by C. W. Gray
Sawyer squeezed her hand. “If she doesn’t accept Gib as he is, then it’s her loss. We’ll be here for you and him both.”
She smiled sadly. “Thanks. It wouldn’t bother me, except it hurts him so much.” She shook herself and took a breath. “Okay. Enough of that. How did the photoshoot go?”
Sawyer grinned. “We finished it last night. Grey will love it.”
Yeo and Caden
Yeo patted Auggie’s back and swayed back and forth in his bedroom. He had agreed to watch Auggie for a few hours while Grey and Harper went to have lunch at The Irish Rose. Well, technically, Caden had agreed to watch the baby, but Yeo hadn’t given him the chance.
He had Jackson on speakerphone, and he wanted to reach through the phone and shake his brother. “Jackson, I know something is upsetting you. Just tell me!”
His brother groaned. “Why are you so nosy?”
“Don’t make me call Papa.”
“You wouldn’t.” Jackson’s voice sounded doubtful.
“Don’t try me, little brother.”
Jackson sighed. “There’s this alpha…”
Yeo covered his mouth, muffling his squeal, and danced around the room. After a second, he paused and took a breath. “And?”
“You remember me telling you about Luke?”
Yeo frowned. “Yeah. You and Griff hang with him all the time. Have you talked him into asking Britney out yet?”
“Yeah, they’re officially dating.” Yeo’s brother hesitated a moment. “It’s just that talking with him made me realize some stuff about myself. I think I’m in love. Maybe. I don’t know.”
“In love? Jackson, what are you saying?”
“Nothing,” Jackson said, voice getting high. “I’m not saying anything else. It’s not important because this alpha and I would never work. He’s not even interested in guys. Well, at least I don’t think he is. He never talks about dating. He just listens to me bitch and moan.”
Yeo sat on the end of the bed. “You’re in love with him?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Jackson said. Yeo could hear people chattering in the background. “I have to get back to work, Yeo. Keep your mouth shut and don’t say anything to Papa, okay?”
“I promise.” Yeo hung up and bounced Auggie in his arms. “Jackson is in love with some alpha, Auggie. I think we need to keep our eyes and ears open. You’ll tell me if you hear anything, right?”
Auggie smiled and grunted.
“You’re such a good boy,” Yeo said and left the bedroom. He walked down the hall and watched his husband for a moment. Caden worked on his laptop on the couch, face focused and intense.
“I can feel you staring, angel.” Caden didn’t look up, but his lips twitched.
Yeo sniffed the baby’s head and sighed. His baby fever was back, and it was hitting him hard. “We need another baby.”
Caden looked up from his computer. “Nari isn’t quite potty-trained yet, angel. Shouldn’t we wait another year?”
Yeo turned to watch Nari play with Huckleberry. Their daughter banged around on the toy kitchen while Huckleberry perched beside her. The rabbit wore a chef hat left over from last night’s photoshoot.
Linc’s favorite book by Grey was about a little boy who wanted to become a chef. He had all sorts of animal friends that were determined to help him, even though they ended up ruining everything. In the end, the little boy learned to appreciate his friends, and all the little animals learned to step back and let their human friend take the lead.
Of course, Linc had dressed as the little boy. Nari had worn the cutest little butterfly costume, and Summer had been a raccoon. Yeo’s teenage sister had actually enjoyed herself. Even Yeo’s step-mother, Fawn, had helped them arrange everything, but she had drawn the line at donning a costume herself.
Huckleberry had made a convincing rabbit while Sassy, their little dog, had worn her mouse costume with pride. Well, until Magnolia started chasing her around. Yeo’s big Maine Coon was a bit of a hunter, even when dressed as a humming bird.
“By the time the baby gets here, Nari will be potty-trained,” Yeo said. “She’s catching on a lot quicker than Linc did.”
Caden grinned. “She hasn’t used the litterbox at all.”
“Don’t give her ideas.” Yeo made a face. “Anyway, Jackson has pretty much taken over the daily duties of the bookstore, and Amy and my two part-timers are doing well. It would be a good time for another baby.”
“Maybe you should stop sniffing Auggie,” Caden said, eyes twinkling.
Yeo stuck his tongue out. “You can’t make me.”
Caden reached out and pulled Yeo down on the couch. “I’ll give you as many babies as I can, angel. Well, up to five. After that, you’ll have to convince me.”
Yeo cuddled Auggie to his chest and leaned into Caden’s side. His alpha was a big pushover. He’d give Yeo anything he wanted. “Would you really mind another baby so quickly? You know I want a houseful. Somehow Papa managed it, and you and I are much better prepared than he was. We even have two empty rooms.”
Caden looked thoughtful. “I work from home, and you work just downstairs. Linc is starting school soon, and I guess Nari will be potty-trained. Probably. Okay, let’s do it.”
Yeo smirked. No more birth control for them, and soon enough, he’d have an Auggie of his own. With his luck, he’d have the opposite of Augge – a demon baby. Oh well. He’d still love them.
Caden’s phone dinged with a text, and his alpha read over it, frowning.
“What’s wrong?” Yeo asked.
“You remember Cain’s client? The one he was worried about when he was up for Halloween?”
Yeo bit his lip. “Yeah. The omega whose ex’s new husband tried to hire someone to kill him.”
Caden’s face look grim. “Cain says the man just found the brakes on his car cut.”
“Seriously? That’s horrible. I assume it was the ex’s new omega?”
Caden shrugged. “Cain seems convinced it is, but apparently, law enforcement won’t take the man’s threat seriously. They say he was just joking.”
Yeo growled. “Why are people so stupid?”
Caden kissed his cheek. “The police probably see things like this all the time. Cain says the asshole can tell a good lie.”
Yeo huffed. “Good-looking smooth talkers suck donkey balls.”
Caden eyed him suspiciously. “Have you been hanging out with Abel?”
Yeo chuckled. “He’s your best friend. It’s kind of hard to avoid him.”
“Speaking of best friends, we better get ready before we’re late meeting Bennett,” Caden said.
Yeo stood. “Auggie and I are ready. We’re waiting on you, Roxanne Baxter.”
Caden blushed. “Sorry. I got caught up in a scene.”
Yeo narrowed his eyes. “What’s happening to Josh and Lonnie? You can tell me, honey bunches. I can keep a secret.”
Caden picked up Nari and tossed her in the air, laughing at her giggles. “I’m not telling your papa a thing about my story. He can read it when it releases.”
Yeo scowled. “Why did I marry you again?”
Caden gave him a hot look, then headed for the door. “You love me, angel. It can’t be helped.”
“Are we sure Griff isn’t dating Luke Jennings,” Caden said, scowling. The fucker better watch out if he hurt Justin’s brother.
Nari watched him closely, then turned toward the couple a few booths over and glared too, her hands propped on her hips.
Yeo shared an amused look with Bennett. “We’re sure. They’re just good friends. Sheesh.”
Bennett leaned forward, and his youngest son, Nate, mimicked him, putting his chin on his little fist. “I hear that this is Luke’s fourth date with Britney. Apparently, Britney’s grandmother thinks it’s love.”
“It’s just four dates,” Caden said, shrugging. Oh, wait. He’d fallen in love with Yeo before they even managed one date.
Yeo arched an eyebrow, and Caden blushed.
“No room to judge there, big guy.”
“True.”
“Nari, play,” Nate said, holding his arms out.
Caden laughed and handed Nari over the table to Bennett. The two toddlers hugged each other and plopped their butts onto the booth. Nari showed her best friend the new knitted rabbit hat Ernie had made her. Nate was a little older than Caden’s daughter, but he loved spending time with her.
Bennett watched them fondly. “Do you think these two will be best friends when they’re older?”
Yeo grinned. “They’ll be Nate and Nari forever.”
Zoe scowled as she sat beside Bennett. “Hey, guys. I’m going to pretend Caden doesn’t have Huckleberry strapped to his chest in a bakery where no pets are allowed. Jayla will bring your order out in a minute.”
Caden winced and petted Huckleberry’s long ears. Huck was a people rabbit. He insisted on going where his people went.
Bennett wrapped an arm around her. “What’s wrong with you, baby girl? You aren’t usually so scowly.”
She settled her head on her uncle’s shoulder. “Things.”
Caden had a feeling he knew what bothered her. Mrs. Bethel had practically glared at him when he crossed paths with her at the grocery store yesterday, and he was just an honorary Wilson. The woman was not pleased her alpha son was marrying a beta, little less a Wilson.
Bennett looked sad. “I remember the Bethels always made a huge deal out of Christmas, even after Gib’s dad passed away.”
“It’s breaking Gib’s heart,” Zoe said. “He loves his mom and misses all the traditions they had. He even offered to share his family’s pecan pie recipe with me, but it doesn’t feel right. I know she hates me.”
“Daphne Bethel is an idiot, and she’ll realize it one day,” Bennett said.
Zoe kissed Bennett’s cheek, then reached out and took Auggie from Yeo. “I’ll figure it out. Look at Luke and Britney. Aren’t they adorable?”
Caden scowled again. “Is Griff really okay with that? What about Jackson? They both spend a lot of time with Luke.”
Zoe gave him dry look. “They’re both fine with Luke dating Britney. Calm down, big tough alpha man.”
Bennett tapped his chin, and Nate mimicked him again, his round face solemn. “Now, if it was a different man dating Britney, it would be another story for Jackson.”
Zoe gasped. “What do you know, Uncle Bennett? Tell us!”
Bennett shrugged. “I noticed at the Halloween party that Jackson admired a certain alpha’s rear end. Several times.”
Caden tilted his head, confused. “So? Jackson is a healthy young man. It’s not surprising that he’d check someone out.”
Bennett grinned. “This someone is one of Jackson’s best friends. I’ve never seen Jackson look at him that way before. I would bet you anything that Jackson has some strong feelings for the man. He may go on about not trusting any alpha, but he trusts this alpha.”
Caden felt Yeo’s eyes on him, so he turned to look at his omega. His dark eyes were full of love and adoration.
“I never thought I’d trust another alpha after growing up the way I did, but the right man came along and convinced my heart to take a chance,” Yeo said. “It was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Aww,” Zoe said, a sweet look on her face. “You two are so adorable I could puke. You really should talk to Jackson, Yeo. No one should miss out on love because they’re afraid to take a risk.”
Caden squeezed Yeo’s hand. Meeting his angel had brought him so much joy. He really hoped Jackson found his own angel.
“I have talked with him a bit,” Yeo said, surprising Caden. “Let’s just say that my darling Bennett here is right.”
Zoe’s eyes widened and she bounced. “Who is it, Yeo? Tell me.”
“Yeah, angel. Tell us,” Caden added.
Yeo gave them all a smug look. “It’s not my secret to tell.” His smile turned into a scowl. “Plus, I don’t know who it is.”
Zoe hissed at him until Bennett smacked her arm. “Our food’s coming. Behave, Zoe Lawson.”
Jayla smiled as she set their tray of cinnamon rolls in the center of the table. “Here you go!”
“Cimis!” Nate and Nari both called out, standing back up in the booth.
Jayla laughed, then looked around. “Where’s Linc? He likes his cimis too.”
Caden tore apart a cinnamon roll on a small plate, then set it in front of the two toddlers. They liked sharing their food, and neither of them needed more than half a cinnamon roll.
“Linc is at Abuela’s with his bestie,” Yeo said, taking a bite of his own treat.
Jayla nodded. “I should have known. Linc and Iggy don’t like to be apart.”
Zoe’s bit her lip, trying to hide a smile. “You know us Wilsons start young, right? Elijah and I knew we were going to be best friends when we were babies. All the Wilson littles are doing the same thing.”
Caden liked that idea. He may have had good parents and two brothers, but somehow, Caden had still been lonely growing up. Looking back, he knew each member of the family should have made more of an effort with one another. He was closer to his family now then he had ever been.
As if his thoughts summoned him, Caden saw his father through the bakery window. John Benson saw him and grinned before coming in.
Nari squealed when she saw her grandad. “Paw paw!”
John reached over and grabbed his granddaughter. “Son, you aren’t supposed to have your rabbit in the bakery.”
Caden scowled and took a bite of his cinnamon roll, ignoring Yeo and Zoe’s laughs.
Nate whined and held his arms out towards John, so Caden’s dad settled Nari on one hip and reached for Nate with his empty arm. “You want to stay with Nari, don’t you? I have my eye on you, Nate Wilson.”
Nate giggled and kissed his cheek. “Love Nari.”
John huffed. “You darn charming Wilsons.”
Bennett and Marco
Bennett left the bakery with a sugar high, and Nate bounced in his arms, chattering away. Bennett stroked his son’s back and walked to Shawn’s garage a few streets over. Shawn and the garage’s former manager had bought out the owner last week. The paperwork was still processing, but it was a done deal.
Shawn and George stood outside the shop, watching Tomás and Juan hang the new sign with the words Hobson Hills Garage printed in large, blue letters.
“My son the businessman,” Bennett said, clapping. Nate clapped too, giggling as the poof on the top of his knitted cap bounced.
Shawn grinned and pulled Nate into his arms. “Hey, little man. Do you like the sign, Papa? Tomás made it.”
Bennett went and held the bottom of Tomás’ ladder as the young man worked. He knew his adopted son was safe enough, but it made him nervous seeing him up that high. “You did a good job, Tomás. It looks great.”
Tomás flushed and grinned down at Bennett. “Thanks, Papa. Oh yeah, before I forget, I’m supposed to tell you that Ernie finished the costumes for our photo shoot tonight. I brought them to your house.”
“Thank you, sweetheart,” Bennett said. “You two be careful.”
“I’ll keep him safe, Bennett,” Juan said, laughing.
Bennett stuck his tongue out at Juan, then turned back to Shawn and George. “Do you need any help with the party?”
Shawn and George were hosting a grand opening of sorts on Saturday. The shop had only changed names, but they wanted to do something special for the occasion. Bennett’s nephew Abel was providing food from his pub, Zoe was bringing baked goods, and Bennett’s brother-in-law Barry was hosting events in the parking lot for the day.
“Nope,” Shawn said, handing Nate back to Bennett. “Everything’s covered. Sometimes it pays to have a big family.”
Bennett snorted. “Only sometimes. Jackson was complaining that everyone was being nosy about Luke Jennings.”
Juan yelped as he almost dropped the sign he was holding up. “Jackson and Luke are a thing? They�
�ve been spending a lot of time together lately, but I didn’t think it was like that.”
Bennett raised an eyebrow. “They’re just friends, Juan. Luke is dating someone now, and Jackson is happy for them.”
Juan stared hard at the sign in his hand. “That’s good.”
“Poor Luke,” Shawn said, laughing. “I bet everyone is in his business.”
Bennett kept his eyes on Juan. “Of course. Well, I’ll let you all get back to work. See you later tonight.” Bennett left them and drove toward Ernie’s house. “Nate, I think Juan and Jackson need a little Wilson push to figure things out.”
“Nari pretty.” His youngest had a one-track mind.
“She is pretty, baby boy.” Bennett shook his head and laughed. Wilsons really did start young.
He parked in the garage, then let Nate out of his car seat. Oggy and Pickles met them at the door. “I brought your baby home, Pickles. Don’t worry.”
The calico cat glared at him, then wound around Nate. The little boy plopped onto the floor and pet the cat. “Kitty good.”
Oggy waited patiently for Bennett’s attention. He knelt and pet the large Saint Bernard. “Did you guard the house, Oggy boy?”
“Chicky time!” Nate said, standing back up and wiggling.
“He’s bossy, Oggy,” Bennett whispered into his dog’s ear. “Okay, Nate. Let’s go check on Margie and the chickens.”
Oggy followed them outside and walked with them through the thick snow. The other animals were too happy inside the warm house to join them.
There were two barns on the property. The largest was meant for injured cattle or heifers close to calving. The smaller one held their horses and Bennett’s cow, Margie. The chickens had a large coop and run behind the small barn.
“Daddy!” Nate let go of Bennett’s hand and ran toward the chicken coop.
Marco stood next to the coop with an egg basket. He winced when Nate tripped and fell face-first into the snow.
Their son looked up, face grumpy. “Poo-poo!”
