Of course they did,his bear said.It’s written all over your face. For those who know how to read it.
And his parents had spent a lifetime learning how to read him.
Caleb moved to tuck a chair under a table, watching Hannah from the corner of his eye.
She looked... happy. Comfortable. Like she belonged.
Caleb hadn’t known it was possible to feel this kind of joy just from watching two people talk. But the sight of his mate and his mother getting along so naturally filled him with pure happiness.
He didn’t have the words for it. He wasn’t sure he ever would.
Best shift ever,his bear sighed in contentment, settling down for an afternoon nap.
His mom and his mate headed for the kitchen. Caleb followed, drawn there by the simple need to be closer toher.
The restaurant had quieted, the rush finally ebbing, but his awareness of Hannah hadn’t. If anything, it sharpened.
Part of him still wanted to pinch himself, just to be sure this wasn’t some elaborate fantasy his lonely mind had cooked up.
She’s here,his bear confirmed sleepily.Still real.
Caleb cleared his throat and stepped closer. “So,” he said, aiming for casual but missing as his voice rose, “how did you find the shift?”
Hannah glanced up at him, a smile already forming. “Great. Everyone was really kind. It’s a lovely place to work.”
The way she said it made something ease inside him. Because it mattered what she thought. It mattered more than she could ever guess.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Caleb said. “Here, let me help you with that.”
They worked side by side loading the dishwasher, Eleanor making herself conspicuously busy at the far counter, giving them space with the subtlety of someone who was not subtle at all. Caleb found himself momentarily tongue-tied, his thoughts tangling every time Hannah turned that smile on him.
“If you need help for the evening shift,” she said lightly, sliding a plate into place, “I could step in again.”
His heart leaped before his brain caught up.
“Oh. No. I mean...” Caleb winced as the words came out wrong. “I think we’ve got it covered. I just... I don’t want to impose. You’ve already done more than enough.”
He watched her carefully, worried he sounded like he was pushing her away when the truth was exactly the opposite.
He wanted to pull her to him and never let go.
Hannah nodded easily, accepting the answer without fuss, and turned back to the dishwasher.
Good one,his bear murmured.Truly inspired.
I thought you were asleep,Caleb replied.
Just resting my eyes.
“Caleb,” Eleanor said, perfectly timed as his thoughts spiraled, “your dad just called me. We’ve got a problem with the wine order.”
Caleb frowned. “We do?”
They had never had a problem with the wine order. Not once.
They only served wine from the Thornberg Vineyard. His aunt and uncle would never let them down. Not ever. Unless...
“Yes,” his mother said, far too brightly. “Abigproblem.”
