Page 71 of Vegas Baby!

He let out a sigh, offering me a commiserating smile. “I feel that.”

“Oh yeah, I guess everyone is new for you too. Did your dad decline the invite?”

“Never replied to it.” Bryce shrugged. “If he doesn’t want to be part of my life, I can’t force him.”

“I invited my brother, but he won’t be back in town. I skipped inviting my mom.”

“A fair choice, considering the danger she put you in last time you saw her.”

I nodded, but I couldn’t help the pang in my chest at having to do these little milestones without her.

“The others assured me no one is allowed upstairs so if either of us need to escape, we’re just a stair climb away,” Bryce said.

I patted my belly. “Easier for you than me.”

“You just say the word and I’ll carry you straight upstairs.”

“Might take a couple of you to accomplish that.”

I was only on my feet for another couple of seconds before Bryce scooped me up bridal style simply to prove me wrong. “I can handle it.”

“In fairness, this is standing still, not carrying me upstairs, but I’ll believe you. Hopefully your alpha strength won’t be required.”

He carefully set me back down and stole a kiss while he was stooped. “Everyone should be arriving in a few minutes. Would you like an escort downstairs?”

“My gallant prince.” I giggled, hooking my arm through his.

“Fitting, considering you’re obviously a princess.” He fished a rather large velvet box out of the inside pocket of his suit jacket. “I think I picked the perfect gift.”

I took it from him, wondering what on earth took up this much space. I flipped the box open, a gorgeous band of sparkling flowers greeting me. “Is that atiara?”

“I think it technically counts as a circlet, but yes. I know it’s kind of silly, but?—”

“Iloveit!”

“Oh, good.” He let out a relieved breath.

“This had better not be real diamonds.”

“Um…”

“Bryce!”

“You deserve diamonds,” he defended. “Besides, your smile is going to sparkle so much more than those stones.”

“Quit being so sweet. You’re gonna make me cry.”

“Happy tears are allowed.” He plucked the circlet from the container and set it atop my head, pulling a couple delicate curls from each side to loop over the ends so it blended with the style.

“It’s so pretty. Thank you.” I pulled him down for a kiss, soaking up the rich flavor of him until a throat cleared in the doorway and we broke apart, seeing Luke standing there.

“Micah’s family just arrived,” he told us. “You don’t have to rush down, but theyarehere to see you.”

“We’re coming,” I promised. I touched up my lipstick and let the two of them usher me downstairs.

A huge throng of people stood in our entryway. Micah’s mother and her pack of alphas, all of Micah’s siblings, a couple of which came with their own packs. Micah waved to us as we descended and the crowd turned, smiles lighting up all of their faces. I soaked up the hints of family resemblance, the same curl patterns, the same smiles, to pick out who was sibling and who was partner.

“Everyone, this is Ava. Ava, this is everyone.”

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