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The pack follows me up the stairs, and we gather outside the closed door.Before today this was an empty room.
I fumble, turning to look at everyone and awkwardly holding my phone. “This room is…” I stop and start again. “It’s a room that…”
I blow out a breath. I don’t know what to say.This room was me trying to make space for us to become a family. That sounds weird and so formal. It’s got an arcade game in it and an air hockey table for fuck’s sake. It’s not that serious.
Except it is to me.
Reid’s deep voice, steady as always, says, “It’s called a pack nest or a family nest. It’s only for the pack and is meant to be used by everyone in the house. After a while, it will smell like all of us.”
“Is that an omega thing?” Ben asks.
“Yup! Exactly. Finn made it for us and wants us to be comfortable inside. It’s his first one, so if you like it, tell him, and if you need something to help make you more at ease, tell him that too, okay?” Reid says.
Bless this man. He is the actual patron saint of patience.
I turn the camera back around and open the door, my heart pounding and my palms sweaty. I step inside and usher them in, watching their reactions.
Cammie walks in, trailing her hand over the edge of the couch. I restored an old leather couch a while ago after finding it at an estate sale, but it’s been in my workshop for a year. I couldn’t ever bring myself to sell it. Today, I knew why. It belongs here.
Emmaline races past her mom with Waffles, heading straight to the medieval tent in the corner, where a giant pallet of blankets and pillows sits nestled under the canopy. It’s a reading corner, with books already inside. She’s got a whole area with a play kitchen and a city rug for her cars.
Ben has a space too, though he’s more hesitant. He walks the whole room twice before circling back.
“Hey, babe. Look at me,” Reid calls. I turn the phone screen back around with shaky hands. He smiles at me, and it’s so soft and tender I can almost feel him. “I’m sorry I’m missing the big reveal, but it’s so freaking perfect. You’re amazing and?—”
The sound of the wailing bell cuts him off.
“Love you,” Reid shouts, waving as he disconnects.
I stuff the phone in my pocket and go to Cammie, who’s staring at the big nesting pallet I’ve made by the windows on a couple of old day beds I brought in from one of the other guest rooms.
I wrap her in my arms, pulling her back against my chest. They aren’t saying anything, and Reid isn’t here to provide backup. I sort of, maybe, want to cry. Instead, I scent her neck, rubbing myself against her until she smells like sweet raspberries and sugary puff pastry mixed with my own leather.
“How did I do?” I ask, my voice giving away my unease.
She turns in my arms, her hand traveling my jaw. Her brown eyes are humbling in their trust.“You’re making it impossible not to fall in love with you, Finn.”
I steal her lips in a quick kiss, even though I want to do nothing but kiss her. I pull away but can’t keep from wrapping her up in a swaying hug, whispering in her ear, “This is only the beginning. I’m gonna love you so good you won’t know anything else.”
She kisses my heart over my shirt. “I’m gonna let you,” she says with a watery laugh.
“This is mine?” Ben’s soft voice calls.
I release Cammie, turning to Ben. “Yeah, bud. But if I got stuff you don’t like, we can change it. Sports don’t do that well inside.”
He looks at me, assessing. He’s got those same eyes as Cammie, only the mistrust hasn’t been replaced yet.
“No, it’s nice. Thank you.” He dismisses me, sitting on the bean bag and opening a comic from the pile I brought up.
I turn back to Cammie. “Cuddles? All the build-up and I’m wiped.”
She gives me an easy smile. “Same.”
I collapse on the sofa, spent, and open my arms for Cammie. She climbs up, snuggling into my side. Her head rests against my chest, legs tangled in mine. With the feel of her in my arms, my body finally relaxes.
“It’s a beautiful family nest, Finn. A perfect comfy spot. Thank you for making us feel so welcome in your home,” Cammie says softly.
“It’s our home now, baby.” I kiss her head. “When the kids’ designations present we can change it to suit their needs.”
