Page 37 of Wolf's Midlife Baby

“Of course,” his grandfather replied. “And you’ll have to come out to Cape Cod to see us.”

“Do you think I can get Dad away from the firehouse long enough to do that?” Jack challenged.

“Not now that he’s going to be the new chief,” Pierce said as they walked up. He handed Jack a fifty-dollar bill. “Thanks for all your help.”

Rick held out his hand. “Where’s my share?”

“You’ll get it after we unload this thing on the other end of the line,” Pierce reminded him. “I think free housing just off the beach is payment enough.”

“Hmm.” Rick drummed his fingers on his jaw as he pretended to think. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“We’d better get going,” Holly said as she checked her watch. “Lori said they should have everything ready by noon.”

Pierce turned to his mate. She’d been working just as hard as he had over the past week to make sure everything was packed up and ready to go. She hadn’t had to do any of the heavy lifting, of course, but being away from home for three weeks on top of being pregnant had to be taking its toll on her. “Are you sure you’re up for it?”

“I’m fine,” she assured him. “There’s no way we’re going to miss our chance to say goodbye to everyone, even if it’s also saying hello to some of them on my part. Honestly, nothing sounds better right now than sitting in a lawn chair and putting my feet up while I have a grilled burger and some potato chips.”

“Yessss,” Jack agreed. He turned and trotted toward the cab of the moving van. “I’m riding with you, Grandpa!”

Pierce and Holly got in his truck and drove out to the Glenwood packhouse one last time. It was a familiar drive, one he could make from any part of town without having to think about it. He felt a little wistful knowing he’d never be making it again, but he knew it would soon be replaced with a new drive as he got to know his new home. Adjustments would have to be made for both of them, but he knew it’d all be worth it.

“There they are! The couple of the hour!” Rex said as they pulled into the driveway of the Glenwood packhouse. He opened Holly’s door and held out his arm. “My lady.”

“Thank you.” Holly flushed as she took his arm and stepped down.

“Pierce.” Lori came to his side of the truck and greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. “We’re all so happy for the two of you, but we’re going to miss you so much.”

“I don’t know if we’re worth all of this,” Pierce said as the Alpha and Luna escorted them around to the back of the house. The deck and yard were swarming with Glenwoods. Two grills were up and running, and numerous coolers held drinks. Three long folding tables had been set up to hold all the food and desserts. Children played in the sprinkler or tossed around a ball. It was a beautiful sight, making him realize how much he meant to the pack.

“Holly!” Dawn rushed up to give her new friend a hug. “It’s not fair, you know. Just as I get to know you, it’s time for you to leave.”

“I’m sure we’ll be back,” Holly assured her. “I don’t think I can keep him away from you guys forever.”

“That’s true. Or maybe we’ll just rent a charter bus and bring the whole pack out to you. We could all use a vacation,” she laughed.

“I don’t think I can fit you into my house, but there’s room at our clanhouse,” Holly agreed.

“You call me if you have any questions about that baby,” Dawn ordered.

Gage, Dawn’s mate, reached out for Pierce’s hand. “Congratulations on everything. It’s all going to change when you have that little one, but only for the better.”

“Tell me how you want your burgers done,” Kane called from the grill.

His cousin Bennett stepped up beside him and looked at what he was doing. “Looks like you’re just burning them all, anyway.”

The police officer gave him the side eye. “It’s called a char, thank you very much. It’s what brings out the flavor.”

“It’s what makes it a hockey puck instead of a delicious, juicy burger,” Bennett retorted. “Give me that spatula. I’ll show you how it’s done.”

Their mates, Stephanie and Melissa, giggled nearby. “Maybe it’s a good thing you’re getting Pierce away from his brother, Holly,” Melissa said. “Otherwise, you’d have to listen to stuff like this all the time.”

Kane playfully stuck out his lower lip. “Hey, now. We’re not that bad.”

Melissa winked at him. “I guess you’re tolerable.”

“None of you are.” Max walked up with Sarah at his side, and more hugs went all around. “Holly, I don’t think I’ve officially said it yet, but thank you for what you did to protect our pack.”

Holly shook her head. She was only a couple of weeks pregnant, but already Pierce could swear he spotted the glow of motherhood on her cheeks. “You really can’t thank me when you guys were the ones who did all the work.”

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