Page 69 of Knotty, Nice, & Holiday Lights
“Ohhh,”I sing with a smile. “So, ‘Unca Two.’”
He gives me an affirmative hum before joining me to look out at our group of family and friends. “This is really nice, isn’t it?”
“It is. It feels good not to have any drama to contend with.”
“Speaking of,” he starts with caution, “how’s everything with Christian?”
I look over at my brother as he chats with an unimpressed Bec, and huff a laugh. “We’re fine. I can’t say the same of his game, though.”
“His…?” Matthew’s gaze follows mine, his eyes widening a fraction. “Shit.”
My brow twitches. “What?”
His head shakes, his expression disbelieving. “I’ll tell you about it tonight.”
Chapter Forty-Eight
“Ican’t tell you how happy I am to be here, Matthew.” My dad gives me his award-winning smile, and I have no choice but to smile back.
I don’t know if I’ve ever been as happy as I am right now, surrounded by family, friends, and my pack.
I’d had a bit of a lapse into panic as people began to arrive, but deep breathing and a big hug from Iz helped me through it.
“You and your pack really complement each other’s strengths.”
I look at Dad, who I’m almost a carbon copy of, with his dark hair and short beard, and his heterochromia, though his eyes are silver and blue.
When I’d told my dad about being scent-matched to Iz, he was seriously over the moon. When I told him about my newbrothers, he got this faraway look in his eyes, one of longing, maybe loneliness. And I hated to see it, but didn’t want to dive into what would probably be a very long discussion during our Christmas festivities, so I deflected to happier topics.
For now.
My parents had me really young. My dad was sixteen, my mom seventeen. They got married right out of high school, and although they never said it aloud, I know they only did it because of me. They had a teen love that would have otherwise been in passing, if I hadn’t come along.
They separated before I graduated high school, and my mom found love with a really nice Beta who treats her great. My dad, though, has been alone all these years. And I worry about him.
“So, don’t tell anyone else, but we may be starting a business next year.”
Dad looks surprised, but smiles. “Congratulations, son. That’s an amazing feat. I hope everything goes smoothly.”
I huff a laugh, purse my lips a second. “You think maybe you’d give us a hand if we need?”
That smile increases in wattage. “You want me to code for you?”
I nod in response.
“Game devs? That’s perfect for you and Iz.” He lets out a happy sigh. “Anything you need, Matthew. You and your pack.”
I get that warm sensation in my chest once he says that. Then catch him stealing glances at something across the room. Or, someone, actually, as I follow his line of sight and land on Iz’s friend, Bec, as Iz’s brother tries to act smooth.
Dad looks back at me. “What can you tell me about that woman over there?”
I’m immediately suspicious. “Why?”
He blinks, innocently. “Can’t your single old man be interested in a woman?”
I balk. “You haven’t shown interest in anyone in almost fifteen years. What’s going on?”
Dad shrugs with a fair amount of exaggeration, then meanders off to where Asher is mixing some drinks. I watch them converse, laugh, and then my dad comes away with a drink in each hand, sidling up to Bec and handing her the one with a pink tint.
