Page 116 of Brandt's Rule
“You’re welcome.” Maverik looked at Tempest. “I’m so glad you’re back, baby girl. I truly believe this is where you belong.”
“I do, too, Maverik. Absolutely where I belong.”
“Naw, now, I’m Uncle Maverik now. You mated this male, and he’s my nephew. So, it just reinforces the bond we already had.”
“It does,” Tempest said, stepping into Maverik’s arms.
“Hey! Sorry, I’m late,” Valerie said. “I was on the phone with Havoc. And I have a surprise! He’s on the way, and he’s bringing Harley with him! He’s in town and will be here in just a few minutes.”
Everyone cheered and started asking questions.
“I’ve got gifts under the tree for him and Harley,” Delilah said.
“He’s got more than that. We all brought them so you could ship them to him like you do every year, Valerie,” Bane said.
“We did, too,” Bam said.
“I kind of went overboard for Harley,” Everly said.
“You kind of went overboard for every kid,” Bam said, kissing his wife.
“Yeah, I did,” Everly admitted.
“Can’t wait to see my boy,” Maverik said. “And I’m gonna spoil that baby!”
“He hasn’t been home in years! I’m so excited,” Valerie said, tearing up.
“I can’t wait to meet him,” Tempest said.
“Yes, indeed! The big bad Wolf is coming home,” Barron said.
They teased and laughed, excited to have Havoc among them again.
Except for Emmalyn. Her lack of celebration was evident.
“You’re not going to give Havoc shit after all these years, are you?” Brandt asked. “It’s Christmas, Emmalyn. Don’t ruin this. He deserves to be here with his family, too.”
“I know. That’s not the problem.”
“Then what is the problem?” Brandt asked.
Emmalyn turned and looked at her parents. “Uh, Mom, Dad, I know this is kind of a surprise, but uh, that was the point.”
“What are you talking about, Emmalyn,” Everly asked.
“Well, I’m not quite sure how to say this, so I’m just going to say it,” Emmalyn said.
“Spit it out,” Bam encouraged.
Emmalyn pasted a fake smile on her face and blinked rapidly. “Here goes… Analise will be here in about thirty minutes. She’s coming home to surprise you for Christmas.”
Everybody got quiet.
“Analise is coming here? I’ll have both my girls home? Oh, my gosh! I’m so excited!” Everly exclaimed. She turned to hug Bam and found him crying, trying to swipe at his tears before anybody noticed. “Oh, it’s okay,” she said, trying to soothe her big Bear of a mate.
“I know. I’m just so happy,” he said.
“This is going to be a great Christmas,” Brandt said, his joy evident in his expression. “I’ve got my mate beside me, who I love endlessly.” He looked into her eyes. “You are my world.”