Page 38 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

Gabriel pockets his phone, the hint of a smile playing at his lips. "We have connections with services that understand urgency."

"Of course you do," I mutter, though without real annoyance. At this point, I'm grateful for any advantage that gets my shop back to normal faster. There's something about Gabriel that makes it difficult to maintain my usual wariness around Alphas. Perhaps it's his quiet competence, or the way he seems to respect my independence even while insisting on protecting me.

"What are you thinking?" he asks, his voice pulling me from my thoughts.

"That my life has become unrecognizable in the span of a week," I reply honestly. "And I'm not sure how to feel about it."

Gabriel's pace slows to match mine, his shoulder occasionally brushing against mine as we navigate around a group of teenagers on skateboards. "Change is rarely comfortable," he observes, his voice low enough that only I can hear. "Especially when it's forced upon us."

I glance up at him, struck by the unexpected wisdom in his words. "Is that from your extensive experience protecting witnesses?"

His lips quirk upward. "Something like that."

I gave a hum, as we could start to see my shop now. Even from a distance, I can see the activity through the windows—people in matching uniforms moving efficiently among the wreckage, restoring order to chaos.

"Is it strange that I feel guilty?" I ask suddenly.

Gabriel glances down at me, brow furrowed. "Guilty? For what?"

"For putting your pack in danger," I admit, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "For disrupting your lives. You all had your routines, your work, and now you're babysitting me, using your connections to fix my shop, turning your sunroom into a makeshift flower arrangement space..."

Gabriel stops walking, turning to face me fully. His expression is serious but not unkind. "First, we're not babysitting you. We're protecting a witness in an active investigation—a witness who was directly targeted. That's our job." He pauses, his blue eyes holding mine. "Second, my pack is more than capable of adapting to change. And third," his voice softens slightly, "you didn't put anyone in danger. The people who broke into your shop did that."

I look away, uncomfortable with the intensity of his gaze. "Still feels like I'm imposing."

Gabriel's hand brushes against my cheek as he tucks the strand of hair behind my ear, his touch gentle but sending an unexpected spark through me. "You're not imposing," he says firmly. "If anything, you've been remarkably accommodating considering the circumstances."

I swallow hard, acutely aware of his proximity, of the warmth radiating from him. "That's a polite way of saying I haven't completely fallen apart yet."

A genuine smile touches his lips, transforming his usually serious expression. "I wouldn't put it quite like that, but yes—your resilience is... impressive."

We stand there for a moment, something unspoken passing between us before Gabriel clears his throat and steps back, professional demeanor sliding back into place.

"We should keep moving," I say, stepping back slightly. "I want to check in with Theo before we head to my apartment."

Gabriel nods, respecting my unspoken need for space. We walk the remaining distance to the shop in silence, each lost in our own thoughts. As we approach, I can see Theo through the window, tablet in hand as he directs the cleaning crew. He looks up as we enter, adjusting his glasses.

"Progress report?" Gabriel asks as we step inside, careful to avoid the wet patches where the floor has been freshly mopped.

"Ahead of schedule," Theo replies, his efficient tone matching his precise movements. "The display area should be fully cleaned by five. Window replacement team is actually running early—they'll be here within the hour." He glances at me, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. "The cooler inventory is intact, as we hoped. I've taken the liberty of contacting your suppliers to confirm your standing orders."

"You did what?" I ask, surprised by his initiative.

"I didn't change anything," Theo clarifies quickly. "Just confirmed that your regular deliveries will continue as scheduled. I thought it would save you time."

I'm momentarily speechless, touched by his thoughtfulness yet still uncomfortable with how seamlessly these Alphas have inserted themselves into every aspect of my life in such a little amount of time.

"That was... thoughtful," I manage, still processing. "Thank you, Theo."

He nods, a small smile touching his lips before he returns to his tablet. "The flowers for the Sullivan wedding should arrive Wednesday. I've arranged for them to be delivered directly to our house, unless you'd prefer otherwise."

"No, that's... that makes sense," I admit, glancing around at the ongoing cleanup. Despite the efficiency of the crew, it's clear the shop won't be ready for delicate flower arrangements by Wednesday.

"I've also taken the liberty of contacting your most urgent customers," Theo continues, scrolling through his tablet. "Mrs. Hoffman's anniversary arrangement has been postponed until Tuesday, with her full understanding. The Martins' baby shower centerpieces have been rescheduled for delivery from our location.”

I stare at Theo, a mix of gratitude and alarm warring within me. "You've been busy," I say finally, unsure whether to thank him or scold him for taking such liberties with my business.

"Efficiency is kind of his thing," Gabriel comments, the hint of a smile playing at his lips. "He can't help himself."

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