“Yeah, well, I know you boys are going to have your house up there, but I wanted you to know if you ever needed a place to hang out, come here.”
I glance at him sideways.
“There are very few places in Sunshine to run once you bond into the Sol family. Find your tiny bit of heaven and cleave to it; you’ll need it.”
I look at the ancient pinball machines and bar with its old memorabilia and smile. “Noted. We will get on that ASAP. That and an omega time out.”
“Ah, the nest. Yes, you have to have a nest. Make sure you build her a good one; the omegas, betas, and alphas talk, and they will judge you for how perfect it is.”
My stomach jolts. “They will?”
“Quietly. Just build it in a way that makes Sofia smile like she’s seen something amazing.”
“She hasn’t agreed to date us yet, not officially.”
“She will.”
I glance at him again. His eyes are the same green-flecked brown as hers.
He shuffles inside and grins at me. “So, you want to see the smoker?”
I grin. “Yeah, I really do.”
He pulls the door closed behind me.
The shed door slams open, and in the sun is the silhouette of this bombshell omega who has been haunting my wildest fantasies for most of my life.
“Grandma says it's lunchtime. She told me to tell you Mack has work today.”
I glance at Grandpa helplessly. “She’s right. I should be working.”
Danger barks and runs in before running out and chasing the small seagull flock.
“I will come see you in a few days, Grandpa.”
He claps me on the back. “Good.” He points a weathered finger at Sofia. “Come and give me a kiss and then get back out there. I want to hear some rumours of your naughty deeds. Something mischievous.”
“Grandpa, I am a good girl.”
He doubles over laughing and slaps his knee. “You are the wild child. I have missed the excitement you brought, sunshine. It hasn’t been the same without you.”
She steps into his arms without saying a word, but I think she needs to hear it. I don’t think Sofia realises how much her absence affected the town.
“I love you, Grandpa.”
“I love you, too. Now, go take this young alpha for food before his growling summons Sully.”
She turns to me, and I give her my saddest smile. “I am starving.” My stomach lets out a perfectly timed growl.
Grandpa shuffles off and turns back. “I want you four to come to dinner soon.”
“We’ll be here with bells and whistles,” I say cheerfully.
He winks at me.
“Bye, love.” He calls over his shoulder as he reaches the porch and Grandma. He takes her hand and lifts it to his mouth. Every line of them, still in love after all these years.
“Bye,” Sofia says. She stands there watching them walk up to the porch, and she looks so lost that I don’t hesitate. I grab her hand, wrapping it around my elbow.
