My heart pounds for a long moment before dad’s face shifts into a wide, happy smile.
“Welcome to the family, son,” dad says, holding out a hand again towards Jacks.
Jackson stares down at it for a second and I hear mom sniff next to me, working hard to hold back her tears, because she very well knows what this kind of welcome means to him. To a boy who has never had a family before.
“An honor, sir,” Jackson says after a moment of pause, his voice thick, lifting his blue eyes to Dad’s green ones and smiling as he takes his hand, giving it a hearty shake. “The honor of my life, to be mated to your daughter.”
“We’re honored to have you, kid,” Dad says, laughing and smiling, and then slipping an arm around Jackson’s shoulders, turning him towards the door. “Downstairs, then! Everyone’s waiting.”
The two of them set off and I look at mom, a bit baffled. “It’s that easy?” I whisper. “I kind of…thought dad would flip at me being mated to anyone –“
“Oh, baby, we kind of saw it coming,” mom says with a laugh, giving me a squeeze. “Dad’s had months to adjust. And considering that Jackson has saved you twice now, rather spectacularly? And that he’s smart and cute and a good boy? And he’s an orphan, which means we don’t have to share you for holidays!? Come on. Your dad is well aware that he can’t ask for more than that.”
I laugh a little, leaning against my mom, incredibly happy and relieved that Jackson is being so warmly welcomed. I mean, not that I ever thought he wouldn’t be, it’s just…Alpha dads can be notoriously volatile when letting their daughter’s care and safety pass to another man.
But mom is right – with Jackson as that other man? God, who could complain.
“Hope you’re ready for a party,” Mom hums, light and sing-song, giving me another squeeze, in no hurry to take her hands off me. “Everyone is here!”
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