Page 19 of True for You

“I looked up baby shower games online last night so I knew what to expect,” I tell them, crossing my arms over my chest. “I can’t bethatfar off, right?”

“We’re having food and opening up presents,” Derek says with a shrug, like it’s completely obvious and I’m the weird one in this situation for suggesting anything else.

“Basic bitches,” I murmur under my breath and I hear a snort come from beside me.

Before anyone can argue with me further, Gabriel and Gunther are arriving, giving everyone hugs while also showing off little Hannah. God, she’s getting so big already. I guess what they say is true, enjoy them while they’re little because they don’t stay little very long.

Warmth encompasses my chest as I look around at this giant family I’ve found myself in the middle of. Everyone is growing as people while also just growing in general. We started out just a couple of us, mainly just me, Ben, and Ryder, and now look at us. We’re finding our mates and having babies. Studio C; come for the porn, stay for the family.

Calvin and Wilson show up soon after that, bringing giant containers of food and lining them up on a folding table. Calvin picks up a roll from the table and throws it at Wilson who catches it against his chest with a chuckle, popping the entire thing into his mouth and attempting to smile at Calvin. I find it hilarious that they’re so cute despite Calvin being allergic to all things romance related. I look away, giving them their moment and staring down at the food. My mouth waters from the scents coming from the containers and my stomach gives a tiny rumble.

Harrison and Derek allow me to go through the food line first. They’re really spoiling me today as I look over the table finding so much garlicky goodness. I pile my plate high with garlic green beans, my mouth watering, completely ignoring the way Parker is snickering with amusement. Poor guy has to kiss these garlicky lips later. Good thing he doesn’t seem to mind.

As I take my plate and sit down at a table, Jeremy and Bryce sit down across from me. Parker’s demeanor seems to brighten at their presence and it takes everything in me to hold back a coo. He’s so adorable and I love the way Jeremy and Bryce have seemingly taken Parker under their wing. A couple of dads without even meaning to be. Though, if I’m honest, they’re basically everyone’s adopted dads, watching over everyone working at Studio C.

“I’m so glad Ben pulled you into our office,” Jeremy says with a wide smile. “I just love seeing the two of you together. You’re so stinking cute.”

Parker’s face takes on the cutest blush and for the second time in just a few seconds I’m holding back a coo. Why must my alpha be the absolute cutest alpha ever? No, I’m not biased, these are simply facts.

“I’m really glad too,” Parker says, looking down at the table with a little smile. “I could have been missing out on one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

My heart does a flip, warmth spreading through me at his words. God, I am such a sucker for this alpha. Completely and utterly gone on him. I place my hand on his thigh under the table, squeezing it gently just to see him smile at me.

I might not have said the words yet but god, I am so utterly in love with this man. It’s crazy what a couple of months can do to someone. I can’t imagine going back to a time when I didn’t know Parker or have him around. Not only does his scent smellperfectbut he is perfect for me, matching my energy and making me into a better person without even trying. I’m so goddamn lucky to know him.

“You remind me of me,” Bryce murmurs, his scowl gone for once as he turns his eyes towards his mate.

“Oh god, don’t say that, Bryce,” I gasp out dramatically, clutching at my chest for good measure. “I don’t think I could handle it if Parker started walking around with a permanent stick up his ass.”

“Hey!” Jeremy yelps, pointing his finger at me in a scolding manner that makes me chuckle. “Don’t talk about my mate like that. He’s the sweetest alpha I’ve met.”

“Yeah,” I murmur with a grin, “toyou.”

“As it should be,” Bryce says with a playful growl. “I just meant that Parker goes all soft when he’s around you. It’s cute or whatever.”

This time I just can’t hold it back, I let out a long, high-pitched, dramatic coo. Bryce’s scowl comes back full force and I giggle to myself, only laughing harder when I get an elbow to my side from Parker.

“I’m sorry! You’re just so sweet when you want to be. I love it.”

Bryce’s eyes narrow in my direction but I don’t miss the way the tops of his ears are turning pink. Absolutely adorable!

Parker clears his throat. “Well, I personally really appreciate it. Thanks, Bryce.”

“Of course,” Bryce murmurs, shoving a large bite into his mouth. I’m guessing that’s his way of getting out of this conversation. Getting to see these little glimpses of softie Bryce makes me happy. It means he’s comfortable around us. I can see why Jeremy looks at him like he shines brighter than the moon.

Jeremy leans over, kissing Bryce’s cheek before looking at us again. “What would you think about coming over one of these weekends for dinner?” Jeremy asks, looking at Parker and I justknowthese two have unofficially adopted Parker as their own. It makes my teeth ache with how fucking sweet it is. He’s talked to me about his past, about his small town family and ex. Parker deserves this. Deserves a couple of people who’ll love him and support him and encourage him. He’s such a wonderful alpha and deserves the world. “Maybe we can make something that’s garlic filled before playing a board game? We just got a new one and it needs at least three players so we haven’t gotten to play it yet.”

“That sounds amazing,” Parker says right away, his face lighting up like an excited pup.

I eat my garlic green beans, feeling overwhelmingly content. I’m surrounded by family and friends I love, celebrating the baby floating about inside my belly and preparing their parents for when they’re here. It’s a good day and I’m honored I get to be a part of it.

I turn to my left, taking in Parker’s profile as he tells Jeremy and Bryce a story from when he was a kid. His dark hair flops over his eyes and he runs his fingers through it, trying to keep it off his face, his dark eyes are animated as he speaks. I’m lucky to be in this little family, and even luckier the universe decided this alpha is mine. He’s so beautiful. Not only conventionally but also on the inside. He consistently makes me a priority and makes his love for me known, despite never even saying the words.

I let out a sigh, leaning my head on Parker’s shoulder as I listen to his deep voice. Without missing a beat he turns his head, kissing my messy hair before getting back into his story. I can’t believe I get this forever. In that moment I make a little promise to myself; I promise to never take this beautiful man for granted and do everything I can to make him feel just as loved as he makes me feel.

We spend the day eating, drinking--well, everyone has a drink or two but me and Parker, and opening presents. At the end of the party, Harrison and Derek walk over to me, holding out an envelope. I look over at Parker in confusion.

“What’s this?”

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