“I think you underestimate babies,” Haley said, arching a brow.
Wilma-Jean chuckled. “You having twins, boy?”
“Yep,” Puck said, looking dejected. “Twin girls.”
The room cheered loudly.
Joe patted Puck’s back. “It’ll be just fine, kid. You aren’t alone.”
“Yeah, sure. Now open your presents, everyone.”
Becca hurried and tore the paper off the box that was almost as big as she was. “Toy,” she said, patting the boxed toy cash register.”
“It’s fun and helps to develop math skills,” Lynda told Haley.
“Thank you,” Haley said softly, smiling.
Her son was older and ended up with a model dinosaur to build. “Whoa, Mama, look.” Tony held the box up. “Will you help me build it?”
“Absolutely.” Haley’s smile turned evil. “Lynda will play with you, Becca.”
The little girl smiled up at Boone’s mom. “Play?”
Lynda looked utterly charmed. “Sure, sweetie.”
Haley held up the beautiful, cashmere sweater she had unwrapped. “Wow, thank you, Lynda. Perry.”
Lynda’s cheeks flushed. “We were a bit rude last time we met. I hope you can forgive us, too?”
Haley shrugged. “People make mistakes. It’s big of you to admit it when you do.”
Lynda and Perry ended up with the same gifts the others had received from the four omegas – badly knitted scarves from Milo, gift baskets from Demarien, wooden carvings from Puck, and beautiful glass-blown Guina pigs from Felix.
“Play,” Becca said, patting Lynda’s knee.
Demarien leaned into Boone’s arms, and the alpha sighed in happiness. He had thought it was a good day just a couple of hours before, but this? This was areallygood day.
“I’ll buy this milk,” Lynda said.
“Five hundred dollars,” Becca said, holding out her hand.
“Well, that’s a little steep.”
“The sheriff is a good guy,” Patrick told Mia. “I just started a couple of weeks ago, but he knows his team well and puts them where they need to be. The town is quiet, but not too quiet. I’mstaying in Boone’s old place. You can room with me until you and Elise find your own place.”
Dave and Cooper sat on the floor with Tony. “You gotta start with the base, kid. Otherwise, this dino will fall over.”
“It’s a T-Rex,” Tony said excitedly.
“You really don’t mind working weekends?” Haley asked Elise. “During the week, we’re just doing dinner, but on the weekends, we do lunchanddinner. Sunday brunches are a thing now as well. The town might riot if Demarien ever stops them.”
“No problem. I waited tables in college and enjoyed it. I want to do morning yoga sessions for guests, so that would leave afternoons and evenings free.”
“Don’t you dare insult my movies,” Puck said, eyes watering. “Yeah, Hallmark is cheesy, but their shows are full of emotion and coziness.”
“They’re just so unrealistic,” Milo retorted, pulling out his knitting needles. “Abuela, will you help me with this one?”
You are hopeless, she said, sighing.
