Page 42 of From the Edge

Mell grinned. “With a clipboard and a measuring tape. Yes. So you are going to let me rent the strangely new old building?”

“Yes. And parking will manifest late tomorrow. Once you get it inspected, you can set it up, and then you can get your business license, and you can begin populating the rooms with toys and educational arrangements and create a curriculum. Then, you get your skeleton crew in and your cook, arrange food deliveries, and find your deputy.”

“Huh. How do you know so much about it?”

“When we were at university, I was trying to study, and you were going over your business plan.”

“Oh. Right.” Mell grinned. “Forgot about that. You are so soft and cuddly.”

“And I can shred your wardrobe from here.”

“Fair, fair. You heading to bed?”

“Yes, I just have to thank the guy destroying the last of the pie.”

Mell smiled. “See you tomorrow.”

“Night, Mama. Get all the sleep you can.”

“Norec is giving me energy. I am not nearly as tired as I should be.”

“You will be. Shoo.”

Mell nodded. “I am glad you are opal again. I missed it. You are so pretty.”

“That’s drunk talk, Mellwyn. Go to bed.”

Mell giggled and headed off to her room where her mate and baby were waiting.

Rowan looked at Ren. “So what do I owe you?”

“For what?”

“For the magic. That wasn’t healing.”

He smiled. “You are very clever.”

“Yes, I know. I am also adorable. Now, what do I owe you for the spell?”

He held up the empty plate. “More pie?”

She snorted. “How much more?”

“One a week for the next year?”

“All apple?”

He grinned. “Surprise me.”

“Oh, you don’t want that. If I am feeling whimsical, you are doomed.”

Ren looked at her. “I am willing to take a chance, but you will have to create a food vault in the fridge. I am getting the feeling that some of my guys might be food motivated.”

“So like a breakfast and dinner situation?”

He beamed. “Exactly like that.”

She sighed. “I am going to have to amend the rental agreement.”