Page 80 of Married into the Mob
I’d built a fire pit, and even though we had one in our garden, it fit the theme so I could reveal the surprise while surrounded by trees. Dad was watching the flames to make sure a spark didn’t start a forest fire, but he’d disappear just before I brought Odell out.
“I’m intrigued. Am I cosplaying a medieval ruler? If I can sit, fine. Waddling, not so much.”
“You can be anything your heart desires, my love.” I didn’t want to give too much away until we were in the woods, but I added, “I’ve been working hard, learning new skills.”
“Is this a sex thing? That thing you do with your tongue is spectacular. Not sure how you can top that, but I’ll let you display your talent.” He grinned.
If that was what he wanted, sure. “I'm thinking of something hotter.”
My mate fanned himself. “I should shower.”
I helped him out of bed and into the bathroom. While he was showering, I texted Uncle Arnie saying I was nervous.
You’ll be fine. Remember what I taught you.
When Odell, Matt, and Tony went away for the weekend, I’d stayed at my uncle’s and he’d trained me.
Don’t start a forest fire. Ranger added flame emojis, lots of them.
Dad texted,I can’t wait to hear how Odell enjoys his day.
Tony and Matt sent thumbs-ups, while Flint asked for the location of a computer file.
Aren’t you going to wish me luck?I asked my big brother.
You don’t need luck. Odell loves you, so even if you mess up, it won’t matter.
Awww, that was so sweet. I went to reply with pink and purple emoji hearts. But this was Flint, my big bro and my Alpha. Would he roll his eyes? I’d never sent either him or Ranger hearts.
Too bad, he was getting them anyway.
“I’ll be back in a minute.” Odell was getting dressed, and I took the rest of what I needed into the woods behind the house. When I returned, my mate was in a paternity tracksuit, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
I escorted him through the back gate and along the path to where I set up the picnic area.
A lush blanket covering thick padding was on the ground and cushions were scattered around. My mate’s favorite armchair was to one side and a lounger from our garden on the other. The cloak was neatly folded, and I had a table set up and a cooler along with the fire pit that I’d built. It was from a kit, but I had assembled it.
I placed the cloak around my mate and settled him in a chair with a blanket over his legs.
“Impressive.”
“Thank you.” I bowed because I loved bowing and it fit with Odell’s idea of medieval times.
“Something smells good.” He sniffed. “More than one something.” He glanced behind him. “Is Uncle Arnie hiding in the brush?”
“Nope.” I puffed out my chest. “It’s all me.”
Odell closed one eye. “Have you been taking lessons?”
“Maybe.” I didn’t want to boast too much in case what I’d planned was a disaster. “Care for a mojito mocktail?” I pulled a jug out of the cooler. “Lime, mint, and lemonade?”
“Okay.” He didn’t hesitate, make a face, or joke about Uncle Arnie preparing it, a sign he trusted me, and I loved him even more if that were possible.
We clinked glasses, and I waited for his reaction.
“So good.” He drank half the glass while I pulled out the kebabs I’d made this morning with lamb and vegetables. Placing them over the fire, I uncovered the stick breads I’d baked earlier by wrapping the dough around a clean stick and placing it over the fire while Odell was napping. They were a tad misshapen, but I hoped it didn’t affect the taste.
“Did you make that?” My mate was licking his lips, the drink now forgotten.
