Carlos crosses back to us. "Just do the permanent, life-altering, magical bonding ritual. Casually. Like ordering pizza."
The words surprise me, but they feel right. "Why not? We already agreed to this. Why are we still waiting?"
Pedro starts. "Your mom..”
I show them the text. "Can't make it. And honestly? This is about us. Not about witnesses or ceremonies or perfect timing. Just us."
Sergio crosses the store and cups my face in his hands. "You're sure?"
"Stop asking me if I'm sure."
He kisses me. Slow and deliberate. When he pulls back, his eyes are bright.
"Tonight then."
I agree. “Sure.”
Harmony's voice cuts through the moment. "Wait. I can't be there."
We all turn to look at her.
She wraps her arms around herself. "Unbonded omegas at bonding ceremonies... The pheromones, the intensity. It could trigger a heat. I'm barely holding it together now. If I'm there when you bond..." She shakes her head. "I can't. I'm sorry."
I pull her into another hug. "Don't be sorry. You came. You were here. That's what matters."
Her voice is muffled against my shoulder. "Call me after? The appropriate amount of details."
"Promise."
Stacey announces. "I can be there. I'm a beta. Pheromones don't affect me the same way. Someone should witness this impulsive decision."
Sergio says. "It's not impulsive."
Stacey grins. "You decided to bond tonight in a mattress store while a salesman questions his career choices. That's the definition of impulsive. I love it. Very on-brand."
The salesman chooses that moment to return, looking harassed. "My manager suggested a custom furniture builder. I have his card..."
Carlos takes the card. "Actually, we're good. But thanks. You've been great. Very patient."
David says faintly. "I'm going to take my lunch break now and maybe reconsider my life."
We walk Harmony to the parking lot. She hugs each of us, her scent bittersweet with worry.
Nacho pulls out his keys. "You're not driving back to Portland alone. Not with someone watching you."
Harmony starts to protest. "I can't ask you to—"
"You're not asking. I'm telling." He unlocks his keyring and hands her a single key. "Go to our house. Wait there. I'm calling in a favor. Detective I know owes me. He'll drive up with you, make sure you get home safe."
Her eyes go wet. "You'd do that?"
"Already texting him." Nacho's phone is out. "He'll meet you at the house in an hour."
"Thank you." She clutches the key. "All of you. For everything."
I hug her one more time. "Call me when you're home safe."
"I will." She climbs into her car, waves once through the window, and pulls out of the parking lot.
