“You’re okay with Hannah, then? Summer seemed to think she was worried about it.”
“Okay? With what?” Bennett looked puzzled. Oh fuck a duck.
“Nothing,” Yeo said quickly. “Nothing at all.”
Bennett’s eyes narrowed. “What do you know?”
“It’s not my secret to share. It’s nothing bad. I promise,” Yeo said.
“Hmph,” Bennett said. “It’s not dangerous?”
“Not at all. She’ll tell you when she’s ready.”
“Okay. I can respect my daughter’s privacy. I can.” He shook himself, then turned his attention to Yeo. “So… Caden?”
“How do you know about him?” Yeo tried not to blush. He wore his new scarf again. It made him happy to look at it. So what?
“He’s an honorary Wilson. Plus, it’s not like he’s been subtle in his awkward courtship.”
“His courtship is just fine,” Yeo said happily. “I’ve never been courted before, and I like that he’s honest in his reactions. He is definitely not smooth and practiced.” He sighed. “I really like him, Bennett. I haven’t had good experiences with alphas, though.”
“He is a good man,” Bennett said. “He might seem stand-offish at first, but I’ve seen him with his niece, Olive. He has a good heart.”
Yeo shouldn’t care what Bennett thought, but he was relieved to hear another omega’s thoughts on the alpha he was so interested in. “He’s really good with Linc too.” Yeo nibbled his lip. “I heard his dad say something about him being a lawyer?”
“He was a lawyer for a long time, but he made a career change. He still helps the family out when we need it, but he doesn’t actively practice anymore. In fact, he just helped put a very bad man in prison yesterday.” Bennett smiled at him. “Don’t you think you should talk to him about him?”
“He’s not here, is he?” Yeo pouted, then shrugged. “Tell me more about this baby you’re having?” In between serving customers and taking care of Linc, the two men talked for a few hours. Yeo had never had a friend before. He checked the clock. “I can’t believe it’s already three in the afternoon. Summer will be in soon.”
Bennett held Linc on his lap. He had just finished reading him a Dr. Seuss book. “Good lord. I’ve had way too much fun with you.” He set Linc down behind the register and returned the book to Linc’s book box.
“See you tomorrow?” Yeo held his breath. He really liked Bennett. His father had chosen the people he could call friends and, needless to say, they weren’t really friends. He wanted Bennett to like him, almost as badly as he wanted Caden to fall in love with him.
“Of course,” Bennett said. “I’m working a few hours at Farm Fresh in the morning, and I’ll want a cozy place to rest my feet. If I can have a cute, little Linc in my lap, all the better.” Yeo waited until Bennett left to do his happy dance. He had a friend. God he was such a dork.
A few customers later, Summer came through the door. She peeked in at Linc and gave Yeo a kiss on the cheek. “Did you eat lunch today?” She eyed Yeo as his stomach growled.
“I forgot,” he said. “I really need to hire another person.”
“I’ve got the perfect person in mind,” Summer said, smiling excitedly. “Hannah’s cousin, Olive, is best friends with a little girl named Shelly. Her mom does seasonal work for the Wilsons, but she’s been trying to find a full-time job. There isn’t a lot of opportunities in Hobson Hills. A lot of the people here work in different towns.”
“Get her number and I’ll call her,” he said.
“I’ll text Hannah now, but you need to take a break and eat.” She pointed to Zoe’s bakery. “Go.”
Yeo sniffed. “Bossy.” He picked up Linc and tickled his son’s belly. “You got your lunch, didn’t you? Bennett took good care of you while papa was too busy.” Yeo really needed to hire someone. His son needed more of his attention, especially if he ever hoped to finish potty-training him.
He ordered a latte and a sandwich then sat in Bennett’s chair by the window. Linc walked around unsteadily, giving every item in his path his undivided attention. Summer darted over and put a few toys on the floor. “Stay here and relax a bit,” she ordered him.
Yeo stuck his tongue out at her, but did as he was told. He watched the people bustling back and forth in the cold and smiled when he saw Caden. Mr. Handsome carried a plant in a deep teal pot. The plant was covered in wrapping to protect it from the cold, so Yeo couldn’t tell what it was. In his other arm, he had a basket filled with something. It was covered with another scarf, red this time.
Yeo finished his sandwich and went to open the door for him. “I was hoping you would come by today,” he said, smiling at the alpha.
Caden blushed. Damn, Yeo liked his blushes. They looked so out of place on his strong face. “I brought you some things.” He held the basket and plant out to him.
“Come sit with me.” He pulled Caden to the cozy little reading nook Yeo had spent so much time in today. “You don’t have to bring me presents every time you come by, Caden.” Yeo took the basket and plant. “Not that I mind. Is that another scarf? I thought it looked like one.” He set them both on the small table between the three chairs. Linc plopped down in the floor and played with the stuffed, velveteen rabbit in front of him.
“You smile when I give you gifts,” Caden said and sat. “I really like your smile.” Yeo couldn’t stop his grin.