Tears prickle in my eyes, and I decide he’s forgiven.
“Well, I’m glad one of you knows how this is supposed to go. Now, since the five of you have bonded and filed your paperwork already, all I need for you to do is kiss and we’ll announce you as a pack!”
The five of us descend on one another, sharing hugs and kisses for probably far too long. When we pull away to stand beside my dad, tears are streaming down my face, and I really hope my makeup isn’t smearing all over the place.
“It is my honor to introduce you to Pack Kennedy,” my dad yells as our family and friends jump to their feet and cheer. “Now, let’s get this party started!”
Mason wraps his arm around my waist and leads me inside. “Are you okay, princess?”
“I’m fine—just emotional.” I bite my lip, glancing around. “Where are the others?”
“I think they got waylaid. They should be here in a minute.”
“Good. That’s good.” Because I have a gift for them, and if I don’t share it soon, I’m going to burst. “I’m going to use the bathroom.”
He leans down and kisses me softly. “I’ll be here.”
I practically float to the bathroom. I’m so happy—even if everyone embarrassed me during our ceremony. I shouldn’t have expected anything less from them.
After taking care of business, I check my face in the mirror while I wash my hands. I’m happy to see not a single piece of makeup has smeared. Thank goodness for Delilah.
By the time I make it back to the kitchen, the rest of my mates have made it inside.
“Are you ready? We have a lot of guests waiting to wish us well.” Alexander grins, pulling me into his side when I reach them.
“Umm…not quite yet. I actually have a surprise for you.”
Crew narrows his eyes. “A surprise? I thought we weren’t doing gifts. I’m going to be really pissed if you got us something.”
I shake my head. “Nope. I mean, I did, but not really. You know what? Shut your mouths. I’m pregnant.”
Silence follows my announcement, and I grin, waiting for them to process the information.
“You’re pregnant?” Crew’s eyes are wide as I nod. “We’re having a baby?”
“We are.”
The four of them move as one, crashing into me. I’m passed from mate to mate and kissed until my head is spinning.
“This is the best fucking news!” Davis yells, eyes wide as he runs to the double doors that lead to where the reception has started. “We’re pregnant!”
I shake my head. “Well, I guess that’s one way to make the announcement.”
Davis looks sheepish as he glances back at me. “Sorry. I’m just really excited.”
“It’s fine, Davis. We all are.” Mason kisses me once more.
Alexander brushes his lips over my head before Crew grabs my hand and drags me outside. “Everyone is really going to want to talk to us now.”
And he’s not wrong.
Hours later, I finally sit beside Ruby and sigh. “Please tell me I’m done talking to people.”
“You’re talking to me,” she says with a grin.
“Not the same thing.” I glance around the table, smiling at the familiar faces. “Harper. Emmy. It’s good to see you both.”
Harper grins, brushing her blonde hair over her shoulder. “Congrats on the bonding and baby, Kiara. You’ve made my first event back in Champagne Falls very exciting.”