“Of course,” Fern replied with a grin, already gearing up for her second big welcome in as many weeks.
They said goodbye to his family, and Fern handed Elliott her phone. Her mom was up next.
“Younevertalk on the phone?” she asked, checking out his ass as he finagled her cell onto the tripod.
“Not really. Texting’s more peaceful.”
“Any time we text, you end up calling me.”
“You’re different, Fern.”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too. Want me to start this call?”
“Yeah. Then get over here.”
With the ringtone coming through the speakerphone, he hurried to Fern’s side and pressed a quick kiss to her lips before tucking her in under his arm.
“Fernie, how are you?” her mom answered on the fifth ring, phone propped up on the counter as she angled a box of Franzia over her wine glass. “Oh! Who’sthis?”
“Mom, I’d like you to meet my boyfriend.”
Epilogue
Ten months later
“Flipthose!”Beckflappedhis hand at Elliott who’d just lifted his tongs to the grill.
“Don’t tell me how to cook my steak,” Fitz grumbled, flipping it over.
“My house,” Beck retorted.
“I’m cooking.”
“No one asked you to.”
“Fair enough.” He stayed at the grill.
Able chuckled from behind them, nursing a beer at the outdoor table.
With all the steaks turned, Elliott’s gaze drifted to the windows to where Olivia sat on the floor with baby Autumn. Noa’d taken up residence on the couch with a cocktail in hand, and otter-Fern provided entertainment, bouncing around the living room, sliding off furniture like it was her job.
Although he was positive he had a dopey smile on his face, Elliott couldn’t take his eyes off his mate. Baby Autumn was cute too, butFern?He loved her with every ounce of his soul. She was going to make such a great mom.
Ben exhaled loudly. “Get a load of this goof, overcooking dinner. Obsessed with his mate.”
“Like you’re any better,” Able said flatly, rubbing his new, thick beard.
Chuckling, Elliott got back to it, plating up their dinner so they couldall head in to eat. They’d pick up outdoor dining again soon. The June days were warm, mostly, but the nights were still chilly without a fire.
Beck was right, Elliott was completely and utterly obsessed with Fern.
Fern’s otter chirped when they walked inside, and he hurried to deposit dinner on the table. Bending down, he scooped her into his arms and carried her off to the front living room, out of sight of the rest of the group. They all saw each other naked from time to time, it was inevitable when shifting in a group setting, but Elliott preferred to keep her for his eyes only. He wasn’t that selfless.
Nearly a year had passed since they mated, and his feelings had only grown stronger in the interim. Life was simple, just as they liked it. Elliott worked in his studio each day, and Fern joined him frequently, now more than ever.
The salon was hers, fully, with Ros finally moving into retirement back at the start of the new year. And the eldest of the Tomlinson’s three kids finished high school and started working at the Big Chop full time, allowing Fern to keep a lighter schedule. Fern focused on dye-jobs and nails while her stylist-in-training handled the cuts.
