Carter's Savior

Thirty-Eight

Sloan's POV

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" My grandparents yelled as we all walked into my great-grandparent's house. 

The entire family was already here and the Christmas festivities were already in full swing. We were told to wear Christmas colors, so the house was full of Mickayas wearing red, green, and white.

The noise from the chatter hit my ears as Carter and I walked in. Everyone was happy to see Carter more than me. But I think they were also excited to show him their signing. It warmed my heart to see, that they all learned it for him. It made me love my family even more.

I had presents in my hand and Carter had some in his. I had no idea what he got me, but I was over the moon excited to show him what I had. Especially the last one. His ring.

I've never been so nervous in my life, but my heart racing in my chest. 

I got pulled away by some of my cousins, them all talking about shit that happened in school or whatever else they have going on. My grandma and her sisters were all in the kitchen cooking with my Aunts as well. 

Florence and Delany sat at the bartop watching them, wanting to join in but they were still too young. And like my Aunt Kona says they need more practice when it comes to cooking soul food. 

My Pops was off talking with my grandpa, and my dad was talking with Uncle Q, Uncle Vin, and Uncle Cristoff. 

That wasn't even half of the people in this house right now. I'm sure there were about fifty shifters walking around here, but I loved it. The Mickayas were a big family, and we liked it that way. I hope Carter liked it too. Because I would love to fill our home up with as many pups as possible.

I walked to the giant Christmas tree that sat in the corner of the even bigger living room and placed Carter and I's gifts down. Carter and I decided to wrap ours in Car's wrapping paper so they wouldn't get mixed up with everyone else. 

My hands shook as I placed the box down that held Carter's ring. I wanted to hold onto it, so it wouldn't get lost but I knew it would be way too obvious if I did. So I made a quick prayer to the goddess and was on my way. 

I walked to the kitchen to make sure I said hi to all my great-aunts and my nana. It smelled amazing. I had no idea what they were cooking, but I knew it was going to make me take the biggest nap afterward.

"Look at my baby, Sloan!" My nana yelled as I walked towards her. Her face lit up with excitement as she put the spoon down and pulled me into a hug. "My big boy! I've missed you." She gave me a firm kiss on the cheek and a bright smile found its way to my face.

"Hi, Nana. I missed you, too."

Carter came into the kitchen, which caught everyone's attention. They all pulled him in for a hug and my nana hugged him last. 

"Oh! Carter, let me tell you. Sloan sent the mac n cheese recipe that was from your mom and so I used that for dinner tonight. Is that okay?"

I felt my face heat up as my nana told him. I should have told her not to say anything, I wanted it to be a surprise. But the way Carter looked at me, with so much love in his eyes it made me happy that she did. He nodded and pulled her into a hug and I saw a tear fall down his face. When she pulled away and went back to cooking, Carter was before me within an instant, gripping my sweater and looking up at me with his big eyes.

'You sent her the recipe?' He mindlinked to me and I smiled.

'Of course, I wanted you to feel at home here. Plus it's so much better than Aunt Khelani's but don't tell them I said that.' Carter laughed and so did I. I felt the world fade around us as I looked at him. The only thing I saw was his bright green eyes and his perfect smile.