Mason stroked her cheek. “Are you sure you are all right to work?”
“I’m pregnant, not ill.” She kissed him again. “But I appreciate your concern.”
“Okay, Alicia, Marie, please behave.” Haley went to her girls and added, “And please keep the boys in order.”
“We will.” Alicia looked happy as she gave her mom and hug. “It’ll be dark when you get home. We’ll make sure your bed is ready and we’ll have hot chocolate around the camp fire.”
“I look forward to it.” Haley hugged Marie. “I love you both.”
“Love you, too,” they chorused as Haley and Tiana went inside the house.
“Okay,” Buck clapped his hands together. “Let’s get this tent set up.”
“We’ll make the beds up in our tents. Once you are ready, we need to collect wood for the fire.” Marie was a good organizer.
“We have wood in the storage shed,” Mason offered.
“Can’t we go into the forest and collect some?” Alicia eyed the trees with longing. “We could see your bears, too.”
Buck and Mason exchanged glances. “All right, if we get the camp set up we can go and collect firewood. Then we’ll show you our bears.”
“Great.” Marie’s face cracked into the widest smile Buck had ever seen.
“Let’s get going.” Rhett accompanied Buck inside, where they went back into the attic and retrieved another tent from underneath a lot of other junk. It hadn’t been used for years but it looked sound. Buck erected it quickly, with some help and supervision from Rhett, and was glad to see the stitching looked good. He didn’t want it to collapse on them during the night.
Although he was more than willing to protect his mate with his body.
“That’s the last guideline,” Rhett said, pulling him out of his daydream.
Buck stood back and looked at the tent, just as Haley and Tiana came out of the house, dressed for work. Haley wore a black pencil skirt and a white blouse; her feet were clad in flat black shoes. He sighed, she looked as sexy as hell. Perhaps he might be able to help her undress when she came home tonight.
He could massage her tired muscles as he removed each item of clothing.
“We are going,” Tiana was saying, her words only just permeating his brain as he stared at Haley, who blushed as she met his eyes. Could she read his mind? Did she imagine the same thing?
“Okay, have a good shift.” Mason didn’t look very happy his wife was going to work. Buck could understand why. He was the protector and the provider. But Mason had told Buck that Tiana had insisted on continuing to work even though he was a millionaire several times over and they didn’t need the money.
Buck wondered if Haley would feel the same way. These two women were used to doing their own thing, paying their own way and being self-sufficient. He’d have to approach the subject with tact and care.
“See you later,” Alicia ducked her head out of the tent she was sharing with Marie.
“See you later, take care of your sister,” Haley called.
Marie’s head appeared next. “We’re going to collect wood and wrangle a bear or two.”
Tiana smothered a laugh as Haley gasped. “You’re going on a bear hunt without me?”
“Do you mind?” Buck asked.
Haley laughed and shook her head. “No. You guys have fun.” She came up to Buck and kissed him on the cheek. “Perhaps I could have my own show later.”
He cupped her face in his large hand, his skin burned where her lips had pressed against him. “Anytime.”
Then she walked away, and he felt the loss of her presence. He stood and listened as they got in the car, the sound of the car doors shutting like a wound in his heart, and then the engine started and Haley drove away, out of his life.
“You get used to it,” Mason told him as he handed Buck a foam mattress and a couple of sleeping bags.
“I’ll take your word for it,” Buck said as he clasped the bedding to his chest, wishing Haley was in his arms instead.
“Let’s go collect the wood, it’ll take your mind off things.” Mason strode across the grass and rounded up Rhett and the girls.
Buck took one last longing look after his mate and then dumped the bedding into the tent. Did he set it out, so they slept together, or did he keep them apart? He wanted them to lie close together, skin to skin. But Haley might think he was too forward.
He didn’t expect sex. But he did want to hold her while they slept.
Eventually he opted for laying out the mattresses side by side and leaving the sleeping bags rolled up. The decision was for later. Right now, the excited cries of Alicia and Marie told him his bear had a job to do.
I can’t wait to meet them, his bear said almost as excited as the girls.
Buck stood up and zipped the tent shut. Then he went to join the others. “Ready?”
“Yes.” Marie jumped up and down on the spot.
“Lead the way,” Buck said and followed them to the edge of the yard.
Rhett took the lead. At the edge of the yard, he ducked under a low hanging tree and then pushed his way between two shrubs. The others all followed until they were standing in a group on the other side. Then they turned toward the mountain and followed what looked like a game trail until it merged with a wider trail that led onto the lower slopes of the mountain.
Buck’s sense of adventure kicked in, and his bear longed to escape and run at speed along the trail and into the mountains, where he could explore at his leisure. However, that was not the plan and Buck had promised Haley he would look after her children, and so he walked on two feet with the others.
Determined to enjoy the hike, Buck took note of his surroundings, using all his senses to identify trees and birds, wildflowers and fungi. He’d never felt more relaxed or at home as they meandered along the first part of the trail, through green meadows.
With the first section being out in the open, Buck had a great view of the valley below. The town of Bear Creek nestled in a valley, with the creek running through it. He longed to spend time exploring the area. This was where he intended to set down roots and become part of the community.
“It’s a good place to live,” Mason said as if reading his mind as he fell into step with him. The girls and Rhett were up ahead, talking and laughing as they explored the trail. “I can’t deny I’ll be glad to have you here.”
“I don’t think I’ll have a choice,” Buck admitted, his mind already made up. “Haley and her kids have a life here, a good life, so I will be the one moving.”
“Good decision,” Mason told him as he looked at Rhett, Alicia and Marie, who were climbing a solitary tree. “Growing up here is so different than growing up in a town or city. The freedom of the mountain. It’s where I want my child to grow up.”
A wave of envy passed over Buck. “I’d love to raise a child here. But with two girls already, I don’t know if Haley would want another.” He grinned. “I think maybe I should know her for at least a day before I ask her.”
“Good thinking,” Mason agreed, then he sobered. “Take things slow, let everyone get used to this new situation.”
“Says the man who proposed within how many days?” Buck asked.
“Don’t do as I do…” Mason began.
“Can we see your bear now?” Marie came running up to them excitedly. They had walked far enough into the forest that they were unlikely to be seen by anyone passing by. The trees were thick and crowded in on the trail, which wasn’t used often except by Mason.
“Sure,” Buck said, walking toward an area where an ivy tree provided even more cover. “Are you ready?”
Marie nodded as Rhett and Alicia joined her. “Buck is about to shift.”
He’d never shifted with such a rapt audience and he hoped nerves wouldn’t kick in and leave him feeling stupid if his bear decided to be shy. But he needn’t have worried, his bear was more than eager to meet everyone, and he burst forth as soon as Buck let go of his self-control.
“Wow.” Alicia stumbled backward as his bear appeared, four paws planted on the ground and his short snout lifted into the air as he sniffed the mountain air.
“You are adorable,” Marie said as she stepped forward, fell to her knees and flung her arms around his neck.
His bear made a face. He was a fearsome bear, not a plush toy. But he had to admit he did like the attention. Especially when Marie told him how soft his fur was. And how big his feet were.
“Hey, Marie,” Rhett stepped forward and patted Buck on the head. “You have to remember not all bears are shifters. If you met a bear in the wild, he could kill you.”
Marie looked up at Rhett. “I know. But Buck’s bear is so cute, especially the silver tips of his fur.”
Cute? Buck’s bear asked, aghast.
Just go with it, Buck told him.
Marie had better not want to put a ribbon in my hair! His bear sounded horrified at the prospect.
Buck chuckled as Alicia reached out and touched his head tentatively. “I think he’s more handsome than cute.”
Thank you, his bear replied, but of course Alicia could not hear him.
Marie stood back and looked at his bear critically. “I suppose you might be right.”
“Are you going to shift, too?” Rhett asked Mason.
“Sure.” Mason took a couple of steps back and then shifted. The air filled with static electricity as Mason’s human form faded and was replaced by that of his bear. A thrill of excitement coursed through Buck, it was a long time since they had shifted together and run through the wild.
But that was not going to happen today, as Haley’s girls crowded around, and Marie asked, “Can I ride on your back?”
His bear nodded. Great, now I get to be a pony.
But he stood still while Rhett lifted Marie onto his back and he behaved himself as they walked along the trail heading higher into the mountains. He wanted to make her happy. Although, when she asked him to run, Buck decided that once he won over the heart of his mate, he would buy her daughter a real pony.
Chapter Seven – Haley
“Wait, you have a mate and you didn’t bother to tell me?” Sorcha hissed as they went to work in the restaurant. Mr. Monroe was at the bar, polishing glasses, and they didn’t want him to hear.
“I did try to call you,” Haley replied. “Four times.”
Sorcha smiled smugly. “I was in bed. With Karl.”
“I guessed.” Haley tried not to sound jealous. She liked the idea of being in bed with Buck. He excited her in a way no other man had. He was a good man and yet there was an element of the unknown about him.
“What else do you have to do with your free time since you don’t have kids?” Tiana added.
“Is that what you think I do all day, have sex with Karl?” Sorcha giggled. “I do have other things to do.”
“Like what?” Haley asked. “You are young, free and single.”
Sorcha’s expression faded for a moment. “I’m not that young.”
“Young enough,” Haley replied, but Sorcha’s face crumpled, and her usual flirty exterior crumbled away. “What’s up, Sorch?”
“Don’t you ever think I might be envious of you two? You have wonderful children. And I’m going to end up old and alone.” She blotted under her eyes with her finger and sniffed loudly.
“I’m sorry, Sorch,” Haley said humbly. “I didn’t know kids were something you wanted.”
“Well, neither did I.” She smiled feebly. “But then Tiana got that big ole baby bump and I realized I would love to experience motherhood.”
“It’s not too late,” Tiana said. “There’s still time.”
“Is there? I have to find the right man first.” Sorcha composed herself. “I need to go wait on table four.”
“Wait,” Haley put her hand on Sorcha’s. “What about Karl? Don’t tell me you two have broken up again.”
“No, we’re solid. But that doesn’t mean he wants to have a child with me.” Sorcha smiled sadly, her eyes distant.
“Have you asked him?” Tiana asked gently. “Have you discussed it with him at all?”
“He isn’t into that kind of thing.” Sorcha shook her head. “It’s a stupid idea, I should just get over it.”
Haley let Sorcha go, and she walked off to take the order from the young couple at table four. “Life isn’t always fair, is it?”
“Nope,” Tiana answered. “But I think she’s wrong. Maybe Karl wants kids but thinks Sorcha doesn’t.”
“And what gives you that idea?” Haley asked.
“He’s always asking after Rhett, and I’ve seen him with your girls...” Tiana caught Haley’s sideways glance. “Come on, he dressed up as a clown for Marie’s birthday a couple of years ago.”
Haley shook her head. “It was for Halloween.”
“That’s right. He came to the party and scared the hell out of everyone.” Tiana frowned. “Maybe he doesn’t like kids.”
“Are you kidding? He had a ball. Karl conspired with Marie and Alicia for the whole day. They did a dress rehearsal and everything.” Haley sighed. “He told me then he liked kids. He grew up in a large family, his sisters have kids, but they live on the other side of the country and he doesn’t get to see them much. It sounded as if he missed watching them grow up.”
“He told you that?” Sorcha appeared behind Tiana, her face an unreadable cloud of emotions. “Karl never talks about kids.”
“Maybe because your idea of kids is smelly diapers and sleepless nights. While your idea of life is to smell patchouli and enjoy sexy nights.”
“And days…” Tiana cast a quick glance around the restaurant which was still quiet. The evening diners would start filling the place up soon, but they had a few minutes to spare. “What we’re trying to say is…”
Haley linked her arm through Sorcha’s, too. “Is that if we never knew you wanted kids, how do you expect Karl to know?”
Sorcha looked down at the floor, and then took a deep breath. “I’m not good at opening myself up to those kinds of discussions. My childhood was horrible, you both know that, and I don’t want to repeat the mistakes of my mom.”
“But you are not your mom.” Haley stroked Sorcha’s cheek. “You are a strong, loving woman. Embrace what you want out of life.”
“What if I mess up?” Sorcha asked, her eyes misted with tears once more.
“What if you do?” Haley asked.
“We all mess up,” Tiana added. “And we’re all harder on ourselves than we should be.”
Sorcha nodded. “But what if I ask him and he says no?”
“Then at least you know, and you can make a decision about what you want to do. But if you never ask Karl, you’ll never know.” Haley hugged Sorcha and Tiana joined in, too.
“Hey, ladies,” Mr. Monroe said as he walked past. “Is this a restaurant or a shrink’s office?”
“We all need a shrink working for you,” Sorcha bit back.
“I’m wounded.” Mr. Monroe clutched his heart and the three women dispersed, going about their work until it was the end of their shift.
“Are you going to talk to Karl tonight?” Haley asked as she collected her purse and coat. She was looking forward to going back to Tiana’s house for their campout, even though she was tired, and her feet ached.
“I am. I don’t want to put it off.” Sorcha looked over her shoulder to where Karl was waiting for her in the restaurant.
Haley wrapped her arms around Sorcha. “Call me if you need me.”
“You have your own plans with that man of yours.” Sorcha held onto Haley so tight, as if scared to let go. “Buck sounds like a real keeper.”
“He is. But that doesn’t mean you can’t call me if you need me. I don’t care where I am or what I’m doing. You are not in this alone.” Haley put her hands on Sorcha’s shoulders and took a step back. “Now, go get him. Ask him what he wants and where he sees your life together going.”
Tiana joined them. “We’r
e here for you.”
Sorcha nodded and forced a smile onto her face. “I love you guys.”
“We love you, too.” Tiana hugged her friend and then pointed to the open door leading from the locker room to the restaurant. “Now, go.”
Sorcha gave a quick nod and then turned on her heel, lifted her chin and walked away.
“What do you think he’ll say?” Haley asked Tiana as they watched Karl kiss Sorcha on the lips. Then he slipped his arm around her shoulders and guided her out of the restaurant.
“I don’t know,” Tiana replied honestly. “I would guess yes. But who knows.”
“I hope he says yes. And I hope Sorch gets the child she wants.” Haley walked into the restaurant and Tiana followed, looking tired. “How are you holding up?”
Tiana sighed. “I’m tired.”
“You need to let go of your pride and give notice.” Haley’s heart was heavy at the prospect of Tiana leaving the restaurant, but it was the right thing to do for her and the baby, and the rest of the family.
“Like you let go of your pride over your ceiling? Let Buck do this for you. After all, you are a couple now,” Tiana said. “Bye, Mr. Monroe, bye, Bobby.”
Haley waved, and the two men waved back. Mr. Monroe stared at them for a moment before he turned his focus back to his accounts, while Bobby cleaned the grill. “Bye.”
Out in the cool night air, Haley took a deep breath and inhaled the scent of the night. Damp earth mixed with pine, it always invigorated her after a long shift. She looked up at the stars, the sky was clear, it was a perfect night.
“So?” Tiana asked.
“So what?” Haley answered as she pulled out her car keys and opened the car door.
“What about you?”
“What about me what?” Haley asked as she started the engine and waited for Tiana to get comfortable.
“What about you and babies?”
Haley jerked her head around to look at her best friend. “What about me and babies?”
“Don’t you want a child with Buck?” Tiana asked, adjusting the seatbelt so it sat comfortably under her bump.
“I’ve only known the guy a day.” Haley drove the car out of the parking lot and headed toward Tiana’s house, where her man was waiting for her.
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