Page 131 of Knot Only His

“Just finished day one, but Gerard’s fantastic.” I watch as Grace nods approvingly. “He actually listens to my ideas about expanding the sports division.”

“Better than your last boss then,” Grace adds with a knowing smile.

The garden gate swings open and Freya bustles in, balancing an enormous cake. “Special delivery!”

“You didn’t have to—” I start, but she cuts me off.

“Oh honey, this was a special order from your four hunks.” She sets it down with a flourish. “Coconut, pineapple, vanilla, and just a hint of rum. Your perfect scent combination.”

“It’s beautiful,” I breathe, admiring the intricate design.

Freya wrinkles her nose. “Personally, I would’ve gone with strawberry, lime, and tequila.”

“Yuck!” I stick out my tongue.

“Well, no wonder I can’t find an alpha.” She dramatically surveys my four mates scattered around the garden. “Or four.”

Mom joins us, settling into the chair beside me. “How was the first day, sweetheart?”

“Fantastic.” I squeeze her hand. “Gerard’s brilliant to work for and kind. You should meet him. He’s single.”

“Thank you, but no thank you,” she says, tilting her head to one side. "Now the investigation is over, I want to relax."

"I'm glad they understood your reasons, but maybe you should have blamed grandma like Bardot suggested."

She smiles and shakes her head. "I couldn't do that to her. Even if she's not around."

I squeeze her hand as movement catches my eye and I watch as Carver embraces his mother at the poolside. There are tears in both their eyes as they hold each other. My heart swells seeing them finally reconnect.

“You did that,” Bardot whispers, following my gaze. “You brought them back together.”

“Mom did it. Not me.” I shake my head. “But what is happening now is all him. He was brave enough to tell her he chose love over blood.”

“Hello darling,” a melodic voice draws my attention. A stunning woman with golden blonde hair and striking green eyes approaches.

“Mom,” Oliver gently taps her arm. “This is Harlow. The girl I’ve always told you about.”

“Harlow, aren’t you beautiful?” Her eyes light up as she looks from me to Oliver. “I’ve heard so much about you.” She clasps my hands in hers. “Oliver refused every omega I suggested. He finally admitted it was because he knew you were his.”

I turn to Oliver, warmth blooming in my chest. “You really did?”

Before he can respond, one of his dads sweeps me into a crushing hug. “Welcome to the family,” they chorus behind him, their joy palpable. “We’ve never seen our boy so happy.”

Asher’s parents are next. His mother cups my face in her hands. “You know, Asher used to heal everyone but himself. Now we see him truly whole.”

I search for Asher in the crowd, smiling when I find him.

Carver and Parker come and stand beside me and my heart swells as I look around at all these people here for us. The garden is filled with laughter and love, everyone I want here sharing this moment.

A familiar squeal cuts through the chatter. “Harlow!”

I spin around just as Holly crashes into me, wrapping me in a tight embrace. Her husband, Aiden Ramsay, the owner of the New York Bears, follows behind, smiling warmly.

“Carver,” he says, extending his hand. “You know, there’s always a spot for you with the New York team. Just say the word.”

I won’t tell Aiden that it’s because his wife urged me to come to LA and then Carver followed me, and that’s the reason he no longer has his star player.

Carver’s arm slides around my waist. “I appreciate that, but I go where Harlow goes.”

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