Page 41 of Rehabilitated

Russo

Five Years Later…

“Welcome back!” Ansel greets me as I unload the car.

“Hey, brother. How’s it going?”

He grins, clapping me on the back as he pulls me in for a hug. “Great. How was Europe?”

“Amazing.”

“When’s your next trip?” Ansel asks, grabbing one of the suitcases from the trunk.

“We’re actually done traveling for a bit,” I tell him with a grin. “We’re going to stay home and start trying for a cub.”

“What? That’s great, man!”

I nod, unable to stop the smile that stretches across my face.

Ever and I have spent the last five years doing all the things she dreamed of doing when she was held captive by her parents. We’ve traveled and seen most of the world. We’ve tried cooking classes, painting classes, and music lessons. We’ve learned to knit and sew, ridden horses, and taken a flight in a hot-air balloon.

I’ve loved spending all of my time making my mate’s dreams come true, but I’m happy to be staying put in Night Grove Falls for a bit. Ever is finally ready to try for a baby, and my bear and I can’t wait. I’m dying to see my mate round with our child. I know she’s been worried about being a good mom, but I don’t have any doubt that she’ll be amazing. Ever is so patient, so curious, and so strong. She’ll make the best mom to our kids.

She’s perfect, my bear sighs happily.

She is, I agree, glancing at our house as Ever comes out onto the front porch.

“Ansel!” she calls excitedly, heading our way.

My brother waves. “Ever! We’ve missed you!”

“We missed you too! How are Mira and the kids?”

“They’re great. They just went down for their nap, or they would have joined me in welcoming you guys back to town.”

“We’ll catch up later,” Ever says, reaching past me to grab her suitcase.

I wrap my hand around hers and pick up her suitcase with the other. “We’ve got it, baby.”

She snorts, rolling her eyes at my antics. “I can get it.”

“No need, sis. We’ve got it covered,” Ansel tells her, grabbing the other suitcases.

My mate huffs and heads back inside the house. Ansel and I follow, setting the bags down by the stairs.

“I’m making a grocery list!” Ever calls. “Can we head into town soon? I can’t wait to see everyone from the pack!”

“Of course. Let me know when you want to go,” I reply.

“Do you want to go, Ansel?” Ever asks.

“No, I should get back home to my mate.”

“Do you guys need anything from the store?” she offers.

“I don’t think so, but thanks.”

Ever nods and disappears back into the kitchen. Ansel and I head out to the front porch and lean against a railing, facing each other.