“I know,” Billy whispered. “I just... I guess some stupid part of me still wanted my mom and dad, you know? I mean, Cord and I might have kids one day. I guess I hoped they could be grandparents at least. But now…”
Cece’s arm wrapped around Billy’s shoulders, pulling him close. “That’s not stupid. That’s human nature. But, honey, the parents you wanted? They never existed. The people who showed up at the Wonky Pig are who they’ve always been – selfish, mean, assholes. I know you wouldn’t let anyone like them near any pups you have.”
Billy leaned into the comfort, grateful for friends who’d become his real family. “Cord says I don’t owe them anything.”
“Cord’s right,” Tristan said. “You built this life without them, Billy. You’ve got your work, your house, us, and now Cord. You don’t need their toxicity.”
“Plus,” Cece added with a sly grin, “I can imagine their faces when they realized their omega son is mated to that gorgeous hunk of an alpha. Bet that really burns their biscuits.”
That startled a laugh out of Billy. “Cece!”
“What? I’m just saying, karma’s a beautiful thing.” Cece’s expression softened. “But seriously, whatever you decide, we’ve got your back. You know that, right?”
Billy nodded, feeling the warmth of their support chase away some of the cold his parents had left behind. “Yeah, I know. Thanks, guys.”
“That’s what family’s for,” Tristan said simply, and Billy knew he meant it. This was his real family - chosen, loyal, and loving. His parents might have thrown him away, but he’d found something so much better.
His phone buzzed with a text from Cord:Mission going well. Thinking of you. Home by dinner.
“Okay, now we’ve got that unpleasant business out of the way, let’s talk about something a lot more fun. Your new house. Spill the details,” Cece demanded. “Floor plans, color schemes, everything. And don’t you dare hold back on the wedding details either.”
Billy pushed his glasses up his nose, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the heaviness that still lingered from discussing his parents. “The house has four bedrooms, which Cord insists we need for when we have pups.” His cheeks flushed at that. “There’s this amazing home office space with built-in shelves that’ll be perfect for my workspace.”
“Four bedrooms?” Tristan chuckled. “That’s planning ahead.”
“Right?” Billy nodded. “I told Cord when he showed me the listing that two bedrooms would be plenty to start, but he gotthis look - you know the one alphas get when they’re thinking about providing for their family?”
Cece made a swooning noise. “God, that’s so romantic. What about the kitchen? Please tell me it’s gorgeous because you know I’ll be over there stealing food constantly.”
“It’s got this huge island with a breakfast bar,” Billy said, warming to the topic. “And the backyard backs onto woods, so we can shift and run whenever we want without worrying about neighbors.”
“Perfect for pups,” Tristan noted with a knowing smile. “They’ll need space to learn to shift safely.”
Billy’s hand went to his neck, fingers brushing over Cord’s claiming mark. “We’re thinking of putting in a small pool too. Nothing fancy, just…”
“Just big enough for an otter to have a proper swim?” Cece interrupted with a grin. “Because you know I’m gonna be living in that thing come summer.”
“Actually, yeah, Cord mentioned that.” Billy laughed, the tension finally easing from his shoulders. “He said we needed to make sure all our friends would feel comfortable visiting.”
“Your alpha’s a keeper,” Tristan said softly. “Now, about this wedding...”
Billy groaned, but it was good-natured. “We haven’t even set a date yet. Everything’s happened so fast…”
“Which is exactly why you need us,” Cece declared, pulling out his phone. “I’ve already bookmarked about fifty Pinterest boards. Spring or fall wedding? Big or intimate? Indoor or outdoor?”
“I... I don’t know.” Billy fidgeted with his bracelets. “I never really thought I’d get to have a wedding. After my parents...” hetrailed off, then squared his shoulders. “But yeah, I want one. I want to stand up in front of everyone and claim Cord as mine, too.”
Tristan’s expression went soft. “You deserve that, Billy. You deserve all of it.”
“Okay, so thinking practically,” Cece said, scrolling through his phone, “the Omega Hearts Foundation has that beautiful garden space they rent out for events. Mr. Brown would probably give you a good deal after everything.”
“Or there’s that vineyard outside town,” Tristan suggested. “Anthony took me there for a wine tasting last month. It’s gorgeous, and they have a whole wedding package thing.”
Billy found himself actually considering it. A real wedding. With flowers and food and his friends to celebrate with him. “It can’t be too big,” he said quietly. “I don’t... I don’t have a lot of people to invite from my side.”
“Quality over quantity,” Cece said firmly. “Besides, you’ve got us, and Cord’s team seems pretty tight. Plus, whoever from the neighborhood wants to come support you after that scene at the Wonky Pig.”
“Gods, don’t remind me.” Billy buried his face in his hands, but he was smiling. “Doris told me when we were shopping the day after that happened she’d already started knitting baby booties ‘just in case’.”
