Page 292 of One Winter Knight
The puppy was a lot more work than I ever anticipated and that was with Saoirse doing most of the training, walking, and taking Ispín to puppy classes.
But here we were, very close to when we could file the pack application. Everything was complete, including our pack charter. We were just waiting for the big day. Once our pack application was submitted and accepted, we’d be official.
Mercy ran to him and gave him a big hug. “I’m so proud. Not just about this, about everything you’ve accomplished in the past six months.”
Even Fiona’s dads had begrudgingly admitted, when we met with them to go over the pack charter and our application before it was submitted, that we had done a good job. They even approved of the asset we got Fiona. She wantedinvestment jewelry, which AJ helped us acquire.
“We did it. No extra alpha for us.” Hale grinned.
Her dads had even agreed that they wouldn’t be adding an alpha. They’d be giving Fiona all the resources and assets they’d promised.
Honestly, her dads were good people, who just wanted Fiona to be happy. They'd warmed up to us as they realized that we did make her happy and treated her well.
Big Tad came over and tackle-hugged Hale. “We made it.”
“We did, you’re coming right?” Hale asked.
“We are.” Tad nodded.
Grace had rented out a restaurant so that everyone could have a nice lunch together. Not just all the people who’d come from out of town for Hale, but Hale’s friends and professors.
“Look at you. I’m so proud of you,” Verity said.
“Thanks, Ver. And thanks for believing in us.” Halehugged her pack.
“We appreciate everything you’ve done for us,” I added. It was nice to just have the support of another pack, especially since I was already close to her mates.
“Anytime. We’re really excited for your mating party,” she said. “Also, I’m so happy you decided on Pack Lovely, not Pack Himbo. But Hale, now that your pack is going to have a baby, maybe ease up on the street racing?”
We’d both gotten into it, though mostly I was taking the videos.
“Most of them are parents, I can’t wait to take Baby Lovely on a baby-and-me race,” Hale replied.
For a moment I wondered if Verity would have a panic attack.
“I see. Oh, our pack would like to get your pack professional baby-proofing services for your baby gift,” she stated.
“That would be wonderful, thank you, Verity,” Fiona replied.
I wasn’t really sure what that was. Wasn’t baby-proofing just cabinet locks, baby gates, and foam corners?
Fiona and I watched as everybody gave Hale hugs and told him how proud they were of him. I could see how much he needed that, especially when his baba said it.
Hale had gotten into several PhD programs, but had gone with NYC State. The fact that they’d thrown him a bunch of funding, and he got to work with Professor Mathers hadn’t hurt.
He’d also gotten one of those scholarships his baba had him apply for.
Grace joined Hale, Fiona, and me. “Um, the professor sent a message. I told him that I wasn’t his carrier pigeon.”
Hale sighed. “I read his letters. He let me down. But…”
“You don’t have to forgive him. You don’t need to forgive any of them. Not to excuse him, but you were right,” she added.
“I was?” Hale blinked.
“He was absolutely projecting his marriage problems on you. Which he shouldn’t do. Things have gone to shit in England, and he still won’t admit it. When we got the littles, Tru presented mewith a two-page proposal on why she should come live with me. Which tells me everything,” Grace said quietly.
“Oh, shit.” Hale’s shoulders slumped. “What is even happening?”
