Christopher stepped in, punching Daniel lightly on the arm. “Hey. You think you’re the only one who doesn’t get his Christmas wish come true? Not a chance.”
Daniel rolled his eyes, but the hope was there, flickering beneath the surface. “I hope not. Those kids deserve more than just me.”
James watched his friend’s face, recognizing the mix of hope and fear that had become so familiar in his own heart. “They’re lucky to have you,” he said. “And so will she be, whoever she is.”
“Okay. Okay. Enough about me,” Daniel said, turning back to James. “Let’s focus on your mate problem. When are you going to tell her?”
James ran a hand through his hair, exhaling slowly. “I don’t know. I want to give her time to get to know me first. To trust me. So when I do tell her, she’ll at least hesitate before running for the hills.”
“Smart,” Michael nodded. “But don’t overthink it.”
Daniel stretched, rolling his shoulders. “Well, I need to head back. Early start tomorrow. I can’t keep up with this Christmas rush unless I’m baking by 5 a.m.”
“The price of success,” Christopher said, clapping Daniel on the shoulder.
James turned to look out over the ridge once more. His senses locked onto Doreen.
You know the price of our success?his bear asked.
No, James said,but I get the feeling you are about to tell me.
His bear rolled his eyes.The price of our success with our mate…isour mate.
Chapter Eleven – Doreen
Doreen fluffed up the pillows and straightened the throw on the sofa for the third time as her eyes drifted toward the clock on the wall.
8:55. With each tick of the minute hand, the knot in her stomach wound tighter.
As if drawn by some invisible force, she went to the window and peered out at the snow-covered path before turning back to straighten the same cushions she’d already fluffed three times.
Jake’s laughter filled the cabin as he rolled across the floor with Bash, the golden retriever, playfully tugging at his sock. The contrast between their carefree roughhousing and her methodical fussing highlighted just how tightly wound she truly was.
“Sit still, you goof,” Jake giggled as Bash flopped onto his back, paws waving in the air.
Doreen smoothed her sweater, running her palms over the soft burgundy wool. What was wrong with her? She was acting like a lovesick teenager waiting for her prom date, not a grown woman waiting for another dog training session with the local deputy.
But that was the effect a certain Deputy Pike had on her. Whether she liked it or not.
And if she were honest, after her conversation with Sorcha yesterday, she was ready to like it. More than ready.
Which was why she’d been up since six, showered, dressed, made breakfast, and still found herself with too much nervous energy and nearly an hour to kill. Because she could not wait tosee him again. To feel that connection that flared between them whenever he was close.
Damn, she hoped he wasn’t late. If he were, she might lose her mind. And the pillows might lose their stuffing from too much fluffing.
She’d always valued punctuality, perhaps too much. Walt had been chronically late, always with an excuse, always making her wait. In those final months, she’d come to see his tardiness as just one more small betrayal.
James arriving on time today would mean something. Proof that he kept his word. Proof that he wasn’t Walt.
Jake looked up from the floor, catching her glance at the clock again.
“Is Deputy Pike coming soon?” he asked, holding Bash’s front paws as the dog tried to lick his face.
“Yes. Any time now.” Doreen nodded, trying to appear casual while her heart seemed determined to outpace the ticking clock. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, wondering if she should have put it up instead of leaving it loose.
The seconds ticked by, each one stretching longer than the last. She moved to the kitchen, wiping down the already clean counter just to have something to do with her hands.
At precisely nine o’clock, Bash’s ears perked up first, his entire body going still for a split second before he bolted upright. Then, a firm knock sounded at the door. Doreen jumped, even though she had been expecting it.
