Page 162 of Knot Unwanted: Part Two

The next two hours pass in a pleasant blur of storefronts and purchases. Finn finds his copper mixing bowls (plus three additional kitchen tools none of us understand the purpose of), Stone reluctantly allows himself to be convinced into purchasing a dark green shirt that’s not a Henley, and Ren discovers an antique bookshop that nearly requires forcible extraction when we’re ready to move on.

By early afternoon, hunger drives us toward the small coffee shop. The familiar bell jingles as Jax holds the door, ushering us into the scent of fresh coffee and baked goods.

“Our usual table is open,” Stone observes, already moving toward the corner booth that offers the best sightlines and privacy.

We settle in, bags arranged at our feet, the pleasant fatigue of a successful shopping excursion making the worn leather seats feel particularly welcoming. A server approaches with menus. Orders are placed.

As the server walks away, Finn leans forward. “So, who’s going to admit they spent more at the omega shop than they planned to?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Ren replies. But his dignity is completely undermined by the small bag tucked carefully at his side.

“The receipt is literally sticking out of your pocket,” Finn points out. “What’d you get? Those massage oils you were fondling?”

A rare flush colors Ren’s cheeks. “I was…just looking at the ingredients.”

“Uh-huh. For like twenty minutes.”

“Some of us appreciate thoroughness,” Ren counters, recovering his composure enough to infuse the word with suggestive undertones that make my cheeks warm.

“I saw Stone sniffing candles,” I whisper. It’s nice being able to tease someone, too.

Stone shrugs, not even slightly embarrassed. “They smelled good. Some reminded me of the garden.”

“And some reminded you of me,” Finn adds smugly. “Don’t think I didn’t notice you matching candle scents to my neck.”

“Guilty,” Stone admits with such straightforward honesty that Finn deflates slightly, robbed of the pleasure of further teasing.

“You’re no fun to tease when you just admit things,” he complains.

“I know.” Stone’s lips quirk, his version of a satisfied smirk.

Our drinks arrive and we dig in.

“We should invite the Ashgraves for dinner next weekend,” Finn suggests as he demolishes a pain au chocolat with impressive focus. “I want to try that new recipe I found, and they’ll appreciate it more than you philistines.”

“We appreciate your cooking,” Jax protests.

“You inhale it without noticing half the flavors,” Finn counters. “I bet the Ashgraves actually know what cardamom is.”

“I know what cardamom is,” Jax interjects. “I’ve been wearing it all morning.”

This prompts another round of good-natured bickering. I sit back, sipping my hot chocolate and absorbing the moment—the easy laughter, the casual affection, the complete absence of fear that for so long underscored my entire life.

This is what normal feels like. This is what I fought for. Something simple like sitting in a coffee shop with my pack, discussing dinner plans and teasing each other about scented candles, with no shadows hanging over us.

“You okay?” Stone asks quietly, his keen observation missing nothing. “You went somewhere for a minute.”

I smile, touched that he even noticed. “I’m perfect. Just…happy. Really happy.”

His expression softens in understanding. “Good.”

The drive home is unhurried. Ren takes the wheel like he often does now. Our house comes into view with its familiar lines and welcoming presence. The garden Stone extended for Finn is flourishing, the plants visible even before we reach the end of the drive. This place…has become truly home in ways no previous dwelling ever managed to be.

Jax unlocks the door, holding it open for the rest of us to file inside with our packages. The familiar scents of home envelop us, and I’m ready to change into something comfortable and curl up with Finn. Maybe we’ll watch something. I hear there’s a new season of that reality show he loves. I’m getting addicted to them too.

“I’m putting these away before Finn decides they need to be washed immediately,” Stone announces, heading toward the stairs with his clothing purchases.

“They absolutely do need washing!” Finn calls after him. “You have no idea who tried them on before you!”

---