But as he pulled away, James felt a tug stronger than duty—a deep, primal pull toward Doreen, as if fate itself were urging him to go to her.
This mate bond is going to take some getting used to.
Chapter Seventeen – Doreen
The scent of cinnamon and hot chocolate greeted Doreen as she stepped into Daniel’s home. Laughter echoed from the living room, where Jake’s voice rose above the others, filled with excitement.
It brought her need for a home of her own, a family of her own, into sharp focus. For a moment, she stood completely still, absorbing the warmth of Daniel’s bustling home and wondering—achingly—what it would feel like to have a place where laughter and chaos belonged to her too.
“And then Bash foundallthe hidden treats! Even the one Teddy put inside the couch cushion!” Jake’s hands gestured wildly as he recounted their adventures to Maisie, who giggled in response.
Daniel appeared from the kitchen, dish towel slung over his shoulder, his smile warm and welcoming. “They’ve been like this all morning,” he said, nodding toward the children. “I don’t think Jake slept more than four hours, but he’s been having the time of his life.”
There was something reassuring about Daniel’s calm, the way he moved through his home like someone who’d weathered storms far greater than noisy children and still found joy in the small things.
“I hope they weren’t too much trouble,” Doreen said. Wishing she could find the words to thank Daniel. His offer for Jake and Bash to sleep over had been…life-changing.
But she suspected James would tell him and the others soon enough.
“Are you kidding? He’s welcome anytime. The kids adore him, and Bash has been the perfect guest.” She loved Daniel’s easy hospitality. “Coffee before you head out? The storm’s picking up.”
Doreen glanced toward the window where fat snowflakes had begun falling in earnest, the wind visibly stronger than when she’d arrived. “I should probably get them home before it gets worse, but thank you.”
Jake spotted her then, his face lighting up as he bounded across the room. “Aunt D! Did you know Teddy has a whole collection of dinosaurs? And Maisie showed me how to make paper snowflakes, and Daniel made pancakes shaped like bears!”
His cheeks were flushed pink with excitement, and despite the dark circles under his eyes, he radiated joy.
Bash appeared at Jake’s heels, his tail wagging with such force she half-expected him to lift off the floor entirely, all golden joy and unfiltered devotion. She kneeled to ruffle his golden fur, laughing when he tried to lick her face.
“Easy, buddy,” she murmured, warmth spreading through her. “I missed you, too.”
“Can we stay a bit longer?” Jake asked hopefully.
“No, we need to get going,” she said, offering Jake his coat. “The weather’s turning.”
“Turning into what?” Jake asked as he slipped his arms into his coat and zipped it up.
“A hippopotamus!” Maisie said, and she and Jake collapsed into giggles.
Daniel chuckled and shook his head. “They have the same sense of humor.”
“It’s good to see Jake so happy,” Doreen confided in Daniel. “He’s been worried about his dad.”
“He can come over again anytime,” Daniel offered. “Maisie and Teddy can’t wait to see Bash and Jake at the dog show. Jake has been showing off Bash’s talents.”
“That would be great,” Doreen said, then glanced at the weather outside the window. “Come on, we need to go, Jake. Put Bash on his leash.”
“Okay.” Jake clipped the leash onto Bash’s collar. “Bye, Maisie.”
“Bye.” Maisie kneeled down and hugged Bash. “Bye, Bash.”
“Teddy, Jake, and Bash are going now,” Daniel called up the stairs as he walked Doreen to the front door.
“Bye!” Teddy called, peering down the stairs.
“Bye, Teddy!” Jake called back.
“Thanks, Daniel,” Doreen said as she opened the front door.
