard, emotionally unavailable man I met when I first got here is long gone. In his place is a loving, attentive Alpha who makes the best food, and it’s always made with love.
“I got you something else,” he whispers, and I arch a brow at him.
“You all are not playing fair with the extra gifts, you know?”
“Very good Omegas deserve all the presents,” he says, and well, I suppose he’s right. His gift is a few pieces of paper and when I open it, I can’t help but to laugh.
They’re varying coupons. One is a ‘he has to be nice to Alan pass’, a free massage, breakfast in bed, along with other things he already does for me.
“I’d say the Alan one is the most valuable.”
“I think so,” I reply, giving him a kiss. The bright glow of the Christmas tree sparkles in his eyes and I can’t believe there was ever a time I thought he was an asshole. I love him so much. He’s so handsome.
I shake my head, trying to keep my thoughts clear. We’ve got to get through the Christmas festivities and then I can let go. Even if my Alphas are making it near impossible.
“Happy Christmas, Maisie. I have a gift for you. I gave one to your sister as well. Read it whenever you feel ready,” Effie says, and I scrunch my eyebrows together.
“I’ve gotten way too many extra gifts tonight,” I tell Effie, who makes a raspberry noise with her lips as if I’m being ridiculous.
“You can never have too many gifts, and I think you really needed this one. Wait to open it until you get home.”
I’m not sure why she doesn’t want me to open it here, but I agree, slipping the card into my purse and nearly forgetting about it.
The minutes feel like hours when we finally say our goodbyes to the Omega guests, Effie and Angus, and my sister’s pack before we’re finally home.
We’ve all collapsed on the couch. Lain’s head is on my lap and Fergus rests on his legs. Callum is on my other side and Greer is reclining in the seat across from me when I remember the letter Effie gave me.
The first paper I open is a typed out letter from my mom to Effie and reading that alone has tears welling in my eyes. I can barely even pay attention to the Alphas around me as I open the next piece of paper.
Effie wrote her back.
Dearest Lorna,
Thank you for trusting me with your daughters. I hope that wherever you are, you have found peace and can rest knowing that they are taken care of. I love them as if they’re my own.
I wish you were here to see how they’ve grown and how in love they’ve fallen with Scotland.
I’m happy to report that Maisie did not work the entire trip, and that Birdie did not lose her passport.
You don’t have to worry any longer, they’re loved, protected, and happy. Your greatest fear was leaving them alone, but I can assure you they’re the farthest from that. Not only have your daughters’ relationship with one another bloomed, they now have a whole town that loves them, but also packs that you would absolutely adore.
Sure, they both mated with my grandsons and I may be biased, but something tells me you would agree wholeheartedly.
Thank you for raising the two wonderful women you brought into my life. You have given me the ultimate gift, and I hope I have given you the gift of peace.
Love
Effie
I full on sob reading the letter. All the men do their best to read over my shoulder while also consoling me.
“Christ, Nan. On Christmas?” Callum says as Greer rubs my leg and Lain automatically starts purring to give me comfort.
“It’s beautiful, though,” I say, sniffing and reading the letters a few more times. “She would be proud and happy, and I think that’s the best gift I could have asked for.”
