Page 82 of Carver’s Craving

“We need a spatula.” I rose and headed to the drawer. As I pulled it out of the drawer, I willed my racing heart to calm. I still couldn’t fathom the odds—or how boring and mundane my life would’ve continued to be if Styx hadn’t burst back into it with color and noise.

“Hey.” He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind and pulled me close. “You okay?”

I grasped his hands as they pressed against my sternum. “Yes. I am. I really am. I just…what if we hadn’t passed on the street? What if I hadn’t recognized you? Or what if your van hadn’t broken down here?”

“Hush.” He kissed the back of my neck. “We would’ve found each other. I’m certain of that. We’re meant to be together.”

“But—” My voice broke. Because everything was just so overwhelming.

“Hey.” He turned me in his arms and pulled me into a bear hug. Holding me so tight, I could barely breathe. “You’re okay. I’m okay. The kids are more than okay. How about you feed them while I dish up the lasagna?”

“How could I forget?” A little watery.

“Because my personality and my culinary skills dazzle you?” He pecked my lips. “If you need time, feel free to head to your room, okay? I’ve got this.”

Of that, I had no doubt. “I’m okay.”

“Yeah, you really are.” He smiled. “Hey, guys? We forgot to feed our two. Anything we might be able to give Chia?” He pivoted and headed to the dining room table. I ducked my head and went to the couch to grab Walter. Poppin was already doing her excited dance since she’d apparently understood feed. I gestured for her to follow me, and we headed to the laundry room.

“Carrots are p-perfect.” Simeon was headed to the fridge with Styx while Ryan was portioning out the lasagna.

As I organized dinner, I took a moment to compose myself. “I’m okay.”

Poppin eyed me as she gorged herself on food.

“Really.” Still, I removed my phone and set an alarm for an hour because they’d need their meds and I didn’t want to forget.

Walter burped after he finished his food.

I bent to scratch his ears. “Seriously, I’m okay.”

He licked my nose.

I carried him back to the couch. He turned three times and dropped. Chia had returned to keep him company, and Poppin retook her spot by the fire. After a long moment, I returned to the table.

To find all three men eating and a heaping pile of lasagna on my plate.

Styx caught my gaze. “It’s actually still pretty warm. But I can heat—”

I sat and waved him off. “This is perfect.”

He offered a brilliant smile. “Maybe you should taste it first?”

“I c-can say it’s p-perfect.” Simeon beamed with his gorgeous hazel eyes that appeared flecked with gold tonight.

Ryan, mouth full, gave me two thumbs up.

I nodded. “And the pooches are fed. I can’t believe I forgot.” Because I was going to brazen out the emotions swirling within me.

“Chia ate before we came.” Ryan shrugged. “But she was quite happy to relieve you of a couple of baby carrots.”

Simeon laughed. “Y-yes.”

Styx squeezed my knee under the table and gestured to my food with his chin.

I smiled, picked up my fork, and dug in.

The lasagna was as good as he’d suggested it would be. A true hit. And he’ll keep cooking for you. That wasn’t why I invited him to stay—but it’d be a nice change from the takeout and frozen meals I consumed. Of course, when he got involved in another band, he might not have the time. I should get him to teach me to cook—so I can contribute as well. God…is this me becoming domesticated? I’d never been that way. Especially after Mom died, and I graduated from university. I focused on my career. Not on running a household.