“Yes,” he confirmed. “It seems Grady thinks that my omega here would be a great asset to the Gazette, and gave her a job opportunity. I can’t let my whole pack live here without me, can I?”
We all flinched as Karina let out a screech that reached decibels I didn’t know were possible. Then she was flying around the table, pulling Cole into her arms before doing the same to me. She was fanning her face, trying to dry up the tears.
“You’re going to have my makeup all runny before the family dinner tonight,” she complained, but there was no heat behind it. Their mom was thrilled to have her boys back at home, and I couldn’t blame her. They were pretty great.
She finally sat back down, and we resumed eating.
“You know, there’s actually a storefront open downtown. It’s the corner one on the edge of Main and South Street,” North said. “It used to be two separate storefronts, but when the old library was there they expanded.”
“I actually work with the realty company that’s selling it. I could put out feelers if you want,” Jack offered.
“I would love that,” Cole said, looking relieved. “I really feel like this is a good move for the pack.”
“Then we’ll make it happen,” I said firmly. It was the last piece we really needed to fall into place.
Jack was typing away on his phone now, ignoring us as the conversation went on. North and Karina were discussing dinner plans.
I leaned closer, my hand resting on his arm. Just like that, his focus was on me.
“Question,” I murmured. “Are you sure about this?”
“Absolutely,” he promised. “I want my pack happy. And this place makes you guys happy.”
He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his soft smile reassuring. We finally turned back to our food, finishing up. We were just about to stand, when Karina interrupted.
“I was wondering if I could steal my future daughter-in-law here to go shopping. Maybe we can pick out a new outfit for the dinner tonight, and I can give you all the latest gossip.”
That sounded much better than sitting around and worrying all day.
Karina had us out of the house within an hour. My pack took over dishes while I disappeared upstairs to get ready.
I slipped on something comfortable and festive, bundling up to face the Colorado cold. Just as I reached the bottom of the stairs, Cole was there waiting. I took a breath in of pine, cinnamon, and smoke.
He slipped something into my hand, his eyes burning into mine.
“I know that you’re independent and you can handle yourself, but frankly, I don’t want you to have to worry about a thing when you go shopping today. I want you to enjoy truly shopping for Christmas. And I have more than enough to spare. Take it.”
I glanced down at the black credit card in my hand, eyes widening and throat growing dry.
He was handing me his credit card with no limitations. That trust meant something to me, and honestly, if my pack wanted to do something sweet, I was going to accept it.
“Thank you,” I said, leaning up and giving him a sweet kiss before putting the card safely in my wallet. “I’ll keep it safe.”
“Both of you be safe,” he said firmly.
“It’s Pine Ridge,” Karina said, rolling her eyes. “Come on. Let’s get out of here before these alphas stifle us.”
Karina wasn’t much for silence. She filled the entire drive to the antique shop with chatter. I listened, chiming in when necessary, as I took in the wintery landscape.
I soaked in every moment of her stories about the boys’ past and her life here in Pine Ridge. How the Hawthorne name meant something here. Which made sense giving her pull with the Mayor.
“Here we are,” she said, pulling up to a huge, brick building. It was at least four stories, a giant sign on the front boasting about rare and unique antiques.
“This place looks incredible,” I said, hurrying out of the car and following her inside.
We split up long enough to browse the aisles, coming back to each other every so often and showing off our finds. I had a basket hanging off my arm that I filled with small knick-knacks and things I found.
I wasn’t sure what Jack had in the way of baseball cards, but when I found a box full of them tucked away in the back, I easily put it in my cart, not caring how much it was.
