Page 146 of I Replaced His Husband
"Thank you. He’s all we’ve got now."
A wave of unexpected happiness washed over me. These people deserved some hope, some light, after losing their only child. And maybe I hadn’t always been totally fair to them. But this day asked for something more from me. I was stepping into fatherhood now. I had to grow too. If I ever lost my own child, would I handle it with perfect grace?
Before I could think twice, the words just came out. "I’m sorry about how rough things were at the start. I want you to know I’m hoping we can become friends. And that we’ll build a village around Ray."
"That’s what I hope for too, son," John said, reaching out his hand.
I shook it and smiled. We all deserved a new beginning.
???
The early days with a newborn were, of course, chaotic. Before long, my parents came to visit us too. I thought Kay might feel a little overwhelmed by having them around, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. He welcomed my dad’s advice with gratitude. It was thoughtful, well-measured, and perfectly suited to Kay’s personality. My dad always had a great sense of diplomacy.
They stayed with us for a week, guiding us through everything new parents should know. I watched my dad holding little Ray with so much tenderness. Now and then, he’d sniffle and murmur something about how it was a shame he’d stopped at eight kids, he would’ve loved to have more. Hearing that… well, my alpha father pretended not to hear it, and I couldn’t help but grimace a little, totally understanding.
"Seriously, I think eight is more than enough," I said with a laugh.
Dad just sighed and stroked Ray’s head, gazing down at him with warmth.
"Children are a blessing."
"Until they grow up?" I teased with a smirk.
"Always. Only a parent’s heart can truly get it. All the effort, the sleepless nights, thousands of diapers… and still, nothing in my life ever compared. Well, maybe meeting your father." He grinned and winked at me.
"Those two things kinda go together," I joked, taking Ray from his arms and gently patting his back to help him burp.
"Ray is, in a way, my first grandchild, well, the first one I’ve ever held," Dad said quietly.
I went still. I knew he was thinking about River, his oldest son, and the only omega among my brothers, who had run away as a teen with a man twice his age. That man had forbidden him from contacting our family. I was just a little kid back then, but I remembered how deeply it hurt my dad. We later learned from my father’s cousin, Van, a retired cop who still had a few contacts, that River had five kids. But none of us had ever met them. River’s husband hated our family and never allowed him to visit.
Wanting to shift the mood, I asked, "What do you think about Storm’s situation? Kinda wild, huh? Probably the weirdest way to meet your True Mate."
Dad nodded. "I’ve got this strange feeling there are more surprises ahead for our family. Just yesterday, Storm called me. Said something might be happening with Nathaniel."
"I still don’t get it. Does he actually have this crazy sixth sense for matchmaking? He guessed right about Kay being my True."
"Well, he believes in it. Maybe there’s something to it."
"Because he’s a purple alpha?" I said, raising an eyebrow and gently rocking Ray in my arms.
"I don’t know if that’s the reason, but I wouldn’t rule it out. I know you all used to roll your eyes at him, but he really does have a good sense about people. And one more thing! Something’s definitely shifted with that student, the one from Skye’s graduation. Some new developments there. Maybe there’s hope for Skye too? Storm’s convinced they’re a perfect match."
Dad smiled, and I rolled my eyes a little.
I still found it hard to believe that Storm had a knack for something as otherworldly as finding True or High Mates. It felt too magical. And of all people, Storm, so rough around the edges and blunt as hell, didn’t fit the image of someone with a romantic gift like that.
And yet, I had proof. Strange as it was.
Eventually, Ray let out a tiny burp.
"There you go. You’ll feel better now, little guy," I murmured, gently stroking his silky black hair. His head was full of it already. His eyes were that deep navy blue. I took a moment just to look at him.
"In your experience, what color can eyes like these turn into later?" I asked.
"All newborns start out with that dark blue shade. It’s hard to say if he’ll go more gray or stay on the blue side. But that hair? Definitely Kay’s. So dark already. Just look at those eyebrows."
"He’s gonna be a handsome one. Aww, his eyes are closing… I’ll put him down."
