"Okay, do you have a business card or something? I definitely need a piece from you."
Ever professional, TJ came prepared. He produced a business card with the Heraldry Ink logo—complete with the noble tyger—and handed it to her.
I burst with pride. I was so happy to help out a fellow tattooed person, and at the same time, I was ecstatic to gush over my talented mate. After they exchanged a few words, the waitress left with a smile on her face.
"I'm booked for months, but maybe I can squeeze her in sooner," TJ remarked with a grin.
I rested my chin on my hands. "You're perfect. Y'know what?"
"Look who's talking."
Our food arrived shortly. I didn't know if the waitress put in a good word for us in the kitchen or what, but the plates looked divine. My mouth watered at the sight of the stack, along with the scent of sweet fresh blueberries and fluffy pancakes.
"We'vegotto come here again," I said, snatching my fork and diving in.
"Have you ever been here before?" TJ asked, cutting a piece of his omelet a little more politely.
"Never. I, uh..." I lowered my voice. "I always thought it was too expensive."
TJ blinked, then shook his head. "Don't worry about that anymore. Anything you want, you'll have."
I stared at him. "Are you being serious?"
TJ put his fork on the table and looked at me. "I'm your alpha, Brady. I'll do anything for you.Anything. That's what being my fated mate means."
A huge wave of emotion hit me. I got choked up.
"Don't make me cry right now," I mumbled, trying to stop my lower lip from trembling. "I need to eat these pancakes."
He chuckled. "Sorry. I'll save the mushy fated mates monologue for after we're done eating."
"Thank you."
After a delicious meal, TJ left the waitress a generous tip. He put his arm around my shoulder as we left the restaurant. I loved the feeling of his casual gesture, both casually possessive and loving. I'd never been happier just walking down the street with someone. Being his fated mate was really something special.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.
"Right on time. Looks like Kiara's ready to be picked up," I said.
TJ pulled his keys out. "Let's go bring her home."
I met his eyes. "When you say home..."
My alpha smiled, cupping my face. "I can take you back to your apartment if you want. But honestly? I want both of you with me, at my place."
I swallowed the lump in my throat. Every time TJ said something nice to me, I struggled not to burst into tears. Stupid omega hormones. I'd blame my pregnancy, but it was too early for that to be a factor.
"I want that, too," I said. "But—"
TJ crossed his arms, cutting me off mid-sentence. I knew he'd scold me for saying what I was about to say, so I sighed and gave up. TJ said he'd give me anything I wanted, so I had to stop thinking of my wants as selfish, or that I was being a burden. It'd take me a while to get used to newfound loving freedom, but that was okay. We had all the time in the world.
"Never mind," I said.
A satisfied grin crossed TJ's face. "That's more like it. Now let's go pick up our daughter."
Just when I thought I couldn't love him more.
Ten
