I glanced back at the table where breakfast continued. Max had moved to sit beside Becken, showing him something on his tablet that made the orc nod. Hail and Allie huddled close, sharing quiet conversation. Jessi topped off mugs while exchanging friendly banter with her friends, turning to wink at Greel periodically. Lavon had emerged from the kitchen again, this time with a basket of steaming biscuits that he presented to Aunt Inla first. With a big smile, she took one and sniffed it.
This was what family looked like. What belonging meant.
I’d spent my entire adult life chasing professional success, convinced it would fill the emptiness left by my childhood. I’d moved from contract to contract, always the outside expert, never fully part of anywhere or anyone.
Until I came to Lonesome Creek and found Becken.
What should I do now?
I returned to the table, sliding into my seat beside him.
“Everything alright?” he asked.
“I got a job offer.” I kept my voice neutral, though my heart pounded. “From Wildwind Ranch in California. It’s a dream job, the one I’d need to solidify my experience and launch my consulting career.”
His expression didn’t change, but his eyes darkened. “I see.”
“I’d given up hope they were still considering me.”
“Congratulations.” A single word, perfectly controlled.
“I haven’t accepted yet.”
“But you will.” It wasn’t a question.
“I don’t know.”
His eyes widened, surprise breaking through his stoic mask. “Why not?”
I reached for my tea, needing something to do with my hands. “I need to think about it.”
“Carla.” Max’s excited voice cut through our conversation. “Are you coming to the hot chocolate contest tonight after the starlight ride? I’m entering my special recipe with three kinds of chocolate.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” I forced a smile. “I’ll be your official taste tester.”
“Cool. Becken already promised to try it too.” He beamed at both of us. “Mom says you guys make a good team.”
Heat crept up my neck. “Your mom’s very observant.”
“She says you’re part of our family now.” Max’s casual statement landed like a thunderbolt. “Like how Rosey and Allie and Beth and all the others are. Right, Becken?”
Becken’s gaze found mine. “Right.”
The word family was filling spaces I hadn’t known were empty. These people had claimed me, given me a place that was mine alone, simply for who I was.
Aunt Inla glided past, patting my shoulder. “Don’t forget we need your help with the final starlight ride preparations at three, dear. Your creative touch with the sleigh decorations has been invaluable.”
“I’ll be there.”
Across the table, Ruugar was rubbing Beth’s shoulders. The protective tenderness in his expression made my heart ache.
Becken followed my gaze. “They’re good together.”
I studied the gentle way Ruugar supported his mate, how naturally they acted with each other. “Everyone here is. It’s like you all just…fit.”
“Not only us.” His eyes held mine. “You fit too, Carla.”
“Do I?”
