"Yes ma'am," River confirms with a smile. "Sadie says hello, by the way. She was very excited when we told her what they were for."
Seth steps forward next, also presenting flowers. "It's nice to see you again, ma'am. Sir." He nods to both my fathers, his ears slightly pink but his voice steady.
Grayson is last, and I notice his bouquet is different—dark red roses mixed with something that looks artistic and deliberate, also unmistakably Sadie's elegant style. "Thank you,” he says politely, handing the flowers to Papa. "We appreciate you allowing us to take Bea out."
"Well," Papa says, clearly trying not to smile. "At least they have manners."
"No," I say from the stairs. "Nope. We're not doing this. We're going to be late?—"
"Bea, don't be rude," Mom scolds, but she's fighting a smile as she admires the flowers.
"Please," I beg the guys. "Can we just go? Don't encourage them?—"
"Come in, come in," Dad says, ignoring me completely and opening the door wider. "We'd love to get to know you all a bit better."
"We have a reservation!" I protest.
River spots me and his whole face lights up. "Hey, Bea. You look beautiful." His scent deepens, going warmer, richer—an alpha's instinctive response to seeing something he wants.
"Really beautiful," Seth adds, his ears going pink but his pupils dilating as he takes me in.
Grayson just looks at me for a long moment, his dark eyes intense, his jaw tight like he's physically restraining himself. "Stunning." His voice is rougher than usual, and I catch the spike in his scent—that darker spice going almost smoky with want.
Heat floods my cheeks, and my scent spikes—cinnamon and apple going thick and sweet with pleasure. I can't help the way my body responds to their attention, the way something in me preens under their combined gazes.
This is exactly what I’m not supposed to want. I’m supposed to be focused on your career, on myself, not melting because three attractive alphas think I look nice.
But I am melting. And I do want this. Even when I know I shouldn't.
"You guys didn't have to bring flowers for my parents," I manage to say.
"Of course we did," River says like it's obvious. "We're picking up their daughter."
"It's what you do," Seth agrees.
Mom is already putting the flowers in vases, looking far too pleased with this development. "So," she says brightly. "Tell us about yourselves. How did you all meet?—"
I give my parents the most intense warning look I can manage.Don't you dare.
Grayson catches my expression and smirks, clearly amused.
"Actually," River says smoothly, "we should probably get going. Don't want to lose our reservation."
"Of course, of course," Mom says, but she's beaming. "You boys have a wonderful time."
"And take care of our girl," Papa adds, the protective alpha edge showing through.
"Always," Grayson says quietly, and something in his tone makes my parents exchange pleased looks.
"Okay, we're leaving now!" I announce, grabbing my jacket. "Before anyone brings out baby photos or yearbooks?—"
"Oh, the yearbook!" Dad lights up. "With the purple gel pen?—"
"NOPE. We're going. Bye!" I practically shove the guys toward the door.
"It was lovely to meet you all!" Seth calls back, ever polite even as I'm herding them out.
"Bring her home safe!" Mom calls.
