“They had very little, and I think another child was just too much. My grandparents were both Betas. So they didn’t have a large household income.”
Emmett nods his head and looks down at the photo. “It makes sense then, why neither of them knew.” Emily nods her head in agreement.
“But I’m so pleased we found each other, even in this weird way.” Emily is so positive and has this wholesome, beautiful energy that just flows around her. Her Alphas look at her with complete devotion.
This is what I want. Me and the four people I care about sitting at a table, civil and happy.
I’m having a moment in my feels and think it’s time to excuse myself. I kiss Emmett’s cheek. “I’m just going to run to the ladies.”
“Oh! I’ll go with you,” Emily says. I want to groan internally. I just need a minute to collect myself, not feel jealous and overwhelmed. I nod my head at her.
“Do you want me to walk you?” Kenji asks her. She strokes his inky black hair but shakes her head no.
We walk through the restaurant in silence and I’m grateful. As soon as the bathroom door shuts, my eyes water. A small hand clamps on my biceps.
“Kelsey, are you okay?” Emily asks.
“I’m sorry. I’m not sure why I’m feeling so emotional lately. I guess seeing how well your Alphas get along and the fact that you have four, kind of sent me down a spiral.”
Her soft touch strokes my back, and she just listens as I continue blabbing. “Why can’t it just be easy, ya know? Why can’t everyone get along? I feel like my heart is being pulled a million places.”
“It’s hard, I know,” she says.
I grab a tissue and blow my nose. “You know?”
“Yeah, Griffin and Kenji argue almost every day. Dion can be so sweet and kind that he puts everyone’s feelings above his own and doesn’t tell me when he feels like he’s being left out. Freddie wants to please Kenji and me so badly that sometimes he doesn’t express what he needs. It’s a lot of work.”
I stare at her wide eyed. “You mean what you have out there isn’t perfect and easy?”
“Far from easy,” she says, still stroking my back. “We all love each other in our own ways, but things are not always easy. Everyone is not always happy and loving. Being in love with so many people can have its challenges.”
I can’t stop myself when I wrap her in my arms. She’s so small. “Thank you,” I tell her.
“Even as hard as it can be sometimes, I can tell you it’s worth it. If you love them, then you can figure out ways to make it work.” I nod my head and smile at this Omega who is far more wise than I would have ever imagined.
“Well, it sounds like being absolutely fucking amazing runs in your family.”
She laughs as we link arms and go back out to the table. Emmett gives me a confused glance, but doesn’t bring anything up at dinner. He doesn’t stop touching me all night. Comforting me and letting me know he’s there for me. I soak up his touch. I appreciate that he can read me well enough to know I needed it. I felt bad for taking Emily and semi-crying in the bathroom, but I feel better after doing it. Knowing that what appears perfect is hard work, that it’s worth it, that I’m not alone.
We all get to know each other during dinner and it’s amazing. Emmett and Emily both are smiling broadly as they talk about their childhoods and passions. Meanwhile, Emily’s Alphas and I can’t stop smiling because the people we care about are so happy in this moment.
We spend so much time talking we don’t even realize how late it’s getting. I’ve even seen Griffin and Kenji smile and laugh at dinner.
“Sorry folks, but we’re closing up in twenty minutes,” the waiter says to us. We all nod our heads and sigh.
“We will have to plan something soon,” Emily says first and Emmett nods his head.
The boys shake hands, Emmett and Emily hug, and then it’s my turn to hug Emily. She whispers quietly in my ear. “Take good care of him for me, please.”
“I will,” I whisper back, hugging her tight before we let go. I give a friendly wave to her Alphas and Emmett takes my hand as we walk to the car. He’s quiet and doesn’t say anything until we’re leaving and on the road. It’s late, way later than we were planning on staying here today.
“Maybe we should get a hotel for the night,” he says.
“That sounds good,” I reply. I’m worried that he is upset about meeting his cousin. He seems not as jovial as his usual self.
He searches on his phone and then takes us to the closest hotel. I’m sure he narrowed down his search based on thread count.
I’m feeling uncomfortable with how quiet he’s been, but I don’t let it bother me as he checks us in and carries our bags to the room. As soon as he opens the door to the room for me and puts our bags down, I grab his shirt.