Page 44 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

I can't help the small laugh that escapes me, the image too vivid to resist. The sound seems to please them, their expressions softening as they exchange glances.

I catch Dakota watching me, something like satisfaction in his expression before he turns back to his pasta. For a moment, the weight of my situation lifts slightly, replaced by the simple pleasure of shared food and genuine conversation. It feels... normal. Safe, even.

"What about you?" Lucas asks, his attention turning to me. "Any embarrassing work stories? Flower arrangements gone wrong?"

I take a sip of water, considering the question. "Well, there was the time I accidentally used poison ivy in a wedding bouquet." At their alarmed expressions, I can't help but smile. "The bride had specifically requested 'woodland elements,' and it was dark when I was gathering materials. Let's just say the honeymoon photos were... interesting."

Dakota lets out a bark of laughter, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Please tell me you didn't get sued."

"Surprisingly, no," I reply, warming to the story as their interested expressions encourage me. "The groom was a botanist. He identified it immediately and made sure no one else touched it. They actually found it hilarious—said it added 'memorable drama' to their wedding."

"Lucky," Theo comments, a small smile playing at his lips.

"Very," I agree, taking another bite of pasta. "Though I did send them a complimentary anniversary arrangement the following year. Extra large, definitely poison-ivy free."

The conversation flows easily after that, the Alphas sharing stories from their work—the ones they can tell, at least—while I contribute anecdotes from the flower shop. The heaviness in my chest begins to lift, not completely, but enough that I can breathe more easily.

"Tomorrow," Gabriel says, his voice drawing my attention to him, "we'll get the sunroom set up for your flower arrangements. Theo's already ordered supplies based on what he saw at your shop, but you should make a list of anything specific you might need."

"I don't want to impose more than I already have," I begin, but Theo interrupts me.

"It's not an imposition," he says firmly. "We want to help you maintain your business."

"Besides," Lucas adds, twirling pasta around his fork, "it'll be interesting to have something other than case files and gun cleaning happening around here.”

I nodded at this, a small smile on my lips as as I thought of what I could need. I did wonder if I could requests something not for my work. I didn’t get to bring any supplies to nest, and with how I am feeling that would make me settle a little more easier. I shift as I bite my lip, Dakota noticed right away his eyes zoning in on me.

"What's wrong?" Dakota asks bluntly, his dark eyes assessing me with surprising perception.

I set my fork down, suddenly self-conscious under his direct gaze. "Nothing. Just... thinking."

"About?" Gabriel prompts gently, his attention now fully on me as well.

I hesitate, weighing my options. These Alphas have been nothing but accommodating—offering me protection, a place to stay, even setting up a workspace for my business. But asking for nesting materials feels too personal, too vulnerable. It's admitting a need that's deeply tied to my Omega nature, something I've always been careful to downplay.

"It's silly," I mutter, pushing a piece of pasta around my plate.

"Try us," Lucas encourages, his tone lacking its usual teasing edge. "We've heard plenty of silly requests."

I take a deep breath. "I...” I stopped myself not knowing how to really word it.

"Just ask," Gabriel encourages, his blue eyes steady on mine. "Whatever you need."

I take a deep breath. "I could use some... nesting materials." The words come out in a rush, heat rising to my cheeks. It's an intensely personal request—Omegas typically only discuss nesting with those closest to them. "With everything that's happened, I think it would help me feel more... settled."

The four Alphas exchange glances, but there's no judgment in their expressions, just understanding.

"Of course," Gabriel says without hesitation. "What kind of materials do you prefer?"

His straightforward response catches me off guard. Most Alphas I've known

would have reacted differently—with amusement, condescension, or uncomfortable avoidance of the topic. But Gabriel's response is matter-of-fact, as if I'd asked for extra pillows or a different breakfast cereal.

"I, um..." I stumble, still surprised by their acceptance. "Soft things, mostly. Blankets, pillows. Maybe some... scarves or sweaters?" I don't mention that ideally, those items would carry scents that make me feel safe—a detail that feels too intimate to share.

"Theo can take you shopping tomorrow," Gabriel suggests, glancing at Theo who nods in agreement. "There's a specialty store in the city that carries high-quality materials."

"Or," Dakota interjects, surprising me with his contribution, "we have plenty of extra blankets and pillows here that you're welcome to use. Plain cotton, wool, some fleece. Nothing scented."

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