Page 72 of Home: Posy 5

"I'm going to prank Ash with it on the way home, so don't tell him you got it from me, okay?"

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

I never should have made that fake poop.

But it so funny!Lark shrieked with laughter.They keep revenge-pranking each other andnever once suspect you start it all!

"All right, everyone," Liam called out before I could respond, "let's get this game started!"

#

Despite Eden's amazing throwing arm, my boys won.

It was hardly fair with a team of six alphas and a beta against a team of one alpha, a gamma, an omega, and four unranked shifters. None of my mates wanted to hear that, though.

By the time the game was over, lunch was served, and we piled up our plates with barbecue, potato salad, coleslaw, and a dozen other summer picnic foods. I managed to seat Grandpa next to Grandma, then I sat across from them and got them talking about Grandma's butterfly garden. In moments, they were gabbing like old pals and gently arguing over the best way to deal with aphids - whatevertheywere - on rose bushes.

"Ladybugs, William! They're a cheap and effective solution, and great pollinators to boot. Why use a toxic pesticide that might not even work when Mother Nature provides all you need?"

"Fair point, Alberta." Grandpa inclined his head gravely. "But how do I attract them to my garden?"

"Evan helped me order some on the internet. That was two years ago and they've been flourishing since. I have the company's web address somewhere at home."

"You should exchange phone numbers," I blurted out, then froze when I realized I had hardly been subtle. Scrambling a bit, I added, "Then you can give him a call once you get home and find the information."

"A good idea, Posy." Grandma beamed at me and reached for her purse. Handing Grandpa her phone, she said, "Can you make yourself a contact, please? I don't know how to do it."

Nodding, Grandpa put down his fork and carefully took her phone from her wrinkly, little hand.

Holding back my giggles, I looked down the table to see Camille watching their interaction with keen eyes, and I gave her a thumbs up. She put her hand over her mouth, but I saw the laughter in her eyes before Ethan leaned down and said something to her, drawing all her attention.

"What are you up to, little flower?" Mason whispered in my ear, drawing allmyattention.

The smile I gave him was so big, it hurt my cheeks, and he snorted as he shook his head.

"Well, just smile like that if you get caught, baby. No one can resist your sunshine smile."

I liked that he saidifI got caught, notwhen, so I rewarded him by standing up and throwing my arms around his neck.

"I love you, Mason!"

Then I gave him a big kiss right on the lips, complete with a loud, "Mwah!"

"I love you, too, little flower," he murmured with a half-smile, and I giggled at the pink stealing across his cheeks and tinting the tips of his ears.

"Me, too, cupcake!" my waffle demanded. "I want kisses!"

I laughed as Mason passed me down to him. Grabbing him by his ears, I pulled Ash's face down and gave him a loud smacker, too.

"I have an unlimited supply of them, you know!" I teased him. "It's not like I'm going to run out!"

"Good thing!" He tickled my ribs, making me giggle again.

As I was passed from mate to mate for kisses, hugs, and tickles, I couldn't help but think of how blessed my life was now. Aiden was right when he pointed out that I was unable to be bribed. There was absolutely nothing on this earth I wanted other than what I already had.

#

We spent the rest of the reunion hearing stories about my parents, getting to know my family, and meeting my distant cousins.

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