The pounding of Richard’s heart accelerated.
Kate went on. “Then last night happened. I couldn’t believe what I saw. Even after it was all over and Janet explained to me what you are, I couldn’t believe it. You scared the hell out of me, Richard. I wanted to run away as fast as my legs could carry me.”
“I wanted to tell you,” he took her hand in his.
She didn’t pull away.
“I wouldn’t have believed you. I know that now.
Janet said you made the change for me. I need to know why? Why did you do it?”
He pulled her hand up to his lips, brushed them with a kiss, and nestled them against his cheek.
“Because I love you.”
Her pulse quickened.
“I knew from the beginning you were the one for
me. I’d never considered the change before. My family tried to talk me into it for years, but until you, I never saw the need. I love you, Kate.” She opened her mouth to talk. It was his turn to cut her off.
“I’m not done. I know you have a responsibility to your son. Asking you to move in with me was a cop out. I know that now. I want you to marry me, Katie.”
Her eyes grew wide with surprise. Her mouth fell open.
“You need to know that I’m a werewolf. I will always be a werewolf.”
“I know.” A faint smile met her lips.
“I’m not the best catch in town. I’m going to turn furry three nights a month and possibly bring fleas into the house. But I promise not to pee on the rug, or hump your leg.”
Kate let out a giggle. Her bottom lip curled into her mouth, tears started to well.
“Richard.”
“Oh, and I won’t lick myself. Although I have to tell you…, the urge was there last night,” he laughed.
“Oh, Richard,” she burst out laughing.
“Say yes. Marry me. I’ve already given you my heart. I changed for you, only for you.” Kate paused, and for a brief moment, he thought she was going to deny him. Then her head started to bob up and down.
“Yes, Oh, God. Yes! I’ll marry you.” Relief burst in one rush of air from his lungs before he pulled her into his arms and captured her lips. She melted against him. And for the second time in his life, he knew he’d made the right decision. She was his mate. For life.
She pulled her lips away from his and asked,
“What are we going to tell Joey?”
“The truth. Kids understand these things much
more than adults. I knew about werewolves since I was in diapers. I got a kick out of people thinking they didn’t exist. Joey will understand.” Kate leaned in and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Did you really want to…” she glanced down between his legs. “You know?” He grinned. “You know how they say; why do dogs lick their balls?”
“Because they can,” she finished for him. “Well, let’s see if I can make sure you never have to.” His eyebrows lifted, “Sounds like a plan to me.”
“I love you, Richard.”
He smiled, nuzzled her neck, and pulled her to her feet. “Come on, we have to wake up Joey and give him the good news.”
EPILOGUE
Perfect. Everything was absolutely perfect.
White rose flower arrangements adorned every table along with glimmering opaque candles. The band played and everyone danced.
Joey made her proud, standing between her and Richard while they said their vows. His little eyes twinkled with unshed tears when the minister pronounced them husband and wife. He even shouted out, “And Daddy and Mommy, right?” The church burst into laughter.
After sealing their vows with a kiss that reached the very depths of her soul, Richard picked Joey up in one arm and walked them both down the isle.
As they walked past the pews holding those that watched, Kate saw her father and mother openly weeping.
It had been three months since Kate decided to bury the hatchet and rekindle her relationship with her parents.
It seems with forgiveness comes absolution.
Their heated talks in the beginning gave way to screaming over each other to be heard. In the end, they all had their say and resolved their differences.
Now, along with grandparents, Joey had a father. And for the first time in the child’s life he had an Aunt, Uncle and a baby cousin. The Ritter family was huge and all of them accepted Joey and Kate with open arms and open hearts.
“Hey.” Richard returned with a bottle of unopened champagne and two clean glasses for the limo ride to the airport. “Why such a serious face?” Kate turned to her husband and fanned her
hands around his waist, pulling him close. “I was just thinking about how happy I am.”
“Good,” he said with a sigh. “I wouldn’t want you having second thoughts now.”
“Never.” Kate pointed to Joey who was dancing on his grandmother’s toes. “I can’t believe how much he’s changed since you’ve come into his life.” He moved closer to her ear and whispered, “Does he still ask you if I’ll bite him for Halloween?”
“Daily. He thinks his costume would take first prize.”
“I hate to tell him that there isn’t a full moon this year on Halloween. He’s going to be disappointed trick or treating with just plain old me and you.”
Kate stared up into his eyes, her smile radiating off his. “He will never be disappointed in you. You, Richard Ritter are his number one hero.”
“I may be his hero now, Kate Ritter. But you were his first.”
Just then Joey scrambled up to them, his tie loosened, his hair ruffled. “Are you going now?”
“Yep, it’s that time,” Richard told him.
“You be good for grandma and grandpa, okay?” He shuffled his feet and wiggled his nose. “I will.
They are taking me to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Magic Mountain. I’ll have more fun then you will on a stuffy old island.” Kate bent down to give her son a kiss. “Are you happy, sport?”
He smiled, nodded, and whispered in her ear. “I only want one more thing.”
“He’s not going to bite you.”
“I know, that isn’t it.”
“What then?”
He put his little hand up to her ear, “A baby brother.”
Richard leaned down and put his arm around him. “I’ll see what I can do about that.”
“Wow, you could hear me? Mom, you gotta let him nibble on me. Think of all fun I could have.” Kate laughed, whipped away a little tear, and hugged her men. “Oh, boy do I have my hands full.”