“Gee, So much going on, that I don’t think I’ve spoken publicly like this since I was mated,” teased Sandy. “Congratulations Patrick and Ginny. And heaven help you when she gets grumpy, because we all know she’s the boss.”
Patrick stood up with his arm wrapped around Ginny. “Thank you for the welcome to the family, the pack. I must admit that it has been a whirlwind romance. I never thought I’d find another mate. However, I must thank the instigators of this little plot, Cal, Kevin, Peter and Luc. Oh, and the bear that precipitated the crisis in the first place. For without that, I never would have visited my cousin, nor found a mate that is almost the perfect match,” he finished.
“Hey there!” started Ginny as if to start to disagree with his assessment.
“I’d like to point out before my dear sweet mate here chimes in on our joy, that according to George, I have managed to do what none of the rest of you have ever accomplished. I rendered her speechless, and got her to buy a new dress,” he said with a smile.
Ginny blushed as the room broke out in laughter. She smiled, made a curtsy and then turned to Patrick and stuck out her tongue. More laughter erupted. Luc topped off everyone’s glass and another round of toasts went up before people settled back to chatting and snacking on cake, cookies and other treats.
“Where did you find the time to get this?” Ginny asked Patrick as she sat in his lap.
“That day you stormed off to find a dress. Andrew and I had a lovely chat and I got this,” he said leaving out most of the details.
“You know we were lovers,” she said quietly.
“Yes, and he still loves you. I think he always will. However, he also understands that he is not the one for you,” Patrick said.
Ginny nodded. “I love him too, but not as a mate. This is his work isn’t it?”
“Yes. He made it for you,” Patrick said as he looked around for Andrew. “Perhaps you should thank him personally.”
“Yes,” said Ginny as she got up. She walked over to Andrew and tapped his elbow to get his attention.
“Hello Ginny. Congratulations,” he said with a smile in his eyes.
“I wanted to thank you for the chain, and for… for being you,” she said taking his hands and pulling him down for a kiss.
“You’re welcome Ginny. How could I do any less? You will always be my first love and that is a place no one else can take,” he said.
Ginny dropped his hands and hugged him. “Love you too,” she said softly.
*
Across the room, Jeff and his mate Martha were congratulating Luc and Meg. Martha hugged Luc and then Meg. She looked at Meg puzzled. “Meg, can we chat for a moment privately” she asked.
“Of course,” said Meg curiously. They moved down the hall away from the main party.
“Meg, how are you feeling?” Martha asked.
“Well, a little drunk, tired, but much better than I have been, why?” Meg asked.
“You haven’t been feeling well?” asked Martha.
“No, as I said, stressed, very tired and the last week or so my stomach has been upset, why?” asked Meg.
“Well, I’m not absolutely certain, but if my nose is right,” was as far as Martha got before Meg’s mouth dropped open.
“No…” Meg started. She was thinking furiously about when her last cycle had been. “Oh gods! I must be at least two months gone,” she said at last. She leaned against the wall.
“It happens to the best of us. We get so wrapped up in things we don’t even notice,” said Martha. “Come by tomorrow and I’ll run a test, but my nose says you’re pregnant.”
“You know, that would explain why coffee keeps turning my stomach. Do I dare tell Luc, or should I wait until after I come in?” Meg asked.
“Let him know. He’ll wonder why you’re coming down to see me anyway,” said Martha. “Oh, here he comes. Wait till after the party,” she said and turned to meet Luc and Jeff.
“So, what are you two plotting?” asked Jeff.
“Take over of the world, dog collars for Luc, oh, and a big fancy surprise party full of lace, feathers and toys for Ginny,” said Meg with a wicked smile.
Both men laughed and the four of them walked back to the main room.
*
An hour later, the only people still there were Patrick and Ginny. Meg was making coffee and Ginny was ordering the two men around to finish the final clean up. Meg stood beside Ginny as she watched the guys replace the furniture.
“May I see your chain?” Meg asked Ginny.
“Of course,” she said and turned so that Meg could get a look.
“That’s beautiful. George was telling me about it when we were putting the food away. I didn’t know that you and Andrew had been lovers,” Meg said.
“It was fun but it didn’t work. Besides, that old joke about everyone is the same height in bed?” Ginny said.
“Yes,” said Meg.
“Wrong. I’d cuddle up to Andrew and my knees just about came to his waist,” Ginny giggled. That made Meg laugh too.
“Are you happy?” Meg asked.
“Yes,” said Ginny. “Never thought I’d be this happy.”
“Neither did I,” Meg said. The two women hugged and finished watching the men sort out the room.
After coffee, Patrick and Ginny headed home. Luc closed the door and turned off the porch light. He wrapped his arms around Meg and gave her a hug.
“This went well,” he said as they headed for their bedroom.
“Yes, it did. I had my doubts, but it all worked out,” she said.
“I’m also happier than hell that Patrick asked Ginny to be his mate,” said Luc as he flopped on the bed. He kicked off his shoes.
“Talk about a surprise,” said Meg.
“Oh yeah. This was an evening of surprises. Ginny dressed up, the food, your cake topper, Sandy’s jokes and then Patrick’s surprise,” he said.
“Don’t forget the presents, Ginny’s chain and one more,” she said crawling on the bed next to Luc.
“One more what?” asked Luc.
“One more surprise,” she said.