“Show them,” I urged.
He shook his head.
“Why not?” I really wanted them to see him in all of his glory.
“Dude!” Thomas interjected. “Just spill.”
A smirk crossed Kade’s face. “Alright, you asked for it.”
I stepped away, while he took his shirt off.
“Yeah, there he goes, showing off his six pack,” Dom teased.
He smiled then spread his arms out, and glorious white wings extended out to his sides.
“Holy shit,” Dom cursed. “You freaking got your wings?”
“How?” Thomas asked.
“Does it matter?” I said. “He totally deserves them. He earned his wings.”
“Yeah, I guess after all the crap he was put through… he does deserve them,” Dom agreed.
“Kade, they are beautiful,” Alaine said. Her hands were clasped over her mouth.
“You got wings, so that means you’re immortal, right?” Thomas asked.
“Yep,” Kade said proudly, tucking his wings back behind him.
“Congratulations, Kade,” Samuel said. “They’re stunning.”
“Thank you, Samuel,” he nodded.
“No wonder Emma had the biggest, goofiest smile on her face,” Dom laughed.
“Hey!” I huffed.
“We all thought we were going to walk in and see the walking dead. We didn’t expect you to be so… chipper. But I don’t blame you. I’m just sayin’, now I understand why,” he explained.
“Yeah,” I said looking at Kade. “I thought I was looking at a ghost. It took me a while to believe he was real.”
“Sooo, was there any bond sealing?” Dom asked, eyebrows raised.
“Dom!” I snapped.
“It’s a reasonable question.”
“No, we didn’t,” Kade replied. “But I’d like to speak to Samuel and Alaine for a moment before they leave, if that’s alright,” Kade asked.
“Sure,” Samuel answered, and Alaine agreed.
“Man, it’s so unbelievably freaking amazing to see you,” Dom said, throwing his arms around Kade. “You don’t know how happy your handsome face makes me. I almost cried, dude. Like seriously. I was on the verge. Thomas had to put the freaking sleeper on me ‘cause I was so freaking distraught.”
“I love you too, man,” Kade laughed, hugging him back.
Dom stepped to me next, and hugged me. “We can’t ever have a thing now.”
“We were never going to happen,” I laughed.
“I know. But now that Kade’s back, we never will. I’m sorry, Emma. Do you need a moment to mourn?”
“Man, get the hell out of here,” Kade laughed, pushing him away.
“I can’t compete with wings, man,” Dom grinned. “Those things are sexy as hell.”
“Dom,” Alaine sighed. “Why don’t you and Thomas go whip up some breakfast.”
“Sure. I’ll be the manservant until Miss Lily returns. I’m fine with that,” Dom said as he made his way out. Before he completely disappeared he stuck his head back in. “By the way… breakfast will be ready in an hour.” He spoke with an English accent.
“He is something else,” Alaine said.
“He helps make life bearable,” I noted.
“He makes life complicated,” Thomas added. “Which is why I should get down there before he makes a mess.”
Thomas hugged Kade. “Good to have you back.”
“Thanks, Thomas,” Kade said.
He hugged me next and then walked out.
I walked over and shut the door while Kade stood in front of Samuel and Alaine.
“Last night, when I came back, I realized how much I needed Emma. I know the bond is a huge part of it, but, I just… I don’t know how else to explain it. It’s—”
Samuel chuckled. “Son, you don’t have to explain a thing. I know how the bond works, and I know exactly what you’re feeling.” He turned to Alaine and they shared that special look. She stepped to him and he put his arm over her. “We know firsthand what you two are experiencing.”
Kade exhaled and his face washed with relief. “Thank you. But what I really wanted to ask is…” he looked at me and I could tell he was nervous. I smiled and nodded at him.
He exhaled then turned back to them. “Samuel, Alaine… could I have permission to marry your daughter?”
Samuel paused, then with a wide smile, stepped forward to Kade. “Of course you both have my blessing. As a father, I can honestly say she will be in the best hands. You’ve proven yourself to all of us, and showed you will love and protect her. She is truly blessed. You both are.”