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He peered over to our daughter, currently bundled up and frowning in my arms. Her feisty expression couldn’t help but remind me of my friend’s daughter, Casey. I couldn’t wait to raise a daughter of my own.

“Your turn,” I said to Mason.

“Hmm…”

I wondered for a moment if he would suggest Beth, after his friend. I would accept any name he chose no matter what, but I knew this could be a personal decision for him.

To my surprise, Mason said, “Hm… She looks like a Piper to me.”

I raised a brow but didn’t press the question. He knew what he was doing. Besides, she reallydidlook like a Piper.

“Mikey and Piper,” I said, looking down at both of them with a smile. “My little pups.”

“So I guess, since she’s the bigger one, she must be the pup who… isn’t biologically yours,” Mason said a little sadly.

“Now hold on. Don’t talk like that,” I growled softly. “You should know by now thatboththese pups belong to me, no matter whose blood they share. You’re my mate - myfatedmate - and these are my kids. End of story.”

Mason sighed, but he was smiling. “You’re right. Maybe you’re not as dumb as you look.”

I laughed. “Thanks.”

We leaned against each other, each with a child in our arms, and just enjoyed each other’s presence. I looked over at Mason; he was exhausted, but his expression was content. He finally had a family to call his own. And so did I. Never did I think I would be a mate and a father this soon in my life, but I was so glad that it was Mason who found me.

Overcome with fondness for my mate, I kissed his cheek.

He turned. He took my face with one hand and kissed me passionately on the lips.

I could only blink stupidly when it was over then break out into a grin. “Hey,” I whispered. “Guess what.”

“What?” he asked.

I rested my forehead against his. “I love you.”

He sighed and glanced soulfully into my eyes. “I love you, too.”

I leaned in to kiss him again, and I knew that whatever happened from here on out, Mason and I, and our growing family, would make it through alright.