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An easy laugh escapes Cole. Warmth surges through me to see him being so happy.
“Be good to your Mama, Son,” Cole says in a gentle voice as he runs a soothing hand over my tummy.
My last checkup showed that the baby was healthy and growing well. While my mates were a ball of anxiety, I had no doubt everything would be okay.
Jacob, Cole, and Kai have been taking such good care of me, I’m confident about both my and our baby’s health. Even when they’re busy with their jobs, one of them is always around, making sure I’m safe.
Since I’m in my late pregnancy, I have decided to take a break from the bakery. Despite my absence, I’m no longer worried about On The Rise.
Johnson has an assistant manager to help him while we’ve hired three more bakers to help Esther and Kat. The bakery stays open during the weekends too, so we have more business coming our way these days.
“Are you hungry?” Cole asks, distracting me.
“I’m always hungry,” I say with an embarrassed chuckle.
“Jacob should be done with lunch anytime,” he says, gently lowering my foot back on the cushion. “I’ll go check up on him and be right back.”
“Thanks, Honey.”
Leaning closer, he presses a kiss to my lips.
A quiet, content sigh escapes me as I watch him leave the room.
For the first time in years, I feel at home. It’s mostly because of my mates’ presence but I’m sure Laura and Pete’s absence also helps me feel safe and secure.
They made no trouble after facing my mates, leaving the neighborhood in the dead of night. They took most of the furniture and whatever they could carry with them.
Deep inside, I didn’t truly care.
I’m glad they saved me the trouble of getting rid of the furniture they used. They tried to pull one last nasty trick on me but have no idea they were doing me a favor.
Jacob, Cole, and Kai helped me pick out new furniture so we could start our new lives as a pack here. My gaze falls on a painting of a bright sunflower on the opposite wall. It’s one of the few pieces I’d been able to save from Laura’s grubby paws.
After my dad passed away, she sold most of my mom’s paintings, claiming she needed the money desperately. A sliver of anger wraps around my chest as I think of the past.
“Ooh! Baby, stop!” I gasp, patting my belly. “Mama won’t think about Laura or Pete. They’re both gone from our lives and we’re so much better for it.”
The baby calms down, allowing me to lean against the chair with a relieved smile.
“Hello?” Kai’s voice sounds from the outer hall.
“We’re in here!” I call out, eagerly waiting to see him.
Kai appears at the threshold, looking hot and sweaty from the hour of sweeping the front yard. A bright smile comes onto his lips as he rushes over to me.
“Do you want to go for a walk later?” he asks, kissing me.
“Mmm,” I moan against his lips, relishing his sweet orange fragrance.
“The weather’s amazing today,” he says, breaking away. “It’s neither too cold nor too windy. And, you’ve got to check out the amazing dragon display on Mrs. Groff’s lawn.”
I nod, chuckling. Kai has been in love with our neighborhood’s enthusiasm for decorations during the holidays.
A glance at the window gives me a glimpse of the Jack-o’-lanterns that sit near the edge of our fenced gate. Old sheets, propped up on sticks, mimic ghostly apparitions and stand guard beside them.
“Do you think Mr. Groff will tell me where he got his?” Kai asks, looking thoughtful.
I laugh. “You can always bribe him with some of my apple pie pockets. He loves them!”
