Page 111 of Holly Jolly Heat
She was mine.
I was hers.
This was happening.
She reached the bottom of the stairs, and Janet kissed her cheek before guiding her toward me.
"Take care of my daughter," Janet whispered to all three of us.
"Always," we said in unison.
Michelle took her place facing us, me in the center, Ro and Dex flanking. The cameras captured everything. Seventy-five thousand viewers watching live.
But all I could see was her.
My omega. My mate. My everything.
"Hi," she said softly, just for us.
"Hi," I breathed back. "You're beautiful."
"You're biased."
"Completely biased. Also completely correct."
She smiled, nervous but genuine, and I felt my own fear settle.
We could do this.
Together.
Bill stepped forward to officiate, because of course Bill was officiating. Who else would it be?
"Friends, family, and viewers around the world," he began, his voice warm and clear. "We're gathered here on New Year'sEve to witness something special. Not just a mating ceremony, but the celebration of a pack who found each other against all odds. Who fought for each other when it would have been easier to give up. Who chose love over fear, again and again."
Through the bond, I felt Michelle's emotion rising.
"Lucas, Ro, Dex, and Michelle, you've already bonded. Already committed to each other in the ways that matter most. Today is about making that commitment public. Permanent. Celebrated." He smiled. "And about giving Janet the ceremony she's been planning since they arrived."
Laughter rippled through the guests, and even Michelle smiled.
"Lucas," Bill said. "Your vows."
This was it.
I took Michelle's hands, looking into her eyes, and let myself speak from the heart.
"Michelle," I started, and my voice cracked slightly with emotion. "A year ago, I was lonely. Successful but lonely. Building a community online while feeling disconnected from real life. And then you became my manager. You were and are efficient, professional, and brilliant. You fought for me like I mattered. Like my work mattered. Like I was worth defending."
Her eyes were bright with unshed tears.
"And then Pike Place Market. Mistletoe and scent-matching and the moment I knew you were mine. And you ran." I smiled. "And I followed. Because giving up was never an option. Not when I'd finally found home."
Through the bond, I felt her love overwhelming everything else.
"You've spent the last two weeks teaching me what real courage looks like. Fighting your fears. Choosing vulnerability. Standing your ground when the industry tried to make youchoose between career and love. And every day, I've fallen more in love with you."
I squeezed her hands.
