Isabelle laughed. “Let’s go say hi to them.”
“Give me a sec,” Ransom said. “I need to talk to Silke for a bit.”
She nodded at him and then proceeded into the lodge.
“Are you okay with having him for the night?” Ransom asked Silke.
“Am I?” she asked. “Of course I am. Evan and I are going to have so much fun, aren’t we?”
He had no doubt that Silke was the best person to leave Evan with for the evening, as it was obvious his sister loved him. Of course, he couldn’t help feel that twinge of sadness, because he knew how much Silke wanted a child of her own and was robbed of that opportunity. It was a sensitive topic, and they never talked about it, but he knew how much it hurt her. Maybe someday, Silke could adopt, or maybe even find a husband of her own who would love her enough to get past all the walls she’d put up around herself. For now, he would do his best to protect her and ensure her happiness.
“Are you nervous?” she asked, giddy.
“Me? Naw.” Of course, his palms started sweating, but he pretended he was brushing some lint off his jeans as they strode into the lodge. The inside of the lobby was just as excessively decorated as the outside, and four huge tables were heaving with food, courtesy of the new chef Silke had hired upon the recommendation of Dante Muccino.
“Ransom!” Isabelle called from where she was talking with Lucas, Sofia, and Alessandro by the fireplace.
“Alpha,” Ransom greeted, but took the offered hand. “I saw you on TV yesterday.”
“Who hasn’t?” Sofia quipped. “It’s all over the news. They play it all the time, even at the station. Everyone cheers when they show the senators look like they’re shitting their pants.”
Lucas rolled his eyes. “Hey, they asked, I answered.”
“Isabelle, there you are!” Maxine Muccino sauntered up to them, her smile bright as she embraced her cousin. “I’ve been looking all over for you.” She went up to Evan and kissed him on the cheek. “There’s my godson! How are you, Evan? Happy Birthday!”
The younger Lycan reminded Ransom a lot of his mate the first time they met, with her designer clothes and glossy hair. Isabelle said they had been very similar in the past, but had drifted apart. He was glad to see the two cousins and best friends had mended their relationship.
“Hey, Maxine, are you enjoying the lodge?” Ransom asked.
“Yeah, but I had to change into my flats,” she nodded at her shoes. “My heels keep sinking in the ground. There’s so much soil here. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. Axle says he’s going to take me for a ride on his bike.”
Ransom groaned. “Just be careful, okay?”
But Maxine had already trotted off, presumably to go on a ride with Axle.
“Her and Axle?” Isabelle shook her head. “I just can’t see it.”
“Hey, stranger things have happened,” he said meaningfully. “But don’t worry, he’ll tread carefully.” Maxine, after all, was family, and Axle knew better. He was a flirt, but he wouldn’t encroach on that territory. Besides, he didn’t know if there was any girl who could make the charmer change his ways.
“C’mon, I’m starving!” Isabelle declared. “Let’s eat.”
The rest of the party proceeded with much eating, drinking, and merriment. Everyone in New York and their allies had been invited and the clan came out in full force. Even Jared and John were there, along with their three adopted children. Annie was thrilled with all the babies around her and begged her father for a baby sister or brother, much to Hardy’s chagrin.
As the day turned to evening, things started to wind down, though there was still much food and cake left, so people lingered about. Ransom was exhausted, but happy, though the night wasn’t done yet, at least not for him and Isabelle. With Evan in his arms, he handed him off to Silke and murmured his thanks before going in search of his mate. He found her chatting with Julianna and Duncan near the bouncy castle.
“Can I steal you for a second?” he asked.
Julianna eyed him warily. “Before you do, let me just tell you one thing.”
He knew Julianna was very protective of Isabelle. “All right. What is it?”
Mismatched blue-green eyes flashed at him. “I’ve told Isabelle over and over that she can always change her mind, and if she does, she and Evan have a place with us.” Duncan nodded in agreement.
He wanted to shout, over my dead body, but controlled himself. “I know the two of you have been her support throughout her pregnancy and after Evan was born. For that, I’ll never be able to repay you. But from now on, I’ll be the one taking care of her and Evan, and all of our future pups.” Julianna open her mouth to say something but he held up a hand to stop her. “If I ever hurt her or Evan, you don’t have to kick my ass. I’ll do it myself first.”
Julianna stared at him. “All right.” She patted him on the arm. “Glad we’re in agreement.”
“Let’s go to the bouncy castle, darlin’,” Duncan said. “I don’t see any kids in there, anymore.”
“Just what are you planning, MacDougal?”
“Och, just you wait and see.” Suddenly, Duncan hoisted her up over his shoulder, fireman-style. Julianna shrieked, but let out a laugh as her mate smacked her behind and carried her off.
Isabelle shook her head. “Those two. Anyway, did you need something, Ransom? Is it Evan?”
“No, princess. Don’t worry, everything is fine. I wanted to show you something.” He tugged at her hand. “Come with me?”
“Of course.” She followed him as he led her around the outside of the lodge, where he had left his bike parked this morning. “You’re
