Chapter 147

Almara’s Pov

The media tightens the circle around Robert and Roman, thrusting eager questions their way and shutting me and Arthur out. In the midst of this, one voice captures my attention.

“Almara! Almara!” I hear over the excitement. I turn around and instantly see who’s calling me. My mom and dad are pushing their way through the crowd.

“Mom? Dad?” I respond, mostly to myself. Wasn’t expecting that. Lily jumps in. Her voice startles me. I suppose crazier things have happened. I respond back. Just this week, alone. Lily adds.

I haven’t seen my parents since the complete disaster at Arthur and mines first wedding. I turn to look at Arthur realizing that was the last time he saw them too. Arthur begins to move, meeting my parents halfway and I stay close behind him.

“Margret and Bernard.” Arthur greets them warmly and respectfully, he reaches to give the ma hug, but my parents instinctively back away. I rapidly blink, there’s no way I just witnessed that. Why are they being so cold towards him? A swirl of lime green swirls above their heads showing uneasiness.

Why would they be uneasy around Arthur? I move to step in front of Arthur, hoping to shield him from any more of their rude behavior. “Oh, sweetheart.” My mother exclaims and wraps me in a hug.

“When we heard the news you were on trial for murder, well we just had to come.” I wince at how that sounds. Trial for murder. Not very lady-like. Though, glancing back at Roman he’s basking in the glory of that action.

“Yeah, well.” Is all I can manage to say. I guess that explains why they’re here, but that doesn’t offer any reason to why they aren’t happy to see their son-in-law. Before I can ask any further questions, my dad comes close.

“Listen, honey. Your mom and I think it would be best if you came and stayed with us again. Just for a little while.” He says trying to sound concerned, but I can’t help but pick up on the judgement in his voice.

What’s going on? Arthur’s voice echoes my own confusion. I look up at him so he can read my face that I’m hoping expresses the same lost feeling that he has.

“I can’t leave Grace any longer than I already have.” I tell them.

“Who’s Grace?” My mother asks, furrowing her brow in confusion. I bite my lip. Shoot. This is so not how I wanted to tell him.

“Almara and I have a child.” Arthur says unable to hide his adorable dad-grin. My parents balk at this surprising information. A series of emotions cross their faces, but ultimately overwhelming joy remains.

“How could you not tell us!” My mother says grabbing me by the arms to steady herself. “This is so wonderful.” She turns to my father and beams, “We’re grandparents!” My father’s cheeks redden from smiling so hard.

“Can we meet her?” He asks. I nod, thankful their uneasiness of Arthur has been replaced by joy.

“We actually should get going.” Arthur says nodding back toward the media. “It looks like they’re going to make their way over here.” I follow his gaze and see he’s right. The presence of my parents have captured some curious eyes. Besides, there’s no need to stay here a moment longer.

Roman has a limo waiting for us and we all pile inside. Cathy requests that we drop her off at home, saying she wants to take a shower and a long nap. I realize she and I are going to have to talk about our fight. Now that all is said and done, I feel so stupid about it all and I can only hope she does too.

The ride mostly consists of my parents asking eager questions about Grace and I’m happy to give them as much detail as they would like. Though whenever Arthur joins in the conversation, my parents clam up. Even Roman picks up on this and I worry he might lash out. The last thing I need right now is more conflict.

Robert on the other hand keeps to himself, staring out the window. I can only imagine how he must feel being made mortal.

Last we talked, he said he would consider drinking the potion, maybe he ultimately decided no and then the decision was made for him anyways. In a way I feel sorry for him, but that only lasts for a second.

When we finish talking about Grace, my parents want to know what my life has been like since the wedding. I let out a long sigh and a smile. It’s been crazy an there are some parts I certainly would have like to have never happened- but never a dull moment.

I recount as much as I can remember, leaving some unnecessary details out like the drama with Dana. Still, what I do fill them in on they don’t seem thrilled. In fact, their faces show concern. They even keep giving one another worry looks.

Eventually, Arthur puts his hand on my leg to tell me to stop talking. My mother lingers her eyes on Arthur’s touch a moment too long. “The good news is, it’s all smoothing sailing from here.” Arthur gives a gentle kiss on my hand and which makes me smile as though it’s our first date.

My mother forces a tight smile, but doesn’t say anything more. Only small talk is made the rest of the way home.

By the time the limo pulls up to the house, it’s late and I’m exhausted. A shower and sleep does sound perfect. Unfortunately, my parents have caught a second wind of energy now that they’re mere minutes away from seeing their grandbaby.

Before Roman can unlock the door, Elenor pushes the door open. “We heard you pull up and little Grace here got so excited her mommy and daddy was home.” I extend my arms and Grace leans her entire little body towards me and I scoop her into my arms.

A wave of peace settles over me and I think of what Arthur had said. Maybe all that’s left is smooth sailing. We’re home, everyone’s alive, and there’s nothing we can’t overcome when we’re together.

“She’s beautiful.” I hear my mother say, her voice filled with tears. As much as I don’t want to let go of Grace, I know my parents want to hold their grandchild. I pass Grace over to my parents and at first she resists, but quickly becomes curious about who these new faces are.

“Well, come on in.” Elenor says, holding the door opened clearly not wanting this meeting to happen right this second. My mom gives her a hurt kind of look and nuzzles grace closer to her heart.

“You had all this time with her. I’m only now seeing my grandchild.” My mom says and my eyes widen in shock. I’ve never heard my mother speak so plainly, let alone to the wife of the former Alpha.

“Fine, suit yourself.” Elenor says unphased and turns to walk inside, letting the door close behind her.

“Take all the time you need.” Roman says politely and goes after his wife. I turn to Arthur put a gentle hand on his arm.

“You go in. I’ll be in shortly.” I tell him, but move my eyes to point towards my parents, letting him know I need to talk to them in private.

Arthur kisses the top of my head. “I’ll get your parents room ready.” He says and wishes all a good night.

I turn to face my parents who already look like they have something they need to tell me. Why do I get the feeling that the smooth sailing ship just sunk?