Page 42 of Truth or Pack

Holt grabbed the food and I see Mathias headed back this way. Just give us a few to get there.

Ash

I'll be counting the moments until I see your sweet face again.

Taryn

Putting it on a little thick, huh?

Ash

I'm a romantic.

He also sent a smiley face with heart eyes.

I sighed and smiled at the same time. They all were trying so hard to win me over and it was working. I loved that Ash was a hopeless romantic and that Mathias was sweet, and even the way Holt and I went back and forth.

"Who's got you smirking like that?" Holt asked as he set the pizza and bags in the back seat, pushing it to the middle.

"Ash," I replied, chewing on my lip as I waited for his reaction. Holt just gave me a nod of approval.

Mathias slipped in the back behind Holt and held up a bag like a prize. "They had a great selection. I hope you guys are up for a marathon."

"I don't know if I'll stay awake, but I'm in. We’re headed to get Ash before we go back to the cabin.”

"Well, you can use my lap as a pillow," Holt said as he started the car and headed back to the antique shop.

"Maybe. If you’re lucky,” I shot back. “Are we coming back to help clean up tomorrow?" They stared at me for a second. We’d mentioned going back to our lives but the last thing I wanted to do was leave. Not after today.

It seemed they agreed, every one of us pretending it was the plan all along.

"Depends on Mathais's marathon. I'd say after lunch time for sure," Holt said. “I’d like to make sure Deb is squared away, then we can see who else needs us.”

"Oh, and we have a video to shoot, too," Mathias added, giving me a smirk.

"What?" Holt asked as he parked for Ash to jump in, he turned and raised his brows at us, silently demanding an explanation.

"I had Taryn make me a mystery-date book. She wrapped it and everything," he replied. The fact he was taunting the others was hilarious. Who would have thought I’d have a pack member teasing that he got to make a video with me, first?

"So,youhave a video to make, is what I hear?" Holt snorted, looking downright relieved. The big baby.

"Do I need to make you and Ash one, too?" I asked.

"If you want a video, you do," Ash answered, practically pouting.

"Okay, well, when we go to town tomorrow, I can get you two books as well. Actually, I have a questionnaire for you to fill out so I can get one you’d actually like,” I mused.

"Tomorrow. We have movies and pizza tonight. Just a relaxing night. It's been a crazy day," Ash said around a yawn of his own.

I couldn’t blame him after dealing with my parents. My chest was still tight after that interaction and I let out a sigh.

"How did the chat with my parents go?"

"Great, they’re going to sell us the cabin," he said easily.

I had a feeling there was more to the story, but I wasn't going to push it. He said he wanted a relaxing night, so I was happy to comply.

As we pulled up outside the lake house, I realized how different it felt now. It wasn’t just a place that gave me nostalgia as a kid, or the place I dreaded catching up with my family.

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