“And then Sarah said that trees are actually bases for gnomes, which doesn’t even make sense because gnomes aren’t real, but then Tyler jumped in and said that gnomes are definitely real because his grandpa has one in his garden, and it eats socks. So then we had to stop the game to have a debate about whether or not ceramic gnomes eat socks, and I told them that ceramic can’t eat because it doesn’t have a stomach, and that’s basic biology.”
I smile, turning back to the stove to start a batch for the guys. “Sounds like an intense recess.”
“It was! I almost missed the bell because I had to explain the digestive system to Tyler. He thinks food just disappears into a black hole in your tummy.” She shakes her head, curls bouncing. “Kids are so weird.”
I glance over at the living area. Norah is curled up on the sofa, wrapped in a thick knit blanket, with Rufus resting his heavy head on her lap.
She looks tired, her face a bit pale, but she’s smiling as she listens to Maisie’s rambling story. The dog thumps his tail against the cushions every time Maisie’s voice rises in excitement.
Maisie hops up from her chair, her half-eaten pancake in hand. She walks over to Norah, her steps careful.
“Here, Norah,” Maisie says, holding out the pancake. “You need to eat too. You’re growing a baby, and babies need pancakes to get strong.”
Norah’s face softens into something so tender it makes my chest ache. She takes the offering, ruffling Maisie’s hair. “Thank you, Maisie. You are absolutely right. This baby is going to be the strongest pancake-lover in Fox Hollow.”
I watch them, the spatula paused in mid-air. It’s a beautiful moment. It really is. But there is a jagged little piece of my heart that twinges whenever I see Maisie interact with Norah’s pack.
I love Norah like a sister. I’m grateful every day that she took us in when I had nowhere else to go.
But seeing the way Jude looks at Norah, the way Ryker teases her, the way Dorian checks on her constantly… it highlights everything I failed to give Maisie.
My daughter looks at these men with adoration. She sees protectors and providers. She sees what love looks like.
And I am terrified that she will spend her life chasing that specific dynamic, that she will settle for any Alpha who looks at her twice, just to have a fraction of what Norah has.
I picked the wrong men. I let the abuse happen because I thought I needed a pack so badly I’d take a broken, toxic one. I don’t want that for her.
I want her to know she is whole on her own, that she doesn’t need a pack to validate her existence. But how do I teach her that when she’s surrounded by this fairy tale every morning?
I shake off the dark thought, flipping another pancake a little harder than necessary.
Jude and Ryker finish their coffee, the mugs clattering as they set them down in the sink. They walk over to the sofa, towering over Norah.
“Heading out,” Jude says, leaning down to press a kiss to Norah’s forehead. It’s gentle, though he pulls back quickly. “Behave yourself. No heavy lifting.”
“I’m pregnant, not an invalid,” Norah protests, but she’s smiling.
Ryker kisses her cheek, his hand resting on her shoulder for a moment. “Call if you need anything. We’ll have our phones on.”
Jude turns to Maisie, opening his arms wide. “Come here, Munchkin.”
Maisie abandons her seat and launches herself at him. He catches her easily, swinging her up in a hug that makes her giggle.
“Have a good day at school,” he tells her, squeezing her tight. “I’ll see you after school. We can work on that fort if you want.”
“Okay!” Maisie beams, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Uncle Jude?”
“Yeah?”
“I was thinking… I think I want to join the debate club.”
Jude pulls back slightly, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah? You think you have enough to say about gnomes and biology to fill a whole club meeting?”
Maisie nods solemnly. “Mrs. Gable says I have a very persuasive argument style. And Leo says I never shut up, so I might as well get points for it.”
Jude laughs. “I think that’s a great idea. You’d be a force to be reckoned with.” He sets her down, ruffling her hair one last time. “Be good. Listen to your mom.”
“I always do!” Maisie calls out as the two men head for the door.
