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She nods. “It smells good, I'm excited. Hendrix said we can finally do our hot chocolate tasting tomorrow."
"That'll be lovely. We can snuggle up here with hot chocolate and books."
Lexie cheers, her face bright with excitement.
Ryder lays the casserole dish he has wrapped in a towel in the center of the pallet Jareth set up and Hendrix sets a large bowl of salad beside it. Lexie hands out the plates and silverware, leaving Jareth and I with nothing to do but watch as they get everything set up.
Ryder disappears for a moment and returns with a bottle of wine and a bottle of apple juice for Lexie, wine glasses in his other hand.
Hendrix hurries to help, easing the glasses from Ryder's hand and holding them upright so Ryder can fill them. It's fascinating to watch the way they work together, trying so hard to create a magical experience for us.
It's sweet and thoughtful and something I certainly want to repay in kind at some point soon. Lexie will be thrilled to plan something special for them in return. I just need to come up with the perfect idea.
Though I have no idea how I'll top a picnic in a library in front of a crackling fire.
I'd spend every weekend just like this if I could. And maybe it is possible, if I accept the offer these men all want me to take. Something that is incredibly tempting.
Hendrix settles next to me while Ryder sits on the other side near Jareth, all of us cuddled together like an actual pack.
I accept the glass of wine from Hendrix as Ryder begins spooning servings onto plates and passing them around.
"Ryder, this is amazing. I know I keep saying that, but it bears repeating." I close my eyes on the first bite.
It’s so much better than mine.
He shrugs. “I just want you all to have a great weekend here."
"We will, even without all this. Though the picnic in the library is an excellent touch. Tomorrow, dinner is on me."
"Can you make your chicken soup?” Lexie asks. “It's really good."
"I could do that. It'll be perfect in mugs in front of the fire tomorrow night."
And it’s about the only recipe I make that gets anywhere near the skill of the men in this room.
"Does this mean we're having picnics in here every night?" Lexie asks.
Ryder smiles at her. “I think that's a great idea for the weekend."
"It's just to celebrate the holiday, darling, not the way we're eating forever,” I warn her.
She pouts. “Awww."
"It won't be as special if we do it all the time,” Ryder says. “This keeps it exciting."
Her pout doesn’t clear much. “I guess."
Hendrix pats her leg. “Don't worry, we'll still do it plenty. Besides, there are always weekend lunches or snacks."
Her eyes widen. “I can have snacks in here with the books?"
Ryder nods. “Of course."
"After dinner, how about Jareth and I take you out and play basketball or soccer with you?" Hendrix asks Lexie.
"Basketball!"
Ryder turns to me. “Want to help me clean up or do you want to join them?"
