The next week passed by. Before I knew it, we were heading to the Shroud for the expansion. I smiled as I brought Emma into the Shroud while Chase brought Emmett for the first time. I said, “This is where mommy grew up, Emma. You’ll spend so much time here.”

I saw the women who were my grandmother’s. I could see it on their faces that they wanted to come meet my kids. I glared at them, and they looked away. Uncle Jordan flashed up to me. He asked, “Can I see my niece?” I smiled teasing, “Here I am.” My Uncle Jordan kissed my forehead, “I meant Emma.” I handed him to her.

Heath came over and took Emmett from Chase. He kissed my forehead saying, “The family we don’t like is being obnoxious. Aunt Lizzy is holding them at arm's length. Izzy, is not taking that well.” I shrugged, “I don’t care.”

Aunt Lizzy came over with Noel. That relationship seemed to be going really well and it brought a smile to my face. I took Heath aside after Aunt Lizzy took Emmett. I whispered, “Did she have other kids?” Heath answered, “Not that lived. Then her periods were irregular and eventually went away. They weren’t feeding her enough. She’s back to normal now but….” Yeah, but.

I asked, “How’s Edgar?” Heath told mee, “He should be back today. He took a trip saying he needed to get away. He’s talked to Noel every day.” I smiled, “Aunt Lizzy and Noel seem to be doing well together.” He nodded, “They are doing great. She’s sad she missed out on time with him, but they aren’t wasting time now.”

Heath glared at someone over my shoulder. I turned and saw Donald and Dietrick standing there. I sighed, “I guess it was too much hope they’d give us space.” Heath snorted. Donald spoke, “First, I’d like to thank you for coming to save us.” I interjected, “I didn’t do it for you but continue.”

Dietrick winced. Donald sighed, “Yes, I know who you did it for. I still wanted you thank you both.” I raised an eyebrow and turned to Heath. I asked, “They haven’t spoken to you?” Heath smiled telling me, “I’ve been very busy. They’ve spoken to my Lieutenant several times.”

Donald announced, “I would like to move past this.” I chuckled humorlessly, “I don’t give a damn what you want.” Donald sighed, “We all want to know you and your kids.” I spat back, “Too little, too late Donald.”

Dietrick jumped in, “It’s killing your grandmothers.” I asked, “Who kept the papers from Jordan about having custody of us?” Both men looked startled. I just didn’t know if that was because they didn’t know or if they were surprised.

Donald asked, “James, gave Jordan custody of you two? I... I didn’t know that. Even after everything that happened?” I nodded. Dietrick said, “I didn’t know that either.” Uncle Jordan came over, “We had a Hanson fanatic in our group.” Donald questioned, “Who?” Uncle Jordan scoffed, “I’m so glad you asked, dad. It was Vince.”

Donald stepped back denying it, “No.” Uncle Jordan said, “Yes, the man who had your ear for years about James then after his death about Lexi and Heath. He convinced you leaving them where they were was right. He kept you from your grandchildren and kept me from my niece and nephew.”

Donald sighed, “I know I messed up.” I tossed out, “Understatement.” He said, “Now listen here.” Before I could say a word, I was stunned when I heard Allie say in a biting tone, “No YOU listen here. This is a HAPPY day. Our people are back together. You LEAVE my string and my future sister in law ALONE! YOU messed up this relationship. You have NO RIGHT to expect them to just shove that under the rug.”

She flashed in front of them shoving her index finger in their faces. She warned, “Don’t mess this up for Heath today. You’ve done ENOUGH damage to moments he should’ve had with family. You’ve caused enough hurt. IT IS ENOUGH! I’m SICK of you people walking around here as if you’re wounded when you have no right to be.” Agreed.

She was red faced mad now. She ground out, “YOU made the choices that led to this. Be a man and accept that. You used to be the damn leader here. Act like it and show some respect. Get out of their faces. I swear to you here and now if you do NOT leave my string or his Lieutenant alone…. I will….”

She trailed off and paused for several moments then continued, “I don’t know what I will do, but I know you WON’T like it!” My jaw dropped and my eyebrows rose. Donald and Dietrick stared at Allie in surprise. I tried to catch Heath's eyes, but his were locked on Allie.

Chase came over and spoke in a harsh tone, “If that wasn’t good enough for you, I’ll detail what I do to you if you so much as THINK about harassing my mate. Leave my brother-in-law alone. You should know how. Just act like you did for the past twenty-five years. Or on top of what Allie here and I do, I’ll call Haley. I think we all know how that ends.” Did we ever.

Both men hung their heads and left. I cheered, “DAMN ALLIE! You have some bite to you that I didn’t know about.” Heath grabbed her saying, “That was so hot, kitten.” Uncle Jordan said, “Please run off before we all have to see what follows that.” Heath picked Allie up bridal style and flashed to their house. He kicked the door open then shut. I laughed.

Chase asked me, “Are you ok?” I said, “I’m fine. They haven’t been calling me as far as I know.” Chase looked past me to Kyler who smirked. I asked, “Or they have been?” Kyler replied, “They’ve stopped.” I laughed, “What did you do?”

Kyler said, “I spoke to them. I told them what would happen if they tried to leave another message with TeleTed. Then Mark told them what would happen if they continued to harass TeleTed. Then he gave the phone to a VERY hormonal Joanie. It was hilarious.” I snorted.

Kyler said, “You have a report about it, Alpha. Beta Matt just has so many to get through.” Chase nodded, “Report that to me personally next time.” Kyler nodded. I heard Kevin laughing from across the way. Charlotte was holding Emma now. Kevin was over with her, but clearly he’d heard what we were saying. He was looking at Kyler as he laughed.

Tilly walked over with Jasper. She sighed, “Allie has been so upset they won’t leave Heath alone. He’s been frustrated and….” Jasper interrupted, “Hormones. All the hormones going on around here.” I whirled around.

Uncle Jordan said, “Yes, pregnancy does mean extra hormones, son.” I asked, “Tilly?” She smiled. Uncle Jordan whirled, “Tilly? What Tilly? What is happening?” I squealed and hugged her. I asked her, “Does Allie know?” She shook her head, “Not yet.”

Uncle Jordan asked, “Know what? What are we talking about? Someone tell me what’s going on here!” Jasper said, “It's a good thing you’re such a good role model because I’m going to have someone calling me dad soon.”

Aunt Scarlett squealed and flashed over to us. She’d been hanging back ready to intervene. She yelled, “JASPER SCOTT IF YOU ARE MESSING WITH ME RIGHT NOW I SWEAR...” Jasper huffed interrupting, “Yell louder mom. I’m serious. Tilly is pregnant.”

Aunt Scarlett jumped on Uncle Jordan and he spun her around. Uncle Jordan commented, “I thought for sure James would make us grandparents first.” James snorted from behind us yelling, “I wrap it up, dad.” I snorted as Uncle Jordan rolled his eyes.

Charlotte came over and handed me Emma. She hugged Tilly and Jasper. Aunt Scarlett asked, “Do you two have news too?” Charlotte’s cheeks burned as she admitted, “We aren’t ready yet.” Uncle Jordan’s voice gentled, “That’s fine sweetie. You just take your time.” Charlotte smiled.

Noel whispered, “Because if she was pregnant, he’d have to admit to himself his little girl has sex.” I sputtered out a laugh and so did Chase. Uncle Jordan turned and stared at us asking, “What?” I mockingly replied, “Who? Us? Nothing?” Uncle Jordan said, “Uh huh.” It was clear he didn’t believe me.

After thirty minutes Heath and Allie showed back up. I turned and spotted her hand. I yelled, “OH MY GOD!” I turned to Heath continuing, “YOU PROPOSED AND DIDN’T TELL ME!” Everyone looked at Allie. Heath explained, “I proposed this morning. I was going to tell you, but then my kitten grew claws. It was hot and I got distracted.” Allie flushed.

I smiled telling her, “It looks great on your hand.” Allie laughed, “I figured you’d seen it.” Everyone was congratulating them. Heath said, “Let’s get this started.” Heath, Jasper, and Uncle Jordan walked to the stage in the center of the Shroud. Everyone gathered in. It finally felt right here now. Even with the unmentionable family members we stood on the other side of the crowd.

Heath addressed everyone, “A few announcements. My string, my Allie, has agreed to be my wife.” Everyone cheered. Allie flushed then Heath kissed her. The crowd went wild. He turned back, “The wedding will be celebrated after our children are born. We will let you all know the date.”