“It’s going to be cold tonight.” I set the card down and lifted the box lid, revealing an ivory cashmere blanket.
Robyn rejoined us. “Wow.That’s gorgeous.”
Melody leaned against the table. “I always knew Atticus was a nice guy, but this blows me away. Did you know Tak was so jealous after you got all those roses that he scoured the property for every last sunflower to give to Hope? He put them all in theirbedroom because he was afraid we might make jokes. These men are competitive when it comes to romance.”
“No complaints here,” Robyn said.
I took the card off the smaller box and read it aloud. “For the baby.”
This box opened differently, and I searched for the flaps at the bottom before carefully opening it and revealing a chocolate raspberry cake. “Gracious. He didn’t have to do all this.”
Melody leaned in and devoured it with her eyes. “Yum.”
“Here. You can put the flowers in these.” Cecilia returned to the room and held a crystal vase while I removed the flowers from the packaging. “We’ll cut the stems tomorrow since I couldn’t find the scissors.”
Melody rolled her eyes. “They’re probably hiding with the matches. This is what happens when people don’t put stuff back where it goes.”
I closed the box. “Virgil probably has matches. He lights those smelly incense sticks to ward off demons.”
Melody chuckled. “Sometimes I love that he’s a weirdo.”
Robyn smelled the flowers. “I read that white roses mean loyalty and innocence.”
I smiled and set the vase on the table. These gifts weren’t empty tokens but meaningful expressions of care.
Melody collected the box the blanket came in. “Have you slept with him yet?”
“Mel!” Cecilia gave her an admonishing look. “I’m sure that’s their private business.”
Melody twirled her pink hair. “Doesn’t hurt to ask. I’m just curious what has this man pulling out all the stops. We know how wonderful you are, but…” Her eyes skated down to my belly.
I knew what she meant. Melody couldn’t fathom why a successful, handsome man would court a pregnant woman, especially one carrying a lab experiment. It was a fair point.
I clutched the blanket. “I suppose it’s my perfume.” After returning to the sofa, I put the blanket over my lap and rubbed my itchy belly. “How well do you know him, Mel? Does he date many women? Have you ever seen a side to him that worries you?”
She collapsed on the connecting sofa and curled up on her side while Cecilia admired the flowers. “When he worked at my aunt’s bakery, women used to come in to catch a glimpse of him kneading dough and icing cakes. In the early years, he worked overnight to prep. But then he started helping her out in the daytime with large orders and stuff. People were curious why a Vampire was working for a Shifter, but he’s got that quiet charisma. His looks don’t hurt either. You really like him, huh?”
When Cecilia sat next to me, I shared half my blanket.
“I wouldn’t let just anyone court me. It shocks you, doesn’t it? Believe me, I never imagined myself in this position, but Atticus reminds me of who I am. I enjoyed staying in his home and getting to know him more intimately. To answer your question, we haven’t been together that way. He’s respectful. That’s not to say there isn’t chemistry between us.”
Robyn sat on the ottoman. “Is he loaded?”
Melody guffawed.
“What in the world’s so funny?” Mercy approached the back of the couch and rested her arms on it.
Sitting up, Melody said, “Robyn asked if Atticus is rich. Let’s just say he does well for himself. You know, he never struck me as a guy obsessed with wealth, and I didn’t evenknowhow rich he was until he bought the club. He’s always been a humble dude who doesn’t brag. Some guys are obsessed with telling everyone how many cars or houses they own. Blah, blah.”
“Some immortals are bad with their investments,” Mercy added. “Are you sure it’s a good idea to date a Vampire? I’m not trying to tell you what to do, but Vampires do bad stuff.”
“And Shifters don’t?” Robyn pointed out. “Vampires haven’t cornered the market on evil. I used to live with a lunatic.”
“Me too,” Cecilia added.
I drew the blanket to my nose and enjoyed the soft feel against my face. “He’s not like other men I dated in the past. Atticus is sweet. Thoughtful. It’s easy to be around him, and he’s invested in my happiness. I can’t imagine what he has to gain from this.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Robyn played with a button on her shirt. “You’re a catch. I used to think how lucky Salem was to have a woman like you, but I couldn’t quite figure out how you two fit together. He’s so reserved, and you’re just warmth and light. Even now I think he missed his chance. But I get it. You can’t force love.”
