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He laid his hand on my upper leg, and the warmth spread through me, providing comfort. The ride home was long, and as the miles stretched on, I found myself leaning my head on Jasper’s shoulder, driftingoff to sleep.
Upon waking,I realized we were parked at Wayne’s house. Looking out the car window, my heart swelled as I saw all my family members and Carmen standing on the front lawn. Pink balloons and streamers decorated the bushes and trees.
“Oh my goodness,” I said, shocked to see everyone there.
“I gave your father a call,” said Wayne gruffly. “Didn’t think he’d do all of this.”
“Wow,” Jasper said after seeing how excited my entire family was. I was excited to see them, too, and show off the baby, but a lingering sadness dwelled in my heart after getting kidnapped.
My dad, Benjamin, came around to the car, and his eyes were teary as he helped me out.
“I’m so sorry,” he said, hugging me carefully. “Wayne told me what happened, and I’m glad to see you safe.”
“It was scary,” I admitted, my heart heavy. “I’m okay now. They got to me in time.”
He nodded, his eyes on my face, and he helped me by the arm towards my mom and Julie. My mom flew towards me, hugging me as well when she saw me.
“You’re safe, thank god,” she said over and over.
Rufus came around the car, lifting Ella’s car seat from its base. As he stepped out onto the lawn, my family erupted into cheers, their excitement palpable. I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that Baby Ella would be surrounded by love and cared for by so many people.
That evening, I found myself in the living room with Julie, Carmen, and my mom. The alphas were outside, manning a barbecue, and soon, the air was filled with the smell of mouthwatering food. The atmosphere inside was cozy, with a dim light illuminating the space and a silent movie playing on the television.
I was so happy to be home at last. It had been the roughest days of my life. I held newborn Ella in my arms, her soft breathing comforting me. I sat down on the couch with them, wincing from the pain.
“You look like you’re still in pain,” Carmen observed, herbrow furrowed with concern. “Did the doctor give you any pain medicine?”
“Yeah, they did,” I replied, my voice strained. “Would you mind grabbing them for me?"
“Of course,” she said, quickly disappearing down the hallway.
Meanwhile, my mom sat quietly, her eyes distant and unfocused. With a pang in my heart, I wished she wasn’t sick with the illness she had.
“Mom, would you like to hold your granddaughter?” I asked softly. “You’re a grandma now.”
Mom looked at me for a moment before smiling hesitantly and shaking her head. Her gaze drifted back to some unseen point, and I sighed, my sadness growing.
“May I hold her?” Julie asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Of course,” I said, carefully passing Ella into her waiting arms.
“She is just the cutest thing,” crooned Julie as she gazed at the baby. “Let me give my niece a call.”
Even though we’ve only met briefly, I admired Breanna’s strength in letting go of Julie to live with us. Just a couple of years ago, Breanna was frantic when my fathers took on Julie as their second omega since Henry’s orders. I helped her see her aunt Julie again, and after that, she started a life with her pack.
“Hey, Auntie,” said Breanna on the video call.
“Guess what? Ruby just had her baby,” said Julie, proudly showing off the baby on camera. I smiled as they talked amongst themselves.
Carmen returned shortly after with the painkillers and a glass of water. I downed the pills gratefully, waiting for the pain in my body to ebb away, especially from between my legs. “Thanks, Carmen.”
“No problem,” she replied, then launched into telling me about the new business she was starting – a babysitting service. She explained that I had inspired her when I opened my café, andshe wanted something of her own. With two betas hired and gigs already lined up, Carmen glowed with pride.
“Wow, that’s amazing,” I praised, genuinely impressed. “If I ever need a break, I’ll definitely hire you.”
At that moment, Benjamin entered the room carrying a large tray of barbecued meats and placed it on the dining room table.
“Food’s ready!” he announced, and Wayne followed through the balcony doors, holding a plate just for me. Wayne joined me on the couch as he tenderly fed me bites of the succulent meat, which practically melted on my tongue.
