Page 200 of His Forsaken Alpha

Avery frowned. “How many people do you intend to invite?”

“Everyone,”Wynter said. “I want the world to know I love Wilder Cavanaugh and I won’t be shamed for it.”

“Everyone,”Avery repeated.

“The whole family. All of you. All of my brothers and their families. Cav’s brothers and their families,” Wynter amended. “There were at least twenty at Arthur’s house when we arrived. I’m sure there’s likely almost as many on Cav’s side. Twelve of you and the two of us. I don’t know if we can fit upwards of fifty people in your backyard, have room for the ceremony, a dancefloor, a stage,andfood. I mean, it’s a decent-sized yard, but it might be snug for something that size.”

“Considering the pool, pool house, and rose garden, that doesn’t leave a ton,” Wilder said.

“True,” Avery said, almost appearing to pout.

“I appreciate the offer, Avery. I really, really do—but Cav and I have already pickedthe perfectlocation,” Wynter said. “The mountain where we fell in love. Cav now owns the old farmstead at the base, and there’splentyof room. He says the field is full of wildflowers come spring, but I don’t want to wait that long.” He paused, trying to remember if there was anything he’d forgotten. “Oh, and you guys can stay in the old farmhouse while you’re there.” He turned to Gray. “I’m sure the kids will love the mountain. It’ssobeautiful. Cav and I went hiking along this lovely trail higher up that ended in thisgorgeous waterfall. Maybe you all can come a day or two early and we can take all the grandkids up there.”

Gray fought a smile. “That sounds lovely.” He paused.“Speaking of grandkids,they’re outside playing in the pool, in case you’re interested in an introduction?”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Wynter asked, rising. He hustled for the back door and peeked outside. A teenager who looked familiar held a toddler as he splashed four little ones, who gave as good as they got or better.

“Lake, Auggie, stop egging them on,” Gray said as he sidled up beside Wynter. “The two teenagers are my nephews, Avery’s younger brothers.”

“I only see one teenager,” Wynter said, turning to Gray. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Cavanaugh near. He reached out a hand and tugged his alpha closer.

“The boy in the red shorts is Auggie. He’s small for his age, but he’s actually fourteen. He’s holding our youngest, Emmanuel. We call him Manny. He just turned one. Jasyn’s the one Lake’s holding in the race car swim trunks. He’s our middle terror who just turned three. The twins are Silver and James—who turnedfive a couple of months back. It’s fairly easy to tell them apart given their size difference. Rohan’s pretty sure James is an alpha and Silly’s an omega and I tend to agree, but you never know.”

Gray passed him and walked outside into the sun. He followed Gray and soon caught up.“Silly?”Wynter asked as soon as he did.

“Blame your son for that one. Wilder started calling him that and it’s stuck, much to my chagrin,” Gray said.“I’meven saying it now.” Gray stepped closer to the pool.“Boys!Can you come to the edge for a minute? I need to talk.”

Wynter smiled as they groaned and began making their way to the edge.Boys will be boys.They never liked to curtail their fun, even for a minute.

“This is Uncle Wile’s papa, Wynter,” Gray said, kneeling close to the edge and focusing on the twins. Gray glanced over his shoulder at Cavanaugh and smiled. “And Cavanaugh is Wynter’s alpha.”

“Hi,”Silver said, waving his hand as the others simply stared.

“Remember how we talk about Papa Jamie and how much love he had in his heart for you?”

The twins nodded earnestly while Gray’s nephews didn’t appear to be paying much attention—and the youngest two likely didn’t comprehend the connection yet.

“Wynter’salsoPapa Jamie’s papa. And he’d like to spend some time with you… and get to know you. Isn’t that cool?”

“I thoughtwedidn’t like Wynter?” Lake asked, cutting his eyes Wynter’s way.

“Rohan and I sat down with Wynter and learned some things we didn’t know, and he’s apologized. When someoneapologizes,we give them a second chance,” Gray said.

“Sure,”Lake said coolly.

“Does that mean you’re our grandpapa?” Silver asked.

“I think that’s a title I need to earn,” Wynter said, kneeling to talk to the boy. “But I hope I can be someday.”

Silver grinned. “Me, too.”

The boys remained quiet, and Wynter knew it was awkward. It would be until he got to know them better. “Why don’t you get back to swimming?” Wynter suggested. “Maybe I can dig out some trunks and join you in the pool?”

“Yeah!”Silver yelled excitedly before turning away and swimming toward his twin.

Wynter rose to his full height and watched them play.

“Silly’s been a little obsessed with grandpas and grandpapas lately and asking a lot of questions about why he doesn’t have any, so he’ll likely be your number one fan,” Gray said. “The rest will probably be a tougher audience.”

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