Fated to Be Family(26)

“Katie, don’t you know?” Bran asked gently. Caleb stepped forward and placed a hand on her cheek.

“You’re the chain, baby. You’re the one who holds us all together,” Caleb said.

Kate threw her arms around Caleb’s and Bran’s necks. She sobbed so hard she didn’t think she would ever be able to breathe again.

“IloveyouIloveyouIloveyou!” She wept as she held on as tight as she could. Caleb pulled away to kiss her gently on the lips before turning her to Bran so he could kiss her as well. She smiled up at them, her tears slowing. Behind them, she heard sniffles. Every single one of the old ladies was crying. She heard more sniffles from behind the counter. Ashby, Nicholas and Rebecca had their arms wrapped around each other and were boo-hooing.

“That’s so be-bea-beautiful!” Rebecca finally managed.

Ashby and Nicholas nodded.

The library door swung open and Aleks, in his sheriff’s uniform, strode in. He saw Rebecca crying and raced behind the counter.

“Becca, baby, what’s the matter? I could feel you crying across town.” He looked around and saw nearly everyone except Caleb and Bran in tears, though their eyes were very bright.

“What in the hell is going on!” he demanded.

Rebecca continued to cry. “It was so beautiful! I want you to be like Bran and Caleb, but you’re only one man and I love you and don’t want anyone else, but it was so perfect. I love you!” she wailed.

Aleks’ eyes widened and he simply scooped Rebecca up and sat in her chair. From the looks of things, he was getting used to her outbursts. He no longer got that panicked look on his face. Kate knew that Rebecca’s meltdown was part hormones and part of the feelings she had gotten through their bond. She would have to apologize later. Kate smiled and brought the necklace up and fastened it around her neck. She wiped her eyes and took both of her men’s hands.

“I want to go shopping! I have two sons now and I want to get some home furnishings that all three of us pick out so Caleb feels more at home at the Pack house.” Kate smiled up at them.

“As long as we don’t spend too much money,” Caleb said, kissing her nose.

She rolled her eyes. She looked over to where Rebecca was down to tiny sniffles and wiping her nose on her sleeve.

“Meet you at the diner later for dinner?” she asked the three. Ashby and Nicholas smiled and nodded.

“See you at dinner,” Rebecca said, rubbing her eyes.

“Later, hun,” Kate said, winking. Rebecca smiled.

Walking away she let go of the men’s hands and reached for her phone. Her fingers flew over the keys in a text message to Rian.

Ri ~ I need nighties in the following birthstone colors. They need to be amazing – my men just hit a grand slam with their apologies ~ lurves K

She typed what colors she needed and it wasn’t long before she got the reply.

Pulling out all the stop s- ur getting premium sexy package - don’t worry I have your cc # ~ lurves R

She smiled. She really did have the best friends ever!



* * * *



Later that afternoon, Kate, Caleb, and Bran found themselves back in the diner. Bran and Caleb collapsed into chairs across from one another. Kate was showing Ma her purchases. She’d been waiting until Rebecca got there, but Ma told her that, after the princely display that Bran and Caleb had done at the library, Aleks felt the need to show Rebecca that even though he was one man, he was more than enough for her. Evidently he had carried her out of the library caveman-style to the cheers of Ms. Tully and her book club. Ashby and Nic said they had plans to go over to Alek and Rebecca’s later in the evening to make cake since everyone was craving it after talking about it all day.

“I told you,” Bran said, placing his head down on the table.

Caleb leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. “I didn’t believe you, but you’re right. She was like a demon possessed.” Caleb shuddered.

“I’m so glad I don’t have to do this alone anymore,” Bran said, pretending to sniffle.

“I have your back, brother.” Caleb patted Bran on the head. They comforted each other like old war buddies. Kate rolled her eyes.

“Seriously you two are big babies. Damian and Rian could shop circles around you. We only went to the mall and Babies ‘R’ Us,” she said as she showed Ma the tiny jumpers she had bought for Landon and Lucas.

Bran lifted his head. “We went into every store in the mall, some of them twice. My feet hurt! I will never give you chocolate before shopping again!” Bran exclaimed.

“Do you need a burger? Your blood sugar must be low. You’re getting cranky.” Kate turned her back on him to hold up two small leather jackets. Bran’s mouth dropped and his eyes narrowed. He was about to lean forward to speak when Caleb patted him on the arm and shook his head.