Page 46 of Alpha's Sunflower Smiles

“By the way, thank you for going to talk to him.”

Wilfred pressed a kiss to my cheek. “You’re welcome. I’m glad it worked out well. I didn’t like seeing you upset.”

“I’d never have thought of it.”

With a chuckle, he said, “Talking to people is what I’m good at. It’s my superpower. I’ll have to leave the doors to you, though. Apparently I’m no good with them.”

That made me laugh, and I felt much more hopeful than I had in years.

“Maybe we could ask Papa over for dinner one day, once I’ve moved into your cottage?” I suggested.

Wilfred gave a fake gasp and cried, “That’s a great idea!”

He was not a good actor, my man.

“You already asked him, didn’t you?”

He looked sheepish. “Yes, I did. And he was very keen to see my cottage and to spend time with you. He wants to know about your life, you know. But I’m very proud of you for thinking about it. Your papa will probably appreciateyouasking him.”

“If you’re happy with that.”

I pushed open the door and ushered Wilfred inside. Papa was over the other side of the shop, standing next to Richard, their heads bent together as they discussed scents.

Wilfred gave my hand a squeeze before murmuring, “I’ll go and put the kettle on.”

I smiled, watching him disappear into the workshop. Perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad. I could talk to Papa with Wilfred here to guide the conversation and then, maybe if I played my cards right, I could sneak into the workshop with Wilfred alone and make out for a while. Just to make sure the workshop kept its reputation, of course.

Chapter 19

Wilfred

Pete had got my doors and the dodgy window of my cottage fixed and there was no reason for us not to move in together straight away. We’d boxed up the things that he wanted to bring with him, I’d cleared some of my clothes and old crafts away to make room for his stuff, and we’d hired a van to transport everything.

We weren’t taking all of the furniture but there were a few items, such as an old dresser that Pete liked and would look good in our bedroom in our cottage. There was enough stuff that we’d asked Ty, Ronnie and Alder to come and help us move things.

Well, they’d volunteered, really, when I’d told them that Pete was moving in.

It was incredibly kind of them and I was trying to think of something nice I could do for them in return.

Pete wrapped his arms around my waist and looked into my eyes.

“Second thoughts?”

I shook my head. “No. None. Do you—?”

“No,” he said. “None at all. I want this.”

We stood there for a moment with him holding me close. I loved the feeling of it when he did that and I’d been right, it was his favourite position. He’d confessed to me one night, while he’d been spooned up behind me, that it helped him to feel more grounded when he held me close to him like that.

I was enjoying the moment of calm, the feel of Pete’s body against mine, and looking forward to our life together when the doorbell rang.

“Time to get going, then.”

Pete dropped a peck on my lips and let me go. He went to start moving boxes and I opened the front door to Ty.

“Thank you for helping us out,” I said. “We really appreciate it.”

He came into the house, wiping his feet on the mat. I’d have to remember to pack that, too.

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