Hers to Take(53)

"You want to go visit?"

"Of course, babe. More than anything I want to meet your family and see where you're from."

She nodded enthusiastically, happiness and excitement all over her face. "We can leave as soon as you're feeling up to it. I put in for holiday time, but … "

"But you'd like to stay at Grizzly Ridge?" Nash already knew Kira wouldn't want to return to Yellowstone once she got home. The pull of family was strong. Especially if they accepted him as her mate.

"I don't know for sure, but … "

"It's okay, babe. We'll figure it out. Together."

She dropped a kiss on his nose before she sat up again. "I want to hold my new little niece in my arms and rock her and sing to her and never let her go. I've always wanted to be a-" She cut herself off. They hadn't talked about what their future would look like. Nash hadn't even really thought about it, considering they were different species, but …  "I guess we still have a lot to talk about, don't we."




 

 

Something clicked in Nash's head and all the pieces fit together.

A slow grin spread across his face as he realized what the shift in her scent meant.

"Nash?" Worry filled her voice. "You do want cubs … or … well, kids one day. Don't you?"

Nash took Kira's hands in his own and pulled her down one more time so he could be sure. "Babe," he whispered in her ear. "I think we should leave for Grizzly Ridge right away so we can meet our baby's cousin."

"What?" She jerked up. "Our baby?"

He nodded and her hands went immediately to her stomach.

"But how … you … how did you … I didn't even know."

"Canine senses," he said, as if it explained everything. "It doesn't matter, babe." Tears pooled in her eyes, but he knew this time they were happy tears. "All that matters is that I love you, Kira." Nash slid his hand over hers and rested it over her stomach. "And we're going to be a family."





Chapter Fifteen





Four weeks later …



Kira didn't think she would ever tire of holding little Lily in her arms. Her new little niece was the most precious thing she'd ever seen and she'd fallen in love at first sight. In fact, Kira had fallen in love at first sight with everything and everyone in Grizzly Ridge.

Her brothers had greeted her home with open arms. Not that Grizzly Ridge was the home she remembered, but from the moment she'd set foot on the mountain, Kira knew she was truly home. Luke's mate Chloe and Axel's mate Harper had accepted her like a sister and even Nash had experienced a warmer welcome than anyone had expected.

There was some initial suspicion, especially from Luke. But Kade explained to everyone what Nash had done for Kira, earning him a great deal of respect from the men, but it was seeing Kira and Nash together that won everyone over.

The love they had for each other just grew with every day.

Just like the baby in her belly.

She still hadn't told anyone they were expecting. Mostly because she and Nash had decided that with the excitement of returning to Montana and getting settled into the Ridge, it was best if they kept it to themselves. Also, there were so many unknowns. Would the baby be a cub? Or a pup? They'd decided to keep their little secret under wraps, at least until they figured out a few of the details. Or until she couldn't hide it anymore. Kira's stomach was expanding much quicker than she would have expected. If she did the calculations, she was barely three months along. She shouldn't be starting to show already. But then again, there was a lot she didn't know about pregnancy. Let alone a shifter pregnancy. 

Not that it mattered yet, anyway. Kira had her hands full with little Lily. She'd fallen easily into the role of auntie, and Harper was more than happy to have the help. Especially considering the business of the ranch had only increased due to the summer season, and besides taking care of most of the day-to-day operations, Axel had surprised Kira and Nash with the construction of their very own cabin. Nash had been right: now that they were on Grizzly Ridge, Kira was not in a hurry to leave.

"I'm so sorry." Harper appeared in the great living room from the kitchen. "Are you okay with her for another minute? I just want your opinion on something."

"Of course." Kira rocked the sleeping bundle. "I'm in no hurry. What do you need opinions on?"

"Hold on." Harper turned and called toward the kitchen, "Ella. Come in here."

The swinging door opened and Ella came in carrying a tray full of cupcakes, with Chloe right behind her. "It's wedding cake tasting time."

"Wedding cakes? Yum."