He squeezed his daughter tight. "You sure did a good job. And I appreciate it. She helped me a bunch today, while we decorated and got everything ready."
"Before we talk more about the preparation, do you have an answer?"
"Oh my God. Of course, it's yes."
Oh thank God. He breathed a huge sigh of relief. He took the ring from the box and slid it on her finger. “Now you're my fiancé," he said.
He relished that title. It wasn't something shifters used, but it meant something to her now.
"Does this mean we can have a human wedding too?"
"Absolutely. We can have whatever you want,” Roman said.
"Daddy said I could be the flower girl if I want to," Eliza said.
"We also need to have a formal mating ceremony. I think it's time. Most of the pack has accepted us."
"I agree. I'm ready anytime. I think everyone who was going to object to us has already done so. I think it will help cement those that might have a few lingering doubts."
"Should I get started planning it?" Everleigh asked.
Eliza grew bored, so Everleigh sent her to play.
"If you want to. There are plenty of people who would love to help, or you can do it yourself. Or I'll help, whatever you want.” He was just so freaking relieved that she'd said yes.
"I also want to formally ask you to be my mate.” He held out a leather necklace, one that he had braided and cured himself.
It was a tradition among their packs and she knew that. Bears had similar traditions. They used items they could obtain easily in nature.
"Roman, I would love to be your mate," she whispered. She leaned up on her tiptoes and their lips met. "I want you," she said.
“Where’s Eliza now?” He was enjoying a family moment, but now he needed to make love to his mate.
“She’s already with Rosy. I can hear them.”
“Ah.” He tilted his head. "And… now I can hear her playing with them too."
"So we’re alone," Everleigh said.
"We are alone," Roman said. He carefully unbuttoned each button on her dress shirt. He lovingly unzipped her skirt. He hung both over a tree branch.
“You’re so lovely,” he said. He stood behind her. He moved the shimmery stands of her hair aside and kissed the back of her neck. He kissed all over her back, running his hands over her backside. She’d told him once that she never felt more feminine than when he had his hand on her like that.
“I want to take you out here, against this tree,” he said.
“I want that too.” She pushed her bottom back against his erection, making him groan. He gripped her hips and rubbed up against her. “Feel that? You make me so hard.
“Are you wet for me?” he asked.
“Why don’t you find out?” she said, keeping her voice low and sultry.
His growl rumbled in his chest. He ripped her panties off, tossing them to the ground. He lifted her up, carrying her to a nearby tree with a wide trunk. He took her small wrists and placed her hands against the tree. “Stay like that. I’m going to take you from behind.”
“Please. Hurry.”
He loved it when she needed him so much.
She arched her back, and he ripped his own clothes off. His cock was hard and leaking. He ran his hand between her legs, over her mound. He rubbed his fingers over her entrance, gathering slick.