Honestly, I haven’t given a lot of thought to having kids. It felt too abstract of a concept as it hinged on me finding a man—or men—I liked enough. My mind momentarily strays to thoughts of a mini-Laz with orange curls, Ren reading bedtime stories, Damon teaching them to ride a bike, and Cole fainting from a messy finger-painting session.
“Okay, I think that’s enough questioning for now!” I decide, bringing myself back to reality. It’s not something we’ve even spoken about as a pack yet. “They’re taking good care of me, Gram. I promise.” I check the time. “I think it’s probably time we head back.”
“You’ll all have to come visit Clover Hollow over the holidays,” Gram suggests. The mood instantly lightens now that the heavy topics are out of the way. “I’ve been thinking of renovating the shop for years, and I could certainly do with the extra hands.”
“Cole and I know our way around lumber,” Damon tells her. “We can help with anything you need.”
“I can’t promise I’d be any good at construction.” Laz scratches his chin. “But I could do some painting.”
“I’m not exactly the DIY type.” Ren’s mouth turns down.
“Heavens, you don’t need to be, Ren,” Gram replies. “You’ll be working with me brewing.”
He rolls back his shoulders, instantly brightening up.
After Gram and the guys say their goodbyes, I hang behind. “We’ll meet you outside in a minute,” I tell them, needing a few moments alone with her.
“Well?” I ask as soon as they leave. “Do they have your special seal of approval?”
“You never really needed my approval, Faye.” She cradles my face between her soft palms. “You’re a young woman now. You make your own decisions, and you have a strong head on your shoulders. I raised you right, and I trust your judgment. Anypack you picked would be the right one.” She must sense that I’d still like her opinion because she then says, “But if it means that much to you, then yes. You have my approval.”
Brow furrowed, she tilts her head, eyes roaming over my face. “What is it, Hedgey? I thought you’d be pleased? There’s something on your mind.”
“It’s not that.” I struggle to find the right words. “I guess I don’t feel like I’m worthy of them, so I keep asking myself the question, am I enough?”
“Oh, Faye,” she sighs. “You’ve found good men—kind men—who see what I do. Your softness has always been your biggest strength.” She gives me a massive hug that melts my insecurities away. “You’ve found your alphas, sweet girl. You are scent matches for a reason. Never forget that.”
“Thank you.” I hold her tight, wishing she didn’t have to leave in the morning. “For everything.”
“Wherever you are, I’m always with you.” She pulls away then gently pokes my chest. “Right here. With your mom and dad. Never forget that.”
I nod, transported back to my childhood. It’s what she used to say whenever I woke up crying because of night terrors, something that used to happen a lot.
“Let’s not keep your alphas waiting in suspense for much longer,” she winks at me.
With her arm around my shoulder, we head out to find the guys waiting next to a taxi. “Frank will drive you back to the hotel, Ms. Nightingale,” Cole insists. “It’s too dark for you to walk.”
Frank grins. Did he gel his hair when we were eating? It’s combed to one side, slicked over to cover his bald patch.
“Thank you.” She dips her chin. “But please call me Betty, or Gram. Whichever you prefer. We’re all family now. And keep intouch, won’t you? I can’t be hearing all my news from theValley Voice.”
Laz raises his eyebrows. “You follow theValley Voice?”
“Don’t ask,” I mutter.
“And you.” She turns to me, kisses her thumb, then strokes along my chin, leaving her scent there. The smell of home wraps around me like a warm blanket. “Take care of yourself, Hedgey. And no more secret bondings, okay?”
“I promise. No more secrets,” I vow. “Text me when you get back safe, okay?”
Frank opens the door for her, and she hops inside. We stand and wave her off until the car turns out of sight.
“Well?” Laz asks as soon as they vanish around the corner. “Did she like us?”
“You officially get her seal of approval,” I declare.
“All right!” Laz whoops, making Cole roll his eyes, his smile betraying how pleased he is too.
“Come on.” Damon puts his arm around my shoulders. “Let’s get you home. I can feel you getting tired.”
