Page 22 of Bearly Frosty

Without a word, he crosses the room in swift strides and drops to his knees before me, his arms encircling my waist, pulling me close in a fierce embrace. His head rests against my stomach, and I thread my fingers through his hair, holding him to me, feeling the unspoken emotions churning within us both.

For a long moment, neither of us speaks. The weight of his earlier confrontation hangs in the air, but the warmth of his embrace dissolves it, replacing uncertainty with a deep-seated sense of belonging.

“Emilia,” he finally murmurs, his voice muffled but resonant with relief and something deeper. “I love you, little goddess.”

Tears prick at my eyes; my freaking hormones are already going haywire but I’m so happy. “I love you, too.”

He looks up at me, and I’m met with an intensity that nearly steals my breath. I’m so glad I took the chance of my life and moved to Glacier Pass. I found my soulmate, but his crazy, wonderful family also stole my heart.

Life is good.

Epilogue

DILLON

Nine Months Later

In the hospital room,the light is soft, the air tinged with the faint scent of antiseptic. I look over at the bed and watch as my mate sleeps soundly, her chest rising and falling with each breath. Our tiny, absolutely perfect son lays swaddled in a blanket nestled against her.

Relief cuts through me, and I’m so goddamn happy the worst is over. The birth was long and hard, each moment an eternity, until finally, he arrived, filling the room with his strong, pissed-off cries. His little wrinkled face already wears the Bearly smirk.

The door opens softly, and I look up to see the familiar faces of Wrenlee, Gianna, Bethany, and my mother peeking in. “Have we waited long enough?” A few weeks ago, I sat my entire family down and let them know I wanted time with my mate and new child before they descend on us.

I grin and wave them inside, careful to keep my voice low. “Come on in and meet the little guy,” I say, pride threading through every word as my inner bear celebrates our accomplishment.

They enter quietly and approach the bed. Wrenlee is first, her eyes wide with awe as she takes in the tiny bundle cradled in Emilia’s arms.

“Oh my goodness,” Wrenlee breathes, leaning over to get a closer look. “He’s so handsome.”

Emilia stirs at the sound of her sister’s voice, blinking sleepily before smiling up at the gathering crowd. “Hi,” she whispers, her voice soft and full of warmth.

Wrenlee decided to move to Glacier Pass after her last semester ended, which relieved my mate greatly. We’re letting her stay in the extra apartment until she decides her next move.

Gianna, with her bright, infectious energy, peers over Wrenlee’s shoulder, her gaze transfixed on our son. “Wow, look at him!” she exclaims, just barely keeping her enthusiasm contained. “He’s got your smirk, Dillon.”

“And Emilia’s nose,” Bethany adds with a gentle smile, reaching out a hand to lightly touch the baby’s small fist. “He’s absolutely perfect.”

I feel a swell of pride so powerful it almost chokes me. Here before us is tangible proof of our bond, a new life we created together.

My mother steps closer and smiles down at me with tears in her eyes. “He’s so adorable.”

Tilly turns to me. “The men decided to go over to Clay’s house and help him out with his little girl, and I imagine they’re having quite the adventure. They wanted me to tell you they can’t wait to meet Gavin, but they’ll wait until Emilia and the baby get home.”

I chuckle at the thought of my dad, Gabe, and Grant juggling Clay’s very spoiled baby girl while likely arguing over who has to change the next diaper. “I’m sure they’re managing just fine. At least until she screams the house down.”

“My child definitely has a good set of lungs,” Bethany laughs.

Emilia shifts and offers the baby to me, and I take him carefully, cradling his sturdy little body against my chest.

“Hey, little chunk,” I say softly, holding him close. He looks back at me while attempting to shove his entire fist into his mouth.

Wrenlee sits on the edge of the bed, grinning as she watches us. “I can’t wait until I get to babysit my nephew.”

“I get the first shot at him,” my mother cuts in.

And that starts the argument over who gets to babysit him first. “Don’t fight, ladies,” I tease. “You’ll all get equal chances to watch him.”

A while later, Bethany, Gianna, and my mother decide to go with me to pick up lunch, letting the two sisters have time together.

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