Chapter 2

The next day, Anthony and I had a picnic at the lake with Austin. We still had two days before I had to resume my duties as Delta at the pack. We were going to make the most of our ‘family’ time. I loved being near the water. It has always had a calming effect on me—the sound of the water coming on shore is so soothing and relaxing. We even managed to take a short nap at the lake before we came back home, which thrilled Anthony because I’m supposed to take naps in the morning and afternoon now.

We made it home just in time for lunch. Mom was worried I wouldn’t be home in time. Yeah like I would miss a meal with Anthony around. Not going to happen. He is the perfect doting mate. He makes sure I get snacks and all my meals. He wants to make sure I am taken care of as well as our babies.

Did I mention how much I love my mate? He simply is the best mate ever!

Anywho, Anthony chuckled when Mom added extra pickles to my plate for lunch. What? I wanted pickles, or rather, the babies were craving pickles. And not just any pickles, I had to have Gherkins—yummy goodness. I think Mom had Dad go buy a bunch—like a store full because my pantry was fully stocked with Gherkins. Mmm, yummy goodness for sure.

With my babies fed and me feeling good, I decided to broach the subject of Danny and Rebecca with my Dad. We all made ourselves comfortable in the living room after lunch.

“Dad, can I ask you a question about Danny and Rebecca?” I asked him hesitantly.

“Okay, what about your brother and Rebecca? What’s on your mind, Mellie?” inquired my dad.

“I was just wondering why they came back from visiting her family so soon. I mean, they only visited for a week and a half. If she missed her family, shouldn’t she have stayed longer? I mean … it just seems weird,” I tried to explain to my Dad.

“I know how it might seem strange to us, but I’m sure they had their reasons for coming back so soon. Maybe her family had other obligations that they couldn’t get away from, and the timing of their visit was not an opportune time. Or maybe she just didn’t like being in Europe. I can have a talk with Danny. I know it’s been bothering me too,” replied Dad with a frown and a sigh.

“I’m glad I’m not the only one who is concerned about them. Thanks, Dad, for offering to talk to Danny. I just didn’t know how to approach Danny to talk to him about it. I’m concerned about him, you know what I mean?” I explained.

“I know what you mean. I’ll get to the bottom of it, don’t you worry. Now then, what are you two going to do tomorrow for your last day of vacation?” inquired Dad.

“I don’t really know. At this point, we are taking things one day at a time. Why? Did you have something in mind?” questioned Anthony.

“Well, no, but I just wanted to see if you had any plans to go anywhere. I do have a tendency to worry about my children and their mates-----from time to time, you know. Mom doesn’t have the corner market on worrying about you,” announced Dad with a sly grin.

“I know, Dad. You do worry like---a lot. Sometimes I think you worry more than Mom does,” I chuckled as I went over to hug and kiss him.

“Thank you! I’m glad someone finally called him out on it. He always gives me grief over worrying about you and Daniel while he worries more than I do. Go figure!” Mom chuckled at Dad’s expense. We all did, for that matter.

“Stop. It comes from a place of love, and don’t you forget that. You’ll know exactly what I mean when Austin is older,” Dad teased us.

“Oh, I already worry about him when he is not around me. So, I don’t have to wait until he gets older, Dad. Mom, can you help me find a Nanny for Austin? This person will have to go with us when we go to Europe, so we have plenty of time to find one,” I explained to Mom.

“Until then, I know you were going to allow me to take care of Austin, right?” declared Mom in her no-nonsense voice.

“Yes, Mom, I was. You already told me you were going to take care of him. The way you ‘told’ me, I didn’t think I had a choice. But when the other babies are born, we will have to have the Nanny because three babies will be a bit much for you to handle all by yourself,” I contended.

“You’re right. Three will be a bit much for me at one time, but we will start our search. Are your guards going with you when you take Vladimir’s position?” Mom inquired.

“I don’t know. I didn’t think to ask if they could come with me. I thought they had to stay here. It would be great if they could come with me since they already know me and my routine. It would make sense, wouldn’t it?” I asked to no one in particular.

“It would make sense if they came with us. Anderson and Noah have been your guards for two years now. Tucker and Jared are now my guards, so … they already know our peculiarities,” noted Anthony.

“Yes, that would be an advantage over getting new guards when we get there. Why are we talking about guards? I thought I was talking about finding a Nanny for when the twins arrive?” I inquired.

“Yes, but wouldn’t it be nice if you could maybe have Kayla as a Nanny since she’s Anderson’s mate? It’d make sense, right?” Mom wondered out loud.

“Well … I guess, but I wouldn’t want to infringe upon their family time. Let’s see what Alpha Richard says about our guards following us to Europe first before we do anything drastic,” I expressed as I was trying to draw this conversation to a close.

Taking the hint, Dad chimed in, “Why don’t we table this conversation until we’ve had a chance to talk with Alpha Richard? Hmm?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Anthony and I replied together.

We all said our goodbyes and goodnights to each other. Mom and Dad left for the evening so we could go to bed. I was tired and needed more sleep, but not before my sexy time with Anthony. He was feeling frisky this evening. I have to admit, so was I.