Chapter 25

25

W hen they returned to their son's home in Alexandria, they knocked on the door, giggling like a couple of teenagers in love. Wynter cuddled close to his alpha, feeling like a brand-new person, all thanks to Cavanaugh. After a week away at the cabin, they'd rekindled their love for one another as well as outlined some basic plans for their lives moving forward—focusing mostly on the plans for their joining ceremony. Wynter was thrilled for the chance to shout his adoration to the world.

Wilder appeared at the door, a bemused smile coming to his lips after taking a look at them both. "I assume the trip was time well spent?"

"Yes, it was," Wynter replied. He forced the smile from his lips but found himself a failure at the task. He was so happy he could burst. Yet, a niggle of doubt filled him. "We wanted to discuss something with you."

"Come in," Wilder said, backing away.

When they followed Wilder deeper into the house, Wynter noticed they had guests. Rohan and Gray were there, but also a distinguished-looking beta he didn't recognize. They sat clustered around the kitchen table with Avery, deep in conversation. "You should've said you had company. We can come back."

"It's an Avery's thing. I'm just the wallet, so they won't miss me," Wilder said.

"Just a wallet?" Wynter asked, arching a brow.

"Not like that," Wilder replied. "We got thousands in donations for Avery's legal fees—not that we asked for it. Many of them were bills shoved into an envelope with a simple note and no forwarding address, so there was no way we could send it back. We're using it to benefit other unjustly incarcerated omegas. Some of the men Avery met while he was imprisoned don't belong behind bars, and he wants to help free as many as he can. I set up a charitable account for the funds, and I sign the checks when they need me to." Wilder shrugged. "It's Avery's baby. Well, his other baby."

"Oh," Wynter replied, blinking. "That omega of yours continues to impress me. I hope you know how special he is."

Wilder smiled. "I do."

"I thought Avery was an accountant?" Wynter asked. "Why do you have control of the account?"

"He was in prison when the money started arriving, so I had to be the one to open it. We just haven't had a chance to switch it over to him yet. He tracks all the spending and works out budgets, if need be, but I have to sign the checks. For now."

"Well, if it's his baby, you give him control," Wynter said to Wilder. "Make it a priority."

Wilder smiled. "Yes, Papa."

"You have a charitable account… do they have a charter and a board?" Wynter asked.

"Oh, it's not that big of a thing," Wilder said. "They're tackling a case or two at a time, as they can… but the list just keeps growing and I don't know if they'll be able to accomplish as much as Avery hopes they can."

"A case or two at a time isn't going to chip away much," Wynter said.

Wilder crossed his arms over his chest. "No, it's not. And these omegas really need the help. I've heard some real horror stories. Sadly, some of them were pushed to such extremes that I think they're beyond Avery's help."

"Why would they be beyond help?" Wynter asked.

"Well…" Wilder scratched his head, looking thoughtful. "For instance—one of Avery's cellmates had an alpha who sold his heats to strangers. The very man who was meant to protect him, sold him off in his most vulnerable moments." Wilder shook his head. "That omega ended up killing his alpha."

Wynter gasped, but he realized that had he known all the things Warden had done behind his back, he might've been pushed to the edge and done something equally violent. "His mind broke… and he'd had enough. Then he was sent to a new prison. A new hell."

Wilder got an odd look on his face as he searched Wynter's.

Wynter brushed past their son and stalked toward the table. Avery lifted a worried gaze but saw him and smiled. "Welcome home."

"Thank you," Wynter said. He cast a glance around the table. "Gray, Rohan—I'm so happy to see you again." He eyed the one stranger at the table. "I don't think we've had the pleasure of an introduction."

"This is Tensen Atkinson. He and Rohan were my stellar legal team," Avery said. "Tensen, this is Wilder's papa, Wynter… and over there is Wynter's alpha, Cavanaugh."

"A pleasure." Wynter shook Tensen's hand. He paused as Tensen shook Cavanaugh's hand, too, and fought a smile when the attorney gave Wilder an odd look.

"I understand you're working on defending more omegas like Avery?" Wynter asked Tensen, pulling the man's focus away from Wilder's similarities to Cavanaugh.

"Indeed," Avery said, sitting up straighter. His smile spread. "Tensen and Rohan have graciously given hours of their time and talent to help. We've only freed two omegas so far, but it's better than none. We have a growing list of others that need our help, though."

"How can I be of service?" Wynter asked.

Avery tilted his head. "You… you want to help?"

Wynter eyed Cav leaning on the doorframe, watching and grinning. He smiled before turning back to Avery. "I do."

Avery looked among those at the table before focusing back on Wynter. "I don't know… um… there's some administrative work that you might be able to tackle… maybe? Or did you have something in mind?"

"Wynter Jaymes has run a few charity galas in his day," Wilder said, sidling up beside Wynter. "Maybe you could bring your expertise to that, Papa. The account has thinned as the initial excitement has leveled off."

"We did get that nice donation recently, so people still want to help," Avery said.

"Oh, you mean the donation Wilder made?" Rohan asked.

Wilder slapped the back of Rohan's shoulder.

"Wilder?" Avery asked.

"What?" Wilder asked, feigning innocence.

"It sounds to me that you need a fundraising campaign," Wynter said. "We can't let people forget. The work's ongoing."

"The more money we have, the more cases we could work," Avery said.

"I don't know that Rohan and I could take on many more right now," Tensen argued. "On top of our other work."

"I'm sure if you reached out to the community, other attorneys might be able to donate some time to the cause," Wynter said.

"We did have a list of attorneys who volunteered to help with my defense," Avery said. "Maybe, we could invite them to join us. Even if it's only a couple more, it could take some of the burden off Tensen and Rohan's shoulders."

"I know a few attorneys myself. I can make some calls. Warden had a lot of friends on the bench, too," Wynter added. "I can put out some feelers there, see what might shake free. Having a few judges sympathetic to the cause wouldn't hurt." Wynter chuckled. "I may also know of a skeleton or two we might be able to use to persuade the less than sympathetic ones to be lenient, if need be." He shook his head. "Wow… that sounded a lot worse out loud versus how it sounded in my head. Blackmailing judges is not something I've done before, just to be clear."

"What's a little blackmail between friends?" Gray asked, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

Wynter glanced Gray's way, unsettled by the tone, but the omega didn't glance his way.

"While I won't use blackmail, a tiny nudge in the right direction might not be a terrible thing if it's for a good reason," Avery said. "And we could use all the help we can on one particular case."

Tensen scowled.

"What case?" Wynter asked.

"Tulla Berringer," Avery replied. "The omega who sold me the drugs that allowed me to mask who I was. He ended up in prison alongside me—and he doesn't belong there. Especially when the drugs he was selling are now legal . He was selling them to help offer omegas some freedom over their situation."

"I fear you're making Tulla into some hero he isn't," Tensen said. "He sold the drugs to make a profit. I don't think there was any higher purpose."

"Maybe. Maybe not," Avery said. "He took a risk, either way, and had he not sold me those drugs and set me on this path, thousands upon thousands of omegas would still be legally classified as chattel. I've been called the catalyst, when in fact, it was Tulla. Without him, none of this would be realized today and for that alone, he deserves a second chance. I won't allow him to rot in prison while I walk free."

Wynter eyed Avery, thinking out loud. "I know a lot of omegas at the country club. While I'm sure many of them will balk at the idea, especially as my situation is now changed, there might be one or two that could be swayed to help, as well. I have a couple in mind right now."

"And what can your country club omegas do to help?" Rohan asked, lifting a brow.

"Well, one of the two I'm thinking about is mated to one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the province. His omega was a bit of a bohemian before they mated. He's constantly doing charity work and raising vast sums to help the less fortunate. I've always assumed it was a way for him to counterbalance what his husband does. Clear his conscience while living in the lap of luxury. According to the gossip, his alpha has gotten some very rich, very shady men off on charges they were very likely guilty of." Wynter sighed. "If I could convince them both to help, we could have a skilled fundraiser and a powerful attorney's help to get Avery's friend freed—and possibly more."

"I don't know if I'd call him a friend," Avery said, cringing. "Tulla kind of hates me right now. He blames me for getting him locked up."

"So is your help more from guilt or actually believing he should go free?" Wynter asked.

"Both?" Avery asked.

"Sounds like an appropriate enough answer to me," Wynter responded with a smile. "Guilt is a powerful motivator. I know that better than most right now." He glanced around the table. "What else can I do to help?"

"I think you've offered plenty to start," Gray said. "If you can manage to pull off what you say you can."

"All I can do is try," Wynter said.

Tensen closed his notebook and cleared up some paper. "Well, I hope you're successful. We could definitely use some more support from the legal community as well as more money to help grease the wheels." He rose. "I've got an appointment across town, so I need to get going."

"You are still planning to work Tulla's case, right?" Avery asked Tensen.

"I told you I would, and I will," Tensen murmured. "I've got my best investigator pulling all he can find on Tulla's past as we speak."

"I'm sure he has a complicated history, but please don't use that as an excuse not to help him now," Avery said.

"I'm not," Tensen said. "First, we need to know what the government might use against him in court so we can build a defense against it. I've also already learned that Tulla Berringer once went by the name Amantulla Montgomery. If it's of the Montgomerys I think it might be, I want to know how he ended up where he was. A fall from grace? If so, his story might be more compelling than I assume it is—and that's something we can use."

"How?" Avery asked.

"We can feed it to the press," Rohan said. "Spread the word. Have him tried in the court of public opinion before he ever stands before a judge. If we can get the public behind him like it got behind you, it might help sway a judge's ruling."

"You two are so smart," Avery said.

Tensen chuckled. "Some days are better than others." He tipped his imaginary hat to those at the table. "We'll talk soon. If I get any news before we meet again, I'll call."

"Thank you, Tensen," Avery said.

The others said their goodbyes, as well, including Wynter.

"I'll walk you out," Rohan said, rising.

Once the pair were gone, Wynter turned to Gray and Avery. "This is amazing what you're doing. Truly."

Avery grinned, but Gray didn't.

"Have I done something wrong?" Wynter asked Gray. "I only wanted to help."

Gray pinched his nose and sighed. He turned his focus on Wynter. "I'm glad you want to help. I am… but this is serious. These omegas need our help. They didn't grow up in the lap of luxury like you, and most don't have anyone in their corner but us. I don't need you making promises only to have your attention wane, and you drift off to the next passing fancy that piques your interest."

Wynter blinked a few times. "Passing fancy?" He sighed. "I know I haven't had time to rebuild your trust, but if anyone knows about omegas getting the raw end of the deal, it's me. And I'm angry. I'm angry that Warden Jaymes did what he did to me, and I have no way to punish him for it. What do I do with that? Either I simmer in it and let it fester or I do something and maybe help men in a similar situation get the justice I never will."

Gray sighed. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to be rude. It's just…we've had others like you offer to help. That country club set of yours. When Avery and the ORM were headline news, omegas who had money and power showed up, making promises like yours. They made grand plans to fundraise and network… but when the excitement died after Avery's release and there were no longer cameras pointed our way, those omegas were nowhere to be found and we were left emptyhanded. I don't want to get our hopes up and have it happen all over again."

Wynter leaned on the table, eyeing Gray. "I can't promise I'll succeed, but I do promise that I'll try my damnedest. Since Warden's passing, I don't know how much social clout I still have, so I?—"

"He drugged you?" Wilder asked, storming up to the table and eyeing Wynter.

Wynter glanced at Cavanaugh before returning his focus to Wilder. "Technically, I took the pills, so I don't know if we can label that as drugging me. "

"What are we talking about?" Avery asked, frowning.

"Warden Jaymes drugged Papa for thirty years. The sleeping? The fogginess? The weird conversations and outbursts? They're all side effects of an unnecessary antipsychotic drug Warden gave to Papa."

Avery and Gray's eyes widened with shock.

"I thought they were from my doctor. His name was on the bottle as the prescriber, so I didn't question it," Wynter murmured. "Only we contacted the clinic, and my records show no notes of it being prescribed and my doctor there has no memory of ever putting me on it. We assume it was Warden."

"Assume? Wynter, who else would it have been?" Cavanaugh asked. "He brought you the pills and maintained the supply for over three decades. He drugged you."

"You have a regular physician, don't you? He never questioned you taking it?" Wilder asked.

"No, he didn't. He knew and never said a word. I didn't question it because I'd slept a lot with the postpartum after Jamie, so I assumed the fatigue and fogginess were just symptoms of my depression."

"And the more you took, the less likely you were to question it," Wilder said. He turned to stare at Cavanaugh. "I'm glad you figured it out."

"It wasn't me," Cavanaugh said. "It was Wynter. He realized he hadn't taken his pills in a few days yet felt better. I wanted to know what pills he'd been taking, and it went from there. From what his doctor at the clinic said, he should start feeling stronger and more himself in the next week or so."

"After thirty years, I don't know what feeling like myself should feel like," Wynter said. "I suppose we're all going to find out."

"He missed his chance to kill you, so he just kept you zonked out instead," Wilder snapped.

"Kill?" Gray and Avery both asked.

Wilder winced, and Wynter's cheeks warmed. Apparently, Wilder hadn't yet shared that news with everyone. Wynter wasn't sure he wanted to repeat that evil himself.

"At the reading of the will, Papa got a letter from Warden," Wilder said. "Gleefully detailing a hit he'd taken out. He'd paid a man—and those Wildlings—to attack the train. The man was supposed to abduct Papa and kill him, using the attack as the cover to explain his disappearance."

"Dear gods, this just gets worse and worse," Gray murmured.

Wynter eyed Gray. "Now you know why I'm angry."

"As you should be," Gray said.

Wynter took a deep breath, trying to let that anger out. "As I told Wilder, Warden failed. Not only failed, but likely ensured Wilder's existence. If it hadn't been for the attack, I don't know that I would've shared my heat with Cavanaugh. While it's upsetting, I want to focus on the positive. I'm tired of living under threats and dark clouds. I'm finally getting my chance at happiness. No more talk about Warden Jaymes. Let's focus on the future."

Silence filled the kitchen a few seconds.

"Speaking of happiness and the future," Wynter continued. "Cavanaugh has asked me to join with him in an official mating ceremony, and I've agreed." He turned his attention to Wilder to gauge their son's reaction. "While I know that society dictates that I remain in mourning for some time, I've waited too long for this chance. I hope you can all forgive me, but we've decided to have it this autumn."

"You owe no grief to Wa— that man." Wilder paused, smiling wanly. "Grab onto your happiness with both hands now that you can."

The backs of Wynter's eyes stung. "Thank you."

Wilder walked closer to Cavanaugh and offered a handshake. When the handshake turned into a hug, Wynter's eyes more than stung.

"I'm glad you two can finally be together," Wilder said to Cavanaugh.

"Same here," Cavanaugh mumbled, his eyes bright.

"Congratulations," Avery said, reaching for Wynter's hand and grinning from ear-to-ear. "You know, our backyard is a great place for a ceremony and reception."

"I saw the pictures and wholeheartedly agree," Wynter said. "But I don't know if there's enough space."

Avery frowned. "How many people do you intend to invite?"

"Everyone," Wynter said. "I want the world to know I love Wilder Cavanaugh and I won't be shamed for it."

"Everyone," Avery repeated.

"The whole family. All of you. All of my brothers and their families. Cav's brothers and their families," Wynter amended. "There were at least twenty at Arthur's house when we arrived. I'm sure there's likely almost as many on Cav's side. Twelve of you and the two of us. I don't know if we can fit upwards of fifty people in your backyard, have room for the ceremony, a dancefloor, a stage, and food. I mean, it's a decent-sized yard, but it might be snug for something that size."

"Considering the pool, pool house, and rose garden, that doesn't leave a ton," Wilder said.

"True," Avery said, almost appearing to pout.

"I appreciate the offer, Avery. I really, really do—but Cav and I have already picked the perfect location," Wynter said. "The mountain where we fell in love. Cav now owns the old farmstead at the base, and there's plenty of room. He says the field is full of wildflowers come spring, but I don't want to wait that long." He paused, trying to remember if there was anything he'd forgotten. "Oh, and you guys can stay in the old farmhouse while you're there." He turned to Gray. "I'm sure the kids will love the mountain. It's so beautiful. Cav and I went hiking along this lovely trail higher up that ended in this gorgeous waterfall . Maybe you all can come a day or two early and we can take all the grandkids up there."

Gray fought a smile. "That sounds lovely." He paused. "Speaking of grandkids, they're outside playing in the pool, in case you're interested in an introduction?"

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Wynter asked, rising. He hustled for the back door and peeked outside. A teenager who looked familiar held a toddler as he splashed four little ones, who gave as good as they got or better.

"Lake, Auggie, stop egging them on," Gray said as he sidled up beside Wynter. "The two teenagers are my nephews, Avery's younger brothers."

"I only see one teenager," Wynter said, turning to Gray. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Cavanaugh near. He reached out a hand and tugged his alpha closer.

"The boy in the red shorts is Auggie. He's small for his age, but he's actually fourteen. He's holding our youngest, Emmanuel. We call him Manny. He just turned one. Jasyn's the one Lake's holding in the race car swim trunks. He's our middle terror who just turned three. The twins are Silver and James—who turned five a couple of months back. It's fairly easy to tell them apart given their size difference. Rohan's pretty sure James is an alpha and Silly's an omega and I tend to agree, but you never know."

Gray passed him and walked outside into the sun. He followed Gray and soon caught up. "Silly?" Wynter asked as soon as he did.

"Blame your son for that one. Wilder started calling him that and it's stuck, much to my chagrin," Gray said. "I'm even saying it now." Gray stepped closer to the pool. "Boys! Can you come to the edge for a minute? I need to talk."

Wynter smiled as they groaned and began making their way to the edge. Boys will be boys. They never liked to curtail their fun, even for a minute.

"This is Uncle Wile's papa, Wynter," Gray said, kneeling close to the edge and focusing on the twins. Gray glanced over his shoulder at Cavanaugh and smiled. "And Cavanaugh is Wynter's alpha."

"Hi," Silver said, waving his hand as the others simply stared.

"Remember how we talk about Papa Jamie and how much love he had in his heart for you?"

The twins nodded earnestly while Gray's nephews didn't appear to be paying much attention—and the youngest two likely didn't comprehend the connection yet.

"Wynter's also Papa Jamie's papa. And he'd like to spend some time with you… and get to know you. Isn't that cool?"

"I thought we didn't like Wynter?" Lake asked, cutting his eyes Wynter's way.

"Rohan and I sat down with Wynter and learned some things we didn't know, and he's apologized. When someone apologizes, we give them a second chance," Gray said.

"Sure," Lake said coolly.

"Does that mean you're our grandpapa?" Silver asked.

"I think that's a title I need to earn," Wynter said, kneeling to talk to the boy. "But I hope I can be someday."

Silver grinned. "Me, too."

The boys remained quiet, and Wynter knew it was awkward. It would be until he got to know them better. "Why don't you get back to swimming?" Wynter suggested. "Maybe I can dig out some trunks and join you in the pool?"

"Yeah!" Silver yelled excitedly before turning away and swimming toward his twin.

Wynter rose to his full height and watched them play.

"Silly's been a little obsessed with grandpas and grandpapas lately and asking a lot of questions about why he doesn't have any, so he'll likely be your number one fan," Gray said. "The rest will probably be a tougher audience."

"I already got that impression," Wynter said. "With a little patience and time, anything's possible." He turned to Cavanaugh and smiled. He wasn't sure if he could say he'd been patient when it came to Cavanaugh, but time had cured some of their problems.

His alpha smiled at him.

"Do you have any shorts in your overnight bag?"

"I don't… but perhaps Avery and Wilder can loan us a pair. I'll go ask," Cavanaugh said.

"Right behind you," Wynter said, but he stopped. A familiar face grabbed his attention. He noticed a manny seated under the umbrella at the end of the pool holding Emory in one arm. Not just a manny. The manny. "Cav, I'll be right there."

Wynter walked toward the end of the pool and his youngest grandson. As soon as the beta noticed him nearing, he laid Emory in a bassinet and rose to his feet. Wynter opened his arms and wrapped Alberto in a bear hug. "Oh, how I've missed you."

Alberto chuckled and hugged Wynter back tight.

When Wynter stepped back, he smiled up at the beta. "I was so pleased when I heard you were helping with Jamie, Gray, and Rohan's boys. I begged Warden to bring you back after he'd fired you, but it was like talking to a brick wall. I had no way to find you myself."

"It broke my heart to lose those babies. I'd been there since Jamie was an infant," Alberto said. "But, wrong place, wrong time."

"Why did Warden fire you?"

"I don't think it matters now," Alberto murmured. "It's in the past."

Wynter frowned. "All I ever saw was love and care from you, and my gut tells me it was innocent—but if there was cause behind it…" Wynter couldn't say the words out loud. He wouldn't accuse the man of something and hurt feelings.

"Oh, no no," Alberto said. "It wasn't for anything I did with the boys."

Wynter had known it in his gut. "I sensed it wasn't. Can you tell me what it was?"

Alberto sighed. "I don't wish to speak ill of the dead."

"He was a cruel man," Wynter said. "We've only just learned just how cruel now that he's gone. Speak all the ill you wish."

"Oh, I know how cruel he could be," Alberto said, the smile ebbing from his lips. He inhaled and sighed. "He made me sign a document stating I'd never repeat what happened."

"And he's no longer here to enforce it."

Alberto frowned. "I suppose you're right." He rubbed his hands together, the frown deepening. "As I was leaving one evening, I happened to walk past his car and inadvertently saw Mr. Warden inside—in the back with another man."

"Do you know who?"

Alberto winced. "No. All I know was it was another alpha. Mr. Warden became enraged. He threatened my life and that of my husband if I told anyone. The following morning, he called me into his study, cut me a check, made me sign that document saying I'd never tell another living soul—and then fired me once I'd signed it."

Wynter sighed. "I'm so sorry. Wilder and Jamie were so attached to you—and it broke my heart to see them distraught." He fought tears himself. "I recently learned that Warden had been feeding me pills that kept me foggy and tired. Had it not been for your loving care of them, I don't know what would've happened to my boys. Thank you for being there for them when I couldn't."

"He drugged you?" Alberto asked, wide eyed.

"Seems so. And I lost countless time with my children because of it."

"I knew you were struggling, and I felt so bad for you. I even once suggested finding a doctor for you, but Mr. Warden got very upset with me." Alberto hugged him. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Wynter."

"Just Wynter," he said, squeezing back. "I owe you too much for you to call me mister."

Alberto smiled at him. "Well, it was an honor taking care of your little ones. Now more than ever. I wish I could've seen them grow up, but now I get to cuddle with their children, which is almost as good."

"Me, too," Wynter said, smiling broadly. "At least I won't miss that."

"No," Alberto agreed. "Neither of us will."

"Well, I'm going inside to see if I can borrow some trunks and spend some time swimming with my grandbabies. We can talk more soon."

"I look forward to it," Alberto said, smiling.

Wynter paused a few steps out and turned back. "You know, I could see if there's another spare pair of trunks if you want to join us?"

Alberto chuckled. "I'm not much of a swimmer."

"It's not deep," Wynter said.

"I get to cuddle with Emory for a little while today. I think I prefer that."

"Maybe next time," Wynter said with a smile. He rushed to the house, ready to change. As soon as he stepped into the kitchen, he was swept into Cavanaugh's arms and a kiss planted on his lips. "Well, I love a welcome like that."

His alpha had already changed. He lifted a pair of trunks. "These are Avery's for you to wear."

"Just give me a couple of seconds and I'll be right out," Wynter said before he moved into the first-floor bathroom. By the time he'd changed and returned to the pool, everyone had jumped in. Avery sat on the edge with his legs dangling in, holding Emory under the shade of an umbrella. Wilder hovered close in alpha protective mode, one hand on Avery's thigh. Rohan tossed Jasyn and James into the water, lifting them high before letting them splash down, one after the other. Manny rested on Gray's hip and splashed in the water.

Cavanaugh chatted with Alberto at the end of the pool—the only two not in the water. As soon as his alpha noticed him, he ended his conversation and strode closer. "Ready to do this, grandpapa?"

"Better late than never, right?"

Cavanaugh offered a hand, and Wynter took it. His alpha led him to the stairs at the end and he winced at the coldness of the water.

"Are you kidding me?"

Cavanaugh dove under before inadvertently splashing Wynter on his way back up. "Just jump in."

Wynter shivered.

"Hey, Grandpapa, lookit me!" Silly said, dogpaddling by with two newly-added floaties almost as big as he was—one on each arm.

"What a good swimmer you are!" Wynter said, inching farther into the icy water, and trying not to cry after being called Grandpapa.

"Look what else I can do," Silly said before spinning in a circle a half-dozen times.

"Oh, I can do that one," Cavanaugh announced, doing a version of spinning of his own. "How was that?"

Silly giggled. "Good." His focus returned to Wynter, and he dogpaddled closer. "Aren't you coming all the way in, Grandpapa?"

"Of course I am," Wynter said, clenching his teeth. It was so cold, but the hell if he was missing a chance to enjoy the day with his grandchildren. He held his breath and dove under before leaping out. It wasn't much better. "Oh my!"

Silly swam a bit closer and wrapped his little arms around Wynter's neck. "There you are."

Wynter smiled at the boy, fighting tears. "You've got me!"

"I always wanted a grandpapa," Silly said with a grin.

"How about a grandpa?" he asked Silly. "You interested in one of those?"

Silly nodded.

Wynter pointed at Cavanaugh. "I think he might make a halfway decent grandpa, but we need to test him."

Silly giggled. "Maybe."

"Maybe?" Cavanaugh asked, pretending to be wounded. He twisted in the water again. "Do I get no credit for my twisting abilities?"

"I think we should see what other abilities he has," Wynter said to Silly. "What do you think?"

"Yeah," Silly said. "Do more tricks."

Cavanaugh spent the next five minutes doing more and more inane antics in the water, earning more and more giggles from Silly. James had even wandered over to investigate. Soon, Cavanaugh had all of the kids giggling and watching his foolishness.

And Wynter had never loved him more.

When Cavanaugh stopped, breathing roughly, he groaned. "I didn't realize working on grandpa status would be so taxing. I need to get in better shape."

"What's taxing mean?" James asked.

"Hard work," Cavanaugh replied.

"Homework is taxing," Auggie announced.

"A-fucking-men," Lake agreed.

"Language!" Rohan, Gray, and Avery snapped in unison.

"Sorry," Lake said. "Chill." He swam closer to Cavanaugh, shaking his head. "I heard you're the one who mentioned the exchange program to my uncle?"

"I was," Cavanaugh said. "Any news?"

"Nah. Not yet, but we've sent in an application," Lake said. "They said it's a bit late for the fall semester—even though it's barely summer—but maybe I'll get lucky."

"I hope you do," Cavanaugh said.

"Me, too." Lake smiled. "Thanks, Cav."

"You're welcome," Cavanaugh replied.

The smile faded when Lake turned Wynter's way. He swam off toward his brothers.

Wynter drifted toward his alpha. "I think you've got this whole grandpa deal sealed."

Cavanaugh dragged him closer. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Wynter whispered. He wrapped his arms around his alpha's shoulders and snuck a kiss.

"Well, technically, Lake is Avery's brother, so I guess that makes him a defacto son-in-law? Maybe?" Cav shrugged. "Though, he did call Rohan and Gray his parents the other day, so I suppose he could claim grandson status if he chose."

"We'll have to wait and see. At least you've already gotten on his good side, so that's a plus. You're several steps ahead of me."

"Aww , you'll catch up soon enough," Cav said before sneaking another kiss.

"I see you," Silly announced to the whole pool. "Grandpa and Grandpapa, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

Wynter let go of Cav, swam closer and scooped Silly into his arms before kissing the boy's cheek repeatedly. "I've got kisses for you, too." He dove in for a few more pecks.

Silly's belly laughter was infectious and reminded him of Jamie. He smiled, the memory breathtaking. It was then that he felt his firstborn there with them and knew Gray's claim to be true. Jamie watched over those boys. He would, too. Wynter looked around the pool at his beautiful family, no longer lost and alone.

He'd been found and given a tremendous gift with his second chance.

His gaze drifted to Wilder, who stood close to his father, the pair chatting away earnestly. It brought a smile to his lips at the same time it took his breath away, too. Silly kissed his cheek, dragging him from his reverie.

"You stole my kisses," Wynter cried. "I must get them back!" He dragged Silly closer and buzzed the boy's cheek a few more times.

James drifted closer watching them but kept his distance. Wynter smiled at him, but the boy quickly spun and headed for Gray. He sighed, refusing to push the boy or demand affection not willingly given. Hopefully, in time, all the boys would get used to his presence.

He owed the boys a million kisses for all the years he'd missed. The others might not be ready for them yet, but hopefully they would someday. Wynter would make sure his family knew they were loved, one way or the other. He knew what the alternative looked like, and he was never going back.