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“I’m sorry we have to leave early.”

I walked them to the door.

Missy shifted Owen higher against her. “Thank you.” She glanced toward the crowded room. “I didn’t know how much I needed to be around people.”

“You can come again.”

“Even with the baby?”

“Especially with the baby. Grandma has already claimed him.”

Missy hugged me carefully around Owen. “I’m proud of you.”

The words tightened my throat. “For what?”

Missy pulled back and stared at me with tears in her eyes. “For finding people who love you just as you are and without expecting anything from you.”

She knew everything about my parents and had for years. Hearing those words from her meant everything.

I hugged her back. “I’m trying.”

“I know.”

Daniel opened the door. “We should leave before she offers to let us move in.”

Hudson called from the couch, “There’s no guesthouse.”

Daniel looked toward him. “Maybe you should build one.”

Missy laughed. “We’ll see you soon.”

“Soon,” I agreed.

They crossed the porch and walked to their car. I stayed outside until the taillights disappeared down the road.

I went back inside. Every shifter in the room released a collective breath. Several people slumped.

Trevor fell backward onto the rug. “I think I pulled something.”

“You sat through dinner without mentioning being a shifter,” Patty said, rolling her eyes. “It wasn’t that big of a deal.”

“I maintained a human identity under pressure.”

Jason raised one hand. “I did not mention enhanced senses,” he said, high-fiving Byron.

Hilary turned to Julie. “You covered the council mistake.”

Julie lifted both hands. “He said city council, and I redirected.”

Mr. Fletcher shook Hudson’s hand. “Your family performs well.”

“We’ve practiced.”

Marissa high-fived Aaron. “I almost said clan.”

“You said extended household,” Aaron replied.

“That was good.”