Still the one
796 Words
4 years later
Through the years, the Christmas Eve ball at the castle has become a much anticipated affair. I expected this year's celebration to be canceled because Linnie is nearing the time when she should go into seclusion before giving birth, but she insists she is up to the task of hosting the annual event. I am grateful for the opportunity to dance with her in my arms, even if I can’t hold her as close as I’d like.
She is more beautiful than ever, her smile bright, her blue eyes twinkling. “Look merry, Marsden.”
“I am.”
“No, you’re worried. I told you that I’m feeling fine.” She gives a quick grimace. “Except this son of yours is such a kicker. I fear he is going to be a handful, always getting into things. I don’t think he’s going to be very good at sitting still.”
I smile at her, “I don’t think that’ll be a problem. He has all of the castle through which he can roam.”
“He’s going to run through it. I sense it. What do you think of naming him Killian? It’s a strong name, and I like it.” She says softly.
“Then we’ll name him Killian, although I suspect he’ll be addressed by his courtesy title more than anything..”
“My prince is an awfully big title for a little one.” Her smile turns sad. “I wish our parents were here to see him born.”
Cancer took my mother two years after we married. A year later, Linnie’s father finished baking the day’s bread and went to take a nap. He never awoke.
“I’m certain they’ll be looking down from heaven,” I tell her.
“I didn’t think you believed in anything as whimsical as all that.” She giggles.
I smile warmly at her, “I’ll believe if doing so will return your smile.”
“You spoil me, my Alpha prince.”
I try. I love her so much. More each day. My mother had been incorrect. The High packs has come to accept Linnie, no doubt because of her generous heart and kindness. And she is just damned fun. She makes me laugh, brings joy into my life, makes me a better man.
The music stops. Linnie takes in a deep breath. “I must sit for a while.”
I escort her to a chair. I barely step back before two she-wolved rush over to see how their hostess is faring. Yes, she is quite loved by everyone.
I wander through the room, carrying on small conversations here and there, making an introduction when one is needed. But I keep my attention focused on Linnie, wanting to be at her side in a wink if she signals that she needs anything.
I ascend the stairs to the landing and gaze out over the ballroom. My mother would not have been pleased to see that it is more crowded than any ball she ever gave. People love experiencing the joy that circulates through the castle now that a different Alpha princess is at the helm.
I am soon joined by Ashebury and Greyfur, who hand me a tumbler of scotch.
“Up for billiards?” Ashebury asks.
“I don’t want to wander that far from Linnie.”
He shakes his head, “You’re worrying overmuch.”
“Her time is near. We probably shouldn’t have had this ball.” I sigh.
“Penny had the servants redoing the nursery the day before she gave birth,” Ashebury says.
The ball where the Undecided alphas decided had turned out to be exactly that. Ashebury married Miss Penelope six months later. Greyfur took Miss Edith to wife a month after that.
“Took you so long to get her with child that I was beginning to wonder, old chap, if you knew what to do with that appendage dangling between your legs,” Greyfur says haughtily. “I already have my heir and my spare.”
I scoff. “It’s not such an accomplishment when your mate delivers them on the same day. And I’m only a year behind you.”
“You’re two years behind Ashebury.”
He, too, has his heir. “I enjoyed having time alone with Linnie. Things change once a residence is filled with children.”
“I suspect they’ll change more for you than they did for us,” Ashebury says. “I can’t imagine your mate hiring a nanny.”
“She likes to do things for herself," I say.
He grins, “Still a commoner at heart then.”
I shake my head, smiling, “Still the she-wolf I love.”
- Writer
