It was a few days before we met.
Disappointment steals the breath from my lungs. Dez’s birthday is coming up, then mine and Connor’s, but waiting a whole year for Daph’s will be torture when there’s nothing I want more than to share my family’s traditions.
Me
Next year, I’m going to give you the best birthday you’ve ever had.
Daphne
I bet you’re the best planner in the pack.
I haven’t been, not for years, but it’s about time I went back to my roots. Starting now.
Me
Stick around, kitten. I’ll show you what a birthday’s really supposed to be like.
Daphne
I look forward to all of it <3.
Smiling, I tuck the cookbook under my arm, intending to come back for the rest. Pulling out of the pack house driveway for what I hope is one of the last times, I head for the store. Time to make someone else’s day brighter.
BARRETT FAMILY GROUP CHAT
From the BarrettFamily Group Chat
Mama B
You better bring my daughter-in-law for dinner. We don’t celebrate genocide in my home, but we do celebrate family and it’s time Daphne joins ours
From the separate group chat of Dez and Mama B
Dez
You can’t all her that, Mama. We’re not even bonded.
Mama B
Do you plan to keep her?
Dez
Yes.
Mama B
Then what does it matter if I start calling her my daughter early?
Dez
Please don’t rush this. Daphne needs time.
Mama B
No, she needs love and affection. We have that in spades. Bring her.
From the Barrett Family Group Chat
