But because this day had changed something in her.
And she wasn’t ready to let it end just yet.
Chapter Twelve – Caleb
The restaurant had been loud, busy, alive with the rhythm he’d known his whole life. But Caleb had moved through it like a man slightly out of step with his own world.
His thoughts had stayed at the cabin.
Withher.
She’ll be waiting up,his bear murmured for what had to be the hundredth time.
We don’t know that yet,Caleb replied, though hope pressed hard against his ribs as he turned onto the familiar road leading toward home.
The cabin lights glowed through the branches before he reached the clearing, soft and golden against the dark. Caleb cut the engine and sat in silence as he pushed out his senses to locate his mate.
She hadn’t gone to bed.
I told you she would wait up for us,his bear said smugly.
She could have just fallen asleep in front of the fire,Caleb replied, tempering his excitement.
Then go find out,his bear urged.
Caleb got out of the truck, strode to the door, and opened it slowly. There she was, curled on his sofa, firelight playing across her features as she dozed. The embers in the grate cast a gentle glow across the room, highlighting the curve of her cheek and the soft fall of her hair against the cushions.
His bear stirred immediately, a low rumble of delight vibrating through his chest.She waited up for us,his bear whispered.
Or she fell asleep in front of the fire,Caleb said, repeating his earlier warning that they should not get their hopes up.
He closed the door quietly behind him, careful not to wake her. The latch clicked softly, and Hannah stirred, her eyes fluttering open. For a moment, she looked disoriented, blinking in the low light. Then her gaze found his, and a slow smile spread across her face.
“You’re back,” she said, her voice husky with sleep.
Tell her we’ll always come back to her,his bear urged.
“I thought you would be in bed,” Caleb said instead, setting down the small paper bag he’d brought from the restaurant.
Hannah sat up, pushing her hair back from her face. “I didn’t mean to nod off. I just... I wanted to see you before the day ended.”
See, I told you she waited up for us.His bear preened with satisfaction.She missed us.
I know,Caleb replied, trying to keep his face calm even as hope bloomed in his chest.
He moved toward the fire, adding another log, giving his hands something to do besides reaching for her. The flames caught quickly, casting shadows across the room as they grew.
“I brought something,” he said, gesturing to the bag. “From the restaurant. Nothing fancy, just dessert.”
Hannah’s eyes lit up. “Dessert? Now I’m definitely glad I waited up.”
Caleb laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing. “I’ll grab some plates.”
In the kitchen, he took a moment to steady himself, hands braced against the counter as he breathed slowly. In and out. In and out.
But it was difficult to calm himself when his bear was practically bouncing with excitement.What a way to end the day! Now I know she’s going to stay!
Easy,Caleb cautioned.Don’t get ahead of yourself.
