Chapter 150: Dream Come True

I quickly pick up Anna and go to Derek. He’s motionless and I sob over him in agony. I cry for him, for Brian, for everyone I’ve lost. All of this death and pain to reach such a tragic ending. I squeeze my eyes shut and hold my daughter close, rocking her back and forth and trying to find the strength to go on.

Then I hear a cough.

My eyes fly open as Derek groans and looks up at me. My heart soars with relief and I look over him, realizing I never questioned why there was no blood on him. He smiles and opens his shirt, revealing a bullet proof vest.

“How…?” I ask.

“It was in the back seat of my car, thought it might come in handy. One of Logan’s men must have left it,” he replies. I hug him tightly and he moans.

“Take it easy, sweetheart. I’m gonna have a nasty bruise from being shot at such close range,” he says. I laugh and cry and shout for joy. Anna giggles and Derek kisses her on the forehead.

“My girls,” he says sweetly and envelopes us both in his arms.

“Let’s go home,” I say through happy tears.

“Three Years Later”

“Uncle John! Give me a piggyback ride!”

I hear Anna shout from the other room and smile to myself. My little girl has all the men in the family wrapped around her finger. But she’s getting bossier by the day.

“What do you say, Anna?” I say loudly in a stern voice.

“Pwease?” she says cutely and I hear John chuckle. The next thing I hear is her shriek of laughter.

I continue chopping vegetables and check the time. The turkey should go in the oven in about half an hour and everyone should be arriving shortly. I had the hors d'oeuvres catered and they’ve just been delivered, since my growing stomach and the little one inside tire me out quickly these days.

I feel strong arms come around me from behind and my smile grows wider. Derek kisses me on the neck and it makes me shiver with need. My condition has only increased my appetite for my husband. His hands cover my stomach and he rubs it affectionately. I lean my head back on his shoulder and sigh.

“How’s my beautiful wife doing?” he asks.

“Good. A little tired, but very happy that everyone will be together soon,” I reply. He takes the knife from my hand and places it on the counter.

“Sit and rest your feet. Let me finish this,” he says and I obey. I’m grateful for the break. He has come a long way from being only able to make pasta and eggs. I make some tea first and then settle in to watch him work. Murmurs and laughter travel through to the kitchen and I know Anna is putting on a show for John and Annalise.

“Did you hear from Marcus? Did he say he was coming?” I ask Derek.

“I just did actually. Good thing we have so many rooms prepared. He’s bringing his aunt, and of course Olivia and the baby. And apparently his aunt’s new boyfriend too,” he replies with a raised eyebrow. I laugh and smile cheekily.

“Good for her! She’s a passionate, loving woman and I’m so glad she’s found someone,” I say sincerely.

“I’m not sure Marcus shares your sentiments. I think he’s naturally suspicious,” Derek tells me and that makes me chuckle.

“He’s not been as easy going since becoming a father. The old Marcus would have had no problem with it,” I remark.

“Becoming a dad makes you a little more serious. Puts things in perspective,” he says in a matter of fact tone.

“Well you were always serious,” I say and wink at him. He finishes the vegetables and puts them in the pan, sprinkling olive oil and spices over them. Then he turns to get more supplies from the fridge and when he comes back he has the whipped cream in his hand.

“What are you trying to say? You don’t think I’m easy going?” he asks me with a smirk. I eye him carefully and then give him a haughty look.

“I’m just saying, you’re an intense guy. You’re lucky I’m so much fun,” I say and then yelp when he grabs me and sprays whipped cream on my nose.

“Derek!” I giggle and he laughs, licking the cream off my nose. The air gets heavy with sexual tension as he kisses me deeply and I return his passion in kind. He holds me close and strokes my behind. I feel his arousal and it excites me so I press myself closer to him. I moan into his mouth and he releases a growl-

“Eww...gross,” a voice says behind us and we break apart instantly.

“Natasha! Sorry about that,” I say sheepishly.

“It’s ok, Aunt Lily. But maybe you and Uncle Derek should do that in your room,” she replies dryly and I snort with laughter. Derek gives me the evil eye and I try to muffle my snickers.

“Did you need something?” I ask her.

“Mom sent me in here to tell you Cassie and Eric just pulled up,” she says casually and then goes to the fridge for a soda.

She is turning into a beautiful young woman, and it’s all thanks to Annalise and John. When she arrived, the bond between her and Annalise was instantaneous. After Derek and I got back from New York, Annalise took me aside and asked if she could adopt her. She was never able to have children of her own, so this was her second chance at having a daughter.

It was difficult to explain what we were to Natasha at first, but I think she already knew at that point we were good people who loved her, so she took it in stride. Her personality has blossomed since being here and she’s so helpful with Anna. It fills my heart with joy whenever I see the sisterly affection shared between the two of them. Now that we have another little one coming along, I will be more than grateful for the assistance. And for Anna to still feel like she’s getting enough attention when I have to focus on the new baby.

I hear Eric’s low toned voice from the living room and Derek and I follow Natasha into the room. I give him a huge smile and he gives me a bear hug before shaking Derek’s hand. I turn to Cassie and give her a hug as well.

Turns out time does heal all wounds. After Cassie left, I was more than happy to be rid of her. Eric went after her to let her know about the death of her mother. From what I understand, they went through a lot in the beginning of their relationship just like Derek and I. Now they are regular visitors to the house and Cassie and I have formed a close friendship. I smile at her and notice she’s looking a little green around the gills.

“Hey, Cassie, are you ok?” I ask with concern. She nods and then runs to the bathroom. I look at Eric, confused.

“We were going to wait and announce it at dinner, but I guess the jig is up. Cassie and I are expecting,” he says shyly. Everyone whoops with delight.

“Did I hear that right? More babies!” Adele exclaims as she walks through the door, followed by her new beau, Marcus and Olivia holding their handsome newborn son. Hugs go around as we all greet one another. Adele takes the baby and Olivia follows me to help with dinner.

All the ladies end up congregating in the kitchen to chat and coo over the baby and the men entertain the kids and talk shop. Dinner is finally ready and we all sit down to say what we are thankful for. Derek is last and he stands up, raising his glass to all of us.

“First of all, Happy Anniversary sweetheart,” he says to me and everyone oohs and ahhs over his endearment.

“The thing I’m most grateful for is what I cherish every day, every moment, of my life. My girls. Anna, you’re the light of my life and I will always be here for you,” he says and she claps and smiles.

“Wuv you Daddy!” she exclaims and everyone chuckles.

“Love you too, peanut. And Lily, after everything we’ve been through and overcome, I’m so happy to have you as my mate and my partner. I love you more everyday and I can’t wait for our next adventure to begin,” he says and looks down at my stomach. I blush and smile, miming I love you too with my lips. After we all toast each other and Derek sits down, I squeeze his hand and gaze deeply into his eyes.

I realize all of my dreams as a young girl did come true. I’ve gotten to travel and have a large family and many good friends. And I found the deepest connection imaginable with the unwavering love of my Alpha.