Page 21 of Alpha Awakening
Before she could answer Ann came closer. “Did you two have fun?”
“Yes! I know I just keep repeating myself when I say it’s absolutely beautiful here.”
Ann laughed and pulled her closer. “I’m glad you’re liking it. Kareem’s mother, Kassandra, came over wanting to meet you both so I made some tea. I thought we could all sit down and relax until Kareem comes home.”
“Ann,” Blake’s voice was filled with regret. “I’m sorry I missed your commitment ceremony and never wished you a proper farewell.”
Ann’s eyes glossed over as she looked up at her brother’s somber face. Wrapping her arms around him, she squeezed him tightly. He reciprocated her hug right away.
“Oh Blake. I was so mad at you when you refused to come with us, but I understand. I’m just glad you’re here now and can meet everyone.”
Pulling away from him, Ann quickly brushed her tears away and turned to her mother-in-law.
Kassandra reminded Niev a lot of Mayra. They were both very motherly in how she treated Ann like a daughter, just as Mayra was with Niev. They sat on the porch for the rest of the afternoon, talking and catching up until Kareem came home.
He was overjoyed to see them all sitting on the porch. “I see you all are getting along well.”
His mother pointed at an open chair. “Son, sit and take a sip.”
“How has your first day on our territory been?”
Niev took another sip of tea before answering. “We took a walk around the lake and met Beta Fallon. And then we just chatted with your mother and Ann.”
“Ah, a formal dinner invitation,” Kareem chuckled.
“Speaking of dinner, I have to get started.” Ann jumped up and Niev was about to follow. “Oh no, Niev, stay where you are. This day has already been straining enough.”
Blake started laughing. “You’re only going to make it worse. It’s like telling a child no. It’s never going to end well.”
They all laughed, and Ann nudged Niev to follow her to the kitchen. “I was just going to make something easy. Maybe some spaghetti?”
“Blake will eat anything and everything you put in front of him.”
“Kareem is the same, but only because he’s too polite to tell me when it tastes bad,” Ann giggled.
“Blake and I often try to cook new things together. It works because then neither of us can be blamed entirely.”
“Maybe I should try that.”
While Ann boiled the noodles and cooked the meat, Niev grated some cheese. “Mayra gave us a few things to give to you, but I totally forgot about them until now.”
“I’m sure she had you pack an extra ten bags.”
“That’s what it felt like.”
It was easy talking to Ann, just like with all of Blake’s family. They decided to have dinner outside considering Barron, Kareem’s father, joined them. Then the kitchen would’ve been too packed. They stayed and talked for hours after sunset and it was only after she couldn’t stop yawning that Blake got up and ended the night.
As she held onto his strong arm, she walked by his side. “I like Kareem’s family.”
“I do too. I’m glad Kassandra sees Ann as her daughter and has welcomed her with open arms.” Opening the door for her, he asked, “Do you mind if I take a shower?”
“Not at all. I might be asleep though before you come out,” she said lightly, but in a sleepy tone.
“You deserve all the sleep you can get. Growing our two girls isn’t an easy task.”
She loved how he adored her and everything about her pregnancy. She’d always hoped for a man who was understanding and protective like Blake was.
He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before disappearing into the bathroom. After changing into one of Blake’s t-shirts, she walked to the kitchen where she rummaged through the pantry hoping to find a snack.