CHAPTER 40: I knew this day would come...

Ricco
I'm sitting on the porch after dinner, enjoying some whiskey when I see Celeste and Randol walking toward the house hand in hand. Ah, young love. I have honestly never seen her look so happy. The way she looks at him is the same way Arianna used to look at me. I'm sad to let her go, but she is in good hands.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite girl."
"Oh, hey, Daddy. We were just coming to find you. You and Mr. Woods, actually."
"I'll call Dad and have him meet us out here then. Excuse me." Randol steps away to call his dad. I can see an annoyed look cross his face as he listens to him.
"Taking an after - dinner walk?"
"Kind of. Randol wanted to see if he was healed enough to shift without tearing any of the stitches I put in."
"How did it go?"
"He did really well, actually. No further injury. No pain. Full range of motion. I'm very relieved."
"Good. I'm glad he's going to be at full strength when he goes with you to find Donnelly."
"I know you worry, Daddy, but everything will be fine."
"I'm your father, worrying is my job."
"I know exactly how you feel, Ricco." Thomas sits down on the chair next to me with his own drink in hand.
"Hey, Dad." Randol greets his dad as he strides back up on the porch. "Well, now that you're both here, I have something I want to say." Randol closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. I think I know
what's coming. "Mr. Torelli, I have claimed Celeste. She is my destined mate. I didn't plan this to be so quick." I just stare between the two, but out of the corner of my eye I can see Thomas watching me instead. Calm down, Thomas. I had a feeling. "That's not all, though. I know for our pack, we are already married, but I want to really marry her, and she agreed." My daughter smiles the most gorgeous smile up at him as he speaks. She's my world. I care only about her happiness.
"Well, congratulations, guys, and welcome to the pack, Celeste." Thomas gets up, and hugs them both. They all turn to me, like everyone is just waiting for my head to explode or something. I guess I can understand.
I slowly get to my feet. "Well, I guess we have a wedding to plan," I say only this as I smile at them. Celeste nearly tackles me, though. "Oomph! Easy, I'm old and fragile." Celeste laughs against my chest.
"Yeah right. Do I need to remind you of the nurses in my department, Daddy?"
"Whoa, wait a minute, Ricco, I definitely want to hear about the nurses!"
"She's delusional, Thomas, pay her no attention."
"I'm really glad that you are okay with this, Mr. Torelli. Celeste means more than life itself to me."
"I know that, Randol. That is why I am oddly calm about all this."
"Oh my god! Wait! I changed my mind. I can't marry you!" I
look at a very loud Celeste, and I can see the panic on her face.
"Celeste. What do you mean you can't marry me? What changed
in the last five damn seconds?"
"Randol! I haven't even met your mother! What if she doesn't want you to marry me? Oh my god, what if she doesn't want us to be together at all?" She is breathing heavy. She is so upset. Not a smart move on their part but both Woods men are laughing at this point. "What are you two laughing at? This is serious."
"Celeste, all Randol's mother has talked about since she had him is the day he finds his mate. On his twenty - seventh birthday she cried, because she just knew she was going to die never being a grandmother."
"As embarrassing as it is, Dad speaks the truth. Mom will love you just as much as I do. Now that I think about it, we may not want to live anywhere near her. There is a real chance she will try to steal you for herself." Thomas laughs, but I think he's laughing because Randol is right.
"Celeste, sweetheart, you love Randol, right?" She smiles slightly and nods. "That is all any parent could want for their child. Just someone with a good heart that has enough love to make them happy for the rest of their lives. You have both of those things, and so, so much more, so calm down."
Her face lights up. "Thank you, Daddy. I'll try not to panic." She then turns her attention to Randol. "I do want to meet her, though. Soon, Randol."
"Anything you want, Princess." Hearing him refer to her as princess makes me smile, because I know he means it.
"Now, I want to congratulate you properly with an engagement party before you run off to New York."
"You don't have to do that, Daddy."
"I want to, Celeste. Please? It's just as much for me as you."
Sigh. "All right, Daddy. For you. Anyway. I'm heading to bed. I don't think I have really caught up on my sleep from the previous few days. Night, gentlemen." We all say good night and watch her stroll through the front door.
"Well, Ricco, I guess we're going to be in - laws soon. Should we head inside and get another drink to celebrate?"
"Sounds good to me. Randol, care to join us?"
"You sure you guys want me ruining your fun?"
"Ruin is a strong word, son. It's also accurate, but we want you there anyway."
"That's right, it's hard to toast my brave soon - to - be son - in - law if he isn't there."
"What do you mean brave?"
I almost fall over laughing. "Oh, Randol. You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into, do you? Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough." I put my arm around his shoulders and lead him to the parlor to put some alcohol on those frazzled nerves I just caused. Hang on, buddy, it's gonna be an interesting life.