Page 66 of Family: Posy 4

You are everything to us. Our mate, our love, our beautiful and strong luna. I respect, love, and care for you with all of my heart.

I am forever yours,

Cole

7: County Fair

Posy

For the first time, I balked at the outfit Ash picked out for me.

He'd already done my hair with the top and sides in a fussy braid that went into big, bouncy curls down my back and even helped me with some simple makeup - just mascara and clear lip gloss - but when it came time to put on the clothes he wanted, I shook my head and backed away.

He himself was dressed in a pink t-shirt printed with a black rose, black shorts with a black belt, and black loafers with pink laces, and I didn't know why he couldn't have picked something like that forme. I usually trusted his dress sense without question, but this time, I put my foot down.

"Come on, princess! You'll look so cute in it!"

I bit my lip. Itwascute, but it had teeny tiny straps that would leave my upper arms, shoulders, and some of my back visible. While the sandals were super adorable, the dress was not going to happen.

"Ash, if she doesn't want to wear something, don't make her," Mason rumbled as he stepped out of the boys' massive closet. "Shecanpick out her own clothes, you know."

I looked at what he was wearing - khaki shorts with a brown leather belt, a white t-shirt, and white sneakers - and was tempted to just go as I was in Cole's oversized t-shirt that went to my knees.

"But shelikesme to do it, don't you, cupcake?" Ash argued.

"Usually." I twisted my fingers together and stared at the floor.

"Let me see this outfit." Mason walked over to the bed where Ash had laid it out. In half a second, he whirled on his brother and slapped him upside the head. "You idiot! Why do youthinkshe wouldn't like this dress thing?"

Then he came over to me, untangled my fingers, and lifted my chin with one hand.

"Baby, your scars show how strong you are," he murmured, "but it's your decision to show them to the world or not."

I nodded, and he sighed when I stayed silent. Pulling me into his arms, he held me tight against him, and I closed my eyes and laid my ear against his chest. I loved listening to my mates' heartbeats. It was something that never failed to soothe me.

"Shit, Posy," Ash began.

"Language!" Cole grumbled as he, too, came out of the boys' closet.

Opening my eyes, I saw he was dressed similarly to Mason, only his shorts were navy blue and his shirt was light gray.

"Sorry, Posy," Ash mumbled. "I didn't think about that."

Still squeezed against Mason, I looked at Ash's sad face.

"It's okay," I told him. "It's a very pretty dress."

"It's a romper, in case you go on rides." He showed me that what I thought was a knee-length skirt was really two pant legs. "Gingham is perfect for a county fair. I forgot about your scars. I don't really notice them anymore. They're just a part of you. Part of what makes PosyPosy."

I swallowed hard, loving him for saying that.

"We can fix this easily enough." Cole grabbed Ash's arm and towed him toward my closet. "Just find her a thin shirt to wear under it or something lightweight to wear over it."

"Ah!" Ash brightened up. "You're right!"

He raced into my closet as Cole rolled his eyes.

Looking up at Mason, I found his gray eyes staring down at me.