CHAPTER 357: SMALL BUT POWERFUL

Andrew spent a significant part of the first part of the night while guests were still trickling in speaking to the omegas he had known in university. More came in, and Andrew was faced with the realisation that he had helped far more people than he had ever considered.

They were all sad to hear that Andrew’s Mom had passed if they hadn’t known, and after a few of the others explained that was the reason why Andrew had dropped all contact with everyone after, they became far more sympathetic.

Richard wandered off at one point once he realised that his parents and sister had arrived, and Andrew watched him go over to the group like a hawk. Thankfully, Maxwell was doing the same from his side, and when the two made eye contact, Andrew felt his whole body relax with affection. He blew Maxwell a kiss, fully expecting the man to do nothing, but froze in wonder as the man pretended to catch it and shove it in his pocket.

Andrew melted.

"I’m going to marry that man." He muttered out loud and Maria let out a loud laugh.

"Yeah? From what you said earlier, it sounds like Maxy’s already prepared." She teased and Andrew turned around, his face warm. Andrew couldn’t meet her gaze and Maria’s eyes went wide. "No! Really?" Andrew covered his face. He’d stopped himself at one drink, and that was the smart move. Not that he was tipsy, but he could feel that if he’d had another alcoholic beverage before him he’d have drunk it in one sip.

"Maria, he bought collars before I even manifested." All of the omegas gasped, several covering their mouths before a collective awe went around them.

"Oh he like likes you! That’s so sweet, Andy!" Jess gushed. Harvey was nodding. Maria snorted.

"What kind of collars? Wait, he got multiple? Is he wearing one tonight?" She asked and Andrew flushed. He was, but Andrew didn’t want to tell them that.

Fiona narrowed her gaze, leaning forward.

"Oh, he has many, huh? Guessing that we can’t see it with his suit, it must be a lower, or thinner one today, hmm?" Fiona suggested, and Andrew flushed. It was one of the leather ones, and Andrew wasn’t going to tell them anything. More for Maxwell’s peace of mind.

"That’s his choice." Andrew said, and Maria let out a howl of laughter.

"Oh, his choice huh? That’s not what the collars are about, Andy. I am sure he noticed which one you were looking at and chose that one for today." Andrew couldn’t even say anything to defend himself from Maria’s words. Maxwell, the hellion, had left the collar box open on the bed and Andrew had been considering which one would be best with his outfit. He’d had two in his mind, both leather and a tone that wouldn’t contrast with his outfit, but he didn’t know which one he’d chosen. Andrew was going to leave that for the Andrew of the night to find out.

"He can scheme all he wants, and I have no problem with that. I like him as he is, even if he’s a planner. That’s fine. We work for each other." Andrew said and Maria’s grin was wide and bright.

"So? How did the ring shopping go?" She asked and more gasps went around the group. Harvey was nearly out of his chair. He was so excited.

"Rings?! Andrew Knox!" Andrew flushed.

"I...got an update from the jeweler. It’s almost done." Andrew said, his face burning and Maria gasped, her blue eyes sparkling.

"Oh Andy! I’m so excited! When do you think you’ll have the wedding, because obviously Maxy is saying yes to you." Andrew knew that too, but it was nice to hear others say the same thing to him. Maria said it like it was obvious and Andrew felt a tentative smile on his face.

"Well, his Mom and Maxwell have been chatting about it already. They want Amir to be able to come, so not near his due date, and while I haven’t fully voiced my opinions, I agree. So...probably next spring? Not this one coming up." Andrew clarified and all of them lit up.

"Oh my goodness! The Andrew Knox is getting married? I’m so excited!" Harvey said, clapping his hands. "Oh, if only those silly idiots from school could see you now! How happy you are, who you’re marrying, and how kind and sweet you still are." Harvey sighed heavily. "I would love to be in laws with you. I bet you’re a great brother-in-law. Too bad I don’t have any siblings, and you’re so in love with Maxy." Harvey did actually seem upset about that, and as soon as it was brought up, everyone else made the same sigh.

Andrew wasn’t even sure why they were behaving like this. A brother-in-law? That was...slightly unexpected.

"A brother-in-law? That’s only a title. I can still treat you all like my siblings if you want me to." Andrew said and they all started laughing.

"Be careful. If you say that, we’ll never leave you alone." Fiona warned and Andrew’s expression warmed.

"We bought a house with enough rooms so I could entertain. Maxy was fine with it." Jess gasped.

"You’ve already bought a house with him? You’re living with him? Andy, that’s-"

"Andy my dear boy, this is where you are? Move over. It’s a good thing our Maxy doesn’t get jealous." It was Amir’s grandmother who spoke, and when Andrew turned, Andrew noticed that Amir was also with him. Both were smiling at him, and Andrew moved over willingly, helping Amir sit down carefully, doing the same with his grandmother.

Both sat on either side of him, both resting their hands on his thigh comfortingly.

"Everyone, meet Amir, Ben’s husband, and his grandmother." Andrew introduced and Amir’s grandmother laughed.

"Andy, we all know each other. You’re the new one here." Andrew felt his face warm. That was right. They had to have known each other before now. Andrew was the one who was unfamiliar. No one made him feel awkward about it though, and were all smiling at him warmly.

"I, uh..." He just trailed off and Amir’s grandmother laughed, patting his thigh.

"It’s fine, Andy. Why don’t you introduce me to your friends? I know them in a different way, why don’t you tell me about how you know them? Besides Maria, of course." He said with a wink and Andrew relaxed. He nodded, and then did as was asked of him.

They spent a bit more time talking to each other, laughing and conversing before Andrew felt the twinge and he met the threshold of how long he could be away from Maxwell while in the same room.

It was almost like everyone else could see it happen too, all of them giving him a knowing look as he got to his feet.

"I’m going back, are you two wanting to join me?" Andrew asked and Amir smirked up at him, all soft smiles and hands on his slightly protruding belly.

"No Andy. I’m going to stay here, but if you could send Ben our way, as well as my grandpa, I’d love that." Andrew nodded, his smile warm as he looked over Amir.

"Ugh, I don’t know how Maxy is holding back." Harvey muttered, and Andrew laughed.

"He’s got a strong will." Andrew said with love in his voice. "He keeps me in check." Amir chuckled.

"The Becketts are stubborn, you can just say it." Amir teased and Andrew chuckled.

"No, he’s not stubborn. That’s my characteristic." Andrew said, a little proud. "He’s already said so." Andrew puffed his chest out, and everyone laughed. He left them with a wave at that, his eyes zeroing in on where Maxwell was in the room quickly.

Andrew started moving towards his lover, ignoring pretty much everyone else in the room as he made his way over to him, even as some people called out to him. Maxwell was speaking to a few alphas, all taller than him, and when he noticed Andrew approaching, he did a double take before his serious expression broke out into a smile. Andrew noticed he had a new drink in his hand, his suit was in a perfect state and as Andrew approached, he opened his arms slightly.

Andrew dove in, not even paying attention to the men who were obviously powerful, and hugged his lover against him, breathing in his scent. Maxwell’s soft chuckle filled his ears as Maxwell wrapped his arms around him.

"How is my baby doing?" Maxwell asked softly, and Andrew let out a soft sigh.

"Tired. They asked so many questions." Andrew muttered, inhaling his scent more. Maxwell continued chuckling.

"Did you at least have a good time? I saw that Amir and his grandmother joined you, along with Maria." Maxwell asked softly, lovingly and Andrew sighed.

"Yeah. It was nice to see everyone. I didn’t think I would know so many people when I came here." Andrew admitted.

"I also didn’t realise you would know so many omegas either, Baby." Andrew stiffened, and Maxwell really laughed. "Don’t worry, I’m not getting mad. I know who you are, Baby. I know you’re just a good guy. I’m glad that you have friends, and it doesn’t surprise me that you didn’t know too many alphas. You’re a safe space for most omegas." Andrew appreciated that the man understood him, and wasn’t getting jealous even when he was having separation anxiety.

"They told me that they’re happy I have someone like you in my life." Andrew admitted, not caring that others were around. "I agree. You’re such a sweetheart." Andrew gushed and felt Maxwell stiffen. Andrew loved seeing how pink his ears were as he pulled away, pressing a kiss against his cheek. Andrew grinned down at the man as he slowly pulled away, straightening himself up.

He then reached out and smoothed out Maxwell’s suit from all wrinkles. Maxwell coughed, smiling up at Andrew while the other alphas around them shifted nervously. They had never seen Maxwell be so sweet and domestic. Andrew felt a warm tingly feeling in his stomach as he watched him.

"Sorry for interrupting everyone. I just needed my Max fix." Andrew said with a wide smile and he could feel how the other men were staring at him. And his sharp canines. Andrew’s grin widened even further, going into a slight uncanny territory until they all broke eye contact with him.

Andrew turned, wrapping an arm around Maxwell’s shoulder and staying close. Maxwell wrapped his arm around Andrew’s waist, giving it a squeeze as he took a sip of his whiskey. Then, he picked up from where they had been talking, and the others slowly contributed as well. Maxwell was so damn sweet.