Alex had always wondered why he had to deserve such a loving wife, children, and the peaceful and prosperous life he presently had, given that he was no saint before he lost his memory years ago. But then he realized that he had to have done something remarkable to get a second shot to deserve everything he was enjoying now.
"So, you think this is an acceptable gift for a 60-year-old man? Really?" Harper questioned with skepticism. In the middle of their large, green lawn garden, she stood and looked at the new seating deck they had put in, as well as the classic benches, large flower beds, and variety of colorful ornamental plants.
He gave a knowing look to his wife and then shrugged. "What’s wrong with it? Lucas said it's fine."
Harper cocked her brow. "It's funny how you still trust your brother after what he gave Luke for his tenth birthday."
"Didn't you see how happy he was? And it had to be either a dirt bike or a race car."
"It's an adult-sized *Kawasaki* motorcycle." Harper scowled and added, "Our son is only 10. Lucas should have just given him a bike that was appropriate for his age."
"All right, you do make a valid point there. But, anyway, Luke was ecstatic when he saw the motorcycle. He can't wait to ride it. So…"
Harper rolled her eyes and shook her head in frustration.
"And your father is into horse racing." He patted the bay horse, who neighed and stomped her hooves.
"So you bought him a horse?" Harper raised her hands and rolled her eyes once again. "Why not? Right?!"
Alex let out a long, drawn-out groan. "Fine. I'm going to call Lucas and ask him to send someone for Daisy."
"Daisy. You've already given the horse a name?"
"Mommy! Pony!"
Alex smirked at Harper, who sighed in frustration and picked up their 2-year-old daughter. Except for her striking blue eyes, which she got from her dad, Amelia Marie Carmichael strongly resembled her late grandmother, Marie Elise Fritz.
"Pony!" Amelia let out a shrill scream as she wriggled around in Harper's arms to get her hands on Daisy. Harper handed her to Alex, who eagerly took the child into his arms and kissed her on the cheek.
"It's a present for Grandpa's birthday, princess."
Amelia reached out and gently stroked the horse's mane. "Pretty!" Giggling, she nuzzled herself up against her daddy's neck.
"Don’t call Lucas." Harper sighed in defeat. "Have you seen Luke?"
"He's with Gwinifer. She's showing him some *magic*."
"*Magic*?!" Harper's mouth dropped open in horror.
"Oh! No! Not the kind you're thinking about. Just the bunny-in-a-hat kind. That kind of magic trick. Not the portal-opening kind."
"My god－ "
"Daddy!"
Alex let out an oomph as Luke sprang out of nowhere and knocked him to the ground. Thanks to his quick thinking and reflex, though, Amelia was safely contained within his arms, and he had successfully avoided landing on her.
"We have a horse now? This is insane!" Luke exclaimed in utter excitement. He couldn't believe his eyes.
"Easy now, buddy. That's not our horse. Daisy is our birthday present to Grandpa."
"Luke, why don't you take Amelia back to the house and go check if everyone has arrived," Harper told Luke. Even though ten years had passed, Alex thought that she was still stunning, especially when she was acting all maternal. The young boy grimaced and retreated into the house with his younger sister.
She and Alex stood there watching Luke take Amelia's hand as they skipped into the house.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked, sitting down on a nearby bench.
"I'm fine," Harper replied, and sat next to him. "For a ten-year-old, Luke is getting stronger by the day."
"His father and grandpa are both lycans of royal blood. He's supposed to be more than just an ordinary pup."
"I know. I was just thinking that since he has a human mother, he'll be -"
"A weaker version of us?"
"No. Human. Like me."
"Well, he hasn't shifted yet."
"He hasn't. But we already know that he will when he turns seventeen. Is it going to hurt?"
"It will be excruciatingly painful for him the first time. But we'll be there for him. Don't worry."
"What about Amelia?
"You heard what Gwinifer said."
Harper's lips curled into a smile. "A lycan husband and two lycan children," she stated matter-of-factly.
"My offer still stands, darling."
She cocked her head to the side. "No. I can't do that to my father. I was born a human, and I intend to remain one, Alex. The lycans in our family are more than enough."
"I understand, darling." After a brief moment, he shifted and rested her head on her shoulder. His hand moved slowly toward one of her breasts beneath her dress."
"Alex!" Harper tried to look serious by crossing her arms, but all it did was accentuate the fullness of her breasts.
Alex let out a low grunt as desire took over him. "How about a quickie before everyone arrives?"
Harper shot him a look. She was about to retort with some biting remark when he pressed his lips to hers, interrupting her mid-sentence. She fought against the kiss at first, but in the end, she gave in and reciprocated. He kissed her greedily, and he could feel her getting into the kiss. With her hands in his hair, she made moans as he stroked the sides of her breasts through the skin-tight dress.
"Aren't you two tired of eating each other's faces?"
Harper suddenly pulled away from the kiss and ran her fingers through her hair. When she raised her head, she saw Lucas staring down at them.
"Are you stalking us?" Alex asked, his voice showing a note of irritation. He was completely turned on, and he didn't care that his brother was now only a few feet away from him and Harper.
"Momma! Grandpa’s here!" Luke yelled as he sprinted by Lucas.
Harper heaved a sigh and sent a thoughtful glance in Alex's direction before reluctantly rising to her feet.
"Your mother too," Lucas told Alex. "Everyone's arrived, actually."
As Harper walked back into the house, Alex gave her figure a wistful look. Since Harper had been so busy organizing her father's 60th birthday celebration, they hadn't made love for weeks.
He followed them down the brick path to the backyard, picking up Amelia on his way to the enormous patio. Several people were already gathered around the immaculately maintained lawn.
After Harper gave birth to Amelia, they came to the decision that it would be best for them to focus on their family, particularly on their two children. Harper gave Paula a job managing all ten Merricup branches, and then they sold their property in Merribridge and moved to a larger house in the countryside with a spacious garden and yard for holding events or family celebrations.
"There she is, my precious Amelia!" Mr. Fritz cooed at Amelia and took her from Alex's arms.
"Happy birthday, Dad." Harper walked up to them and kissed her father on the cheek.
"Thank you, Harper. And thank you for the lovely dinner party you put together. Although I don’t think it’s necessary."
"Well, it is for me. You only turn 60 once." Harper cast a fleeting glance at Alex.
"Come here, Amelia. Grandpa can't carry you longer anymore." Lucas joined their small circle.
Frowning, Mr. Fritz handed Amelia to Lucas. Amelia laughed as Lucas feigned to drop her from his arms.
"Is the birthday boy's present ready?" Lucas asked.
Mr. Fritz's face brightened up. "A present? For me?"
Harper smiled. "Alex and Lucas have something special for you."
"Ah! There she is, our beautiful princess!" Mrs. Carmichael approached them and pinched Amelia’s cheeks. Seeing the toddler's pout, she chortled.
"Oh, I think everyone is already here." Harper looked around and smiled at several of the guests, who were already engrossed in their own conversations while enjoying some drinks. Then she turned to Alex. "You can ask everyone to take their seats, and I'll tell the staff to start serving dinner."
Alex nodded, and soon, their family and friends gathered by the gazebo that was lit up by hundreds of small lights to wish Mr. Fritz a very happy birthday, with Mrs. Carmichael, Lila, and Harper offering little speeches. After everyone had greeted Mr. Fritz with a toast, dinner was served. Halfway through, though, Luke and Amelia managed to steal their grandfather away from the party and led him to the backyard, where Daisy was waiting.
"You guys, it was supposed to be a surprise!" Harper said, looking a little disappointed when she and Alex found Luke, Amelia, and Mr. Fritz with Daisy.
"Don't worry about it, sweetheart. I had no idea what they were trying to show me, and I was completely unaware that there was actually a horse waiting for us over here. I was absolutely surprised."
"Well, Lucas suggested the horse, and I thought it was a brilliant idea," Alex explained.
"Are you happy with your gift, Dad?"
With tears in the corners of his eyes, Mr. Fritz beamed at Harper. "When your mother was young, she had a horse. Of course, sweetheart, I love it."
"Oh, thank god!" Alex exhaled a deep breath of relief.
They stayed in the garden with Daisy for a short while longer before making their way back to the party. Alex and Harper finally had time to socialize with everyone at the party, while Luke and Amelia were with their Grandpa and Grandma.
Lucas approached Alex and handed him a beer. "Thanks."
After Alex had taken a few long swigs, his brother asked, "Do you have any plans to have more?"
"*Kids*?" He coughed, then gave a little shrug before shaking his head. "I don't know. Harper and I have not talked about it. I'd love to have two more, though. But ultimately, the decision is with Harper."
At this point, Amelia let out a loud scream, which caught the attention of everyone nearby. Then came a loud crash.
"Amelia can be quite a handful," Lucas remarked, chuckling at the stunned look that was on Mrs. Carmichael's face.
"I think she likes Harper's father better than my mother. And Luke too. But I can't say that I blame them. When Colette and I were kids, my mother never had any patience with either one of us. We had nannies who would take care of us and put up with our outbursts."
Luke smirked and snorted. "I can't believe you did it, you know."
"What do you mean?"
"You and Harper. You're living the dream. Not only that, but... well, she still looks at you the same way. I *used* to think about what life would be like if she had picked me instead."
Alex was stumped as to what to say in response.
"*Used to*. Okay? And don't get me wrong, though, I'm happy with Gwinifer..." As Lucas spoke, he was staring across at Gwinifer, who was standing by the gazebo talking and laughing with Harper, along with other guests.
"Yeah, I understand what you mean," Alex finally replied.
"As for Francine, don't worry about her. Rumors are going around Lemelherv that she is currently involved with a member of the Royal Palace."
"Really? That's fantastic. Thanks for telling me. I appreciate it." For a brief moment, Alex looked at Lucas. "And I appreciate all that you've done, Lucas. If you hadn't given up on Harper, I don't think we'd truly be happy. She'd never be with me knowing she's hurting you. So, thank you for allowing me and Harper to be happy together. I'll never, ever forget it," he said with complete candor.
Lucas's eyes landed on Harper, and a warm smile grazed his lips. He was grateful as well, for, without the loss and pain, he wouldn't have found the joy and love with Gwinifer.
After the party, it was well past Amelia's bedtime when Harper's father and Alex's mother had finally gone home. Luke was already asleep in his bedroom when Alex and Harper tucked their daughter into bed.
"All right, princess, it's time for bed. You will see Daisy again tomorrow morning before she is taken to Grandpa's."
Alex stood in the doorway, watching Harper put their daughter to bed. She was clad only in a flimsy silk nightdress.
He let out a low moan.
Harper stood up and started walking in his direction. "Are you ready for bed?"
He shot her a smirk. "Nah-ah." Before Harper could react, he picked her up and carried her to their bedroom.
Harper giggled as he threw her onto the bed. He removed his shirt and pants, leaving his boxers on. Then he climbed on top of her and drew her closer, smiling wickedly. She snuggled closer to him, her head on his chest.
Stroking his cheek, she kissed him tenderly. "Thank you very much for tonight. Dad was really happy."
He smiled, tracing circles on her arm. "And are you looking for a way to show your gratitude?"
She rolled her eyes, but a sweet smile crept onto her face as she did so. "You know we can’t be quiet, Alex.* I* can't keep quiet. *I’ll* wake them up."
"We can drive down to the cabin by the lake," Alex suggested, brushing a curl of her hair behind her ear.
"And we'll be back before dawn?" Her lips soon curled into a mischievous grin.
"Exactly. We can－"
"Mommy!" Suddenly, they heard Amelia scream.
Harper sighed before grabbing her robe and hurriedly heading out. Alex mumbled something under his breath before following her. He reached the open door to their daughter's room and saw Harper already carrying Amelia.
"Mommy’s here, baby. Mommy’s here." Harper cooed.
"Dad…"
After turning around, Alex saw Luke standing a few steps behind him. "What’s up, buddy."
"I know I'm already ten, but... can I sleep with you and mom tonight?" Luke asked, his gaze on his bare feet.
Alex knelt in front of his son and stroked his hair. "Of course, buddy. You can sleep with us anytime."
Harper returned to their room, Amelia absentmindedly fiddling with her hair in her arms. After placing Amelia on the bed, she hurriedly put on a shirt and her underwear before sliding into the bed next to her.
"Come on, buddy." Alex patted the space between him and Amelia. Luke quickly climbed beneath the covers and nestled in between.
As their kids started to drift off to sleep, Harper gave Amelia a soothing rub on the head while Alex stroked Luke's hair. She smiled lovingly at Alex before she reached in to give him a quick kiss on the lips.
After some time, she went ahead and closed her eyes, with Luke and Amelia already sound asleep between them.
As Alex remained awake, he couldn't help but wonder what his life would have been like if he hadn't lost his memories. He'd most likely still be fucking around, and if The Treaty was still in place, he'd violate the law by mating with Francine. Certainly, he wouldn't be living the life he was living now if his father and Colette hadn't betrayed him, and if he hadn't lost his memories.
And for that, he actually felt thankful for the way that his life had turned out. And with that, he thought that he ought to maybe begin the long process of forgiving his father and Colette. Maybe he should, but after giving it much thought and remembering that he had already promised to forgive them only after Francine had forgiven them, he made the decision again to wait.
For *Francine*...
He looked down at Harper, Luke, and Amelia sleeping, and for a moment, his heart overflowed with emotions. And in a whisper, he said to them, "*I love you*."
Then, gently, he planted a kiss on each of their heads.