Cain snorted. “Where’s her harness? I’ll take her for a walk to burn some of that energy.”
Mal melted again.Cain will make such a good father, he thought, then wanted to smack himself. “Oh, yes, please and thank you. I’ll get started on dinner.”
Mal was surprised to find no messes, so he grabbed the ingredients he needed and went to work. Creamy mushroom and lemon spaghetti had been one of his favorites since he was a kid. It was also when of the first dishes his dad had taught him to make. The alpha loved cooking as much as Mal did, and they had spent many hours together in the kitchen.
“Truffle, don’t tell anyone, but I’m going to use store bought mushrooms.”
His cat gave him a look of disdain before stalking back to the bedroom. Mal knew what would happen. The cat would sit on Mal’s pillow and proceed to lick his butt.
“I really shouldn’t have made him wear that costume,” he muttered as he took out a lemon and his zester.
Mal was dishing up the plates by the time Cain and Betty came back.
Cain took his coat off and hurriedly dried the piglet. “It started to rain.”
Mal scowled out the window. “It was so nice and warm two weeks ago. Now, it’s chilly and wet again.”
“Betty didn’t mind. Remind me to add a mudroom to my house needs list.”
The piglet looked thoroughly happy as Cain rubbed her down.
“Your coat is a mess now. I have towels, you know.”
Cain shrugged and sat down at the small table. “What is this? It looks really good.”
“My dad’s specialty,” Mal said proudly. “We would spend hours foraging for mushrooms on the weekends.”
“So, he’s the reason you’re a mycophile?”
“Yep.”
“He taught me everything I know.”
Cain moaned as he took the first bite. “This is really good.”
They ate quietly as the rain poured, beating a loud tempo against the aluminum roof of the RV. It was cozy and warm, making Mal want to wiggle in happiness. A good meal, good company, and rain falling on a metal room?Perfect.
“Are you close to your father?” Cain asked, breaking the silence.
“Yes. He taught me how to cook and helped me decide what dishes to present on my show when I first started. I think he’s prouder of my show than he was when I graduated from college. Of course, he never thought college was a good fit for me.”
“Was he right?”
“I have a bachelor’s degree in game development, but I’m making a living from a cooking show.” Mal shrugged. “He wasprobably right, but I’m still happy I went. What are you going to do when you move to Hobson Hills?”
“I have no idea.” Cain shook his head. “My brothers found their place here, and Dad and Mom are mostly happy with retirement.”
“I think your dad gets bored sometimes.”
“I think so too.” Cain smiled softly. “You should have seen him in action when he worked at the firm. He was a civil rights attorney and took on some big cases.”
“No wonder he gets bored sometimes.” Mal snorted. “Maybe you and he can start a firm here in Hobson Hills. You wouldn’t make money, but at least you would still help people.”
“I am very lucky that money isn’t an issue,” Cain agreed. “My brothers and I each have a trust fund, even though Carter refuses to use his. He says he’s saving it for the kids, and I can’t fault him for that. I’ll use most of mine for my future family too.”
“I think that’s a good idea, just remember that you are still young and will be bored out of your mind if you don’t have something to do when you move here.”
“Dad is going to take me fishing.”
