Glenn stuck his head out, looking at Sawyer. “Are you through out here? Buttercup is getting worried the Big Boss Man is chewing you a new one.”
Laughing, Jackson rose. “Tell Alex his mate is safe.”
“I’ll be right in,” Sawyer said. After Glenn disappeared, he got up and, giving his cousin a big hug, murmured, “Thanks.”
Smirking, Jackson said, “Go…see me after Mac is finished. Steel has assigned a special suite for you guys…one he outfitted with a huge bed.”
Nodding, Sawyer opened the examination room door, Smiling at Alex. “Here I am, sweetheart, all in one piece.”
Smiling to himself, Jackson headed to Zane’s computer room, hoping to find some good news awaiting him there.
~/~/~/~/~
Hearing a soft knock on his door, Brady put his ear against it but heard nothing. Chewing his lower lip, he considered not responding since he wanted time to himself. Everything had been a bit overwhelming since leaving his cottage that morning and he was slightly off balance. After leaving the discussion with Jackson, he’d been looking forward to a quiet evening, but it seemed he wasn’t going to get his wish. It was a lesson he learned during his childhood from his nanny who never tolerated any behavior that could be viewed as impolite. Inwardly sighing, he called out. “Who is it?”
“Brady? It’s Theo.”
Smiling, Brady quickly undid the lock before opening the door. “Hi Theo, I was just having more of your delicious cookies. Come in.”
Grinning, Theo walked over to the table, claiming one of the chairs. “I’m so glad you like them. Here’s the recipe I promised you.” Taking a folded piece of paper out of his pocket, he handed it to Brady. “They’re really easy to make, especially since you grow roses. I’ve started using edible flowers in my cooking but I usually have to buy them.”
“Why don’t you plant your own?” asked Brady, glancing up at Theo while he unfolded the paper.
“I thought about it, but I’d have to learn more about growing plants. And right now, with Dakota unable to do much cooking because of doctor’s orders, my free time is mostly spent researching and trying recipes for the pack. Maybe after he’s back in the kitchen, I can plant a garden and give it a try.”
“I think it’s something you’d enjoy...it can be very rewarding. My roses bring me so much peace. And I have several books I can send you when I get home. They list all the edible flowers, where they grow the best and how to take care of them…there are even recipes included. It’s how I got interested in roses.”
“Do you only grow roses, now, or do you still grow other flowers?” asked Theo.
“Only roses,” Brady said, smiling. “My girls are my passion.”
“Girls?”
“Yes, I call them my girls and give each a name.”
“Oh, I love that! I did that with a patch of wildflowers back home. They grew in this secret clearing deep in the forest. I found them by accident one time when I was on the hunt for some honey. It ended up as my favorite spot and I spent many summer days there before…” Theo’s voice faded as sadness filled his face; he wondered if his flowers survived without him to take care of them anymore.
Brady wasn’t sure why Theo’s mood changed, but whatever it was, it certainly wasn’t good. Wanting to cheer up his friend, he said, “When I get home, I’m going to send you a big jar of my Rose Petal Tea.”
Theo’s face brightened. “I’ve never heard of that. When I was in Scotland, I tried some Lavender Lemonade. It got me interested in edible flowers.”
“Lavender is another flower that has many uses,” Brady said. “You should see how they grow it in France…rows and rows of it…absolutely gorgeous…and their scent fills the air.”
“My friends are in France right now. Jackson sent Kieran to help Fionn, and Q went along because he’s trying to find a dress to wear to my wedding.”
“Q?”
“Quin…Q is his nickname.”
“He’s dress shopping?” Brady asked, taken aback. There were many questions swirling in his mind, but predominant one was about the Alpha and how he’d react to it.
Grinning, Theo said, “In France, no less! How amazing is that! There’s this dress shop in Paris that makes one-of-a-kind dresses for men. He and Ki looked on their site and Q found several he loved but couldn’t decide. So Q decided to go with Ki so he can try them on.”
“And Quin is going to wear a dress to your wedding?”
“Yup, but he’s going to be in the wedding as pooh bear’s groomsman. I can’t wait to see what he picks out.”
“I assume pooh bear is your husband-to-be?” asked Brady
