Page 98 of Forget me Knot
“They’re adorable, aren’t they?” Max says as we start loading the dishwasher.
I chuckle. “Never thought I’d hear you use the word ‘adorable’, but yeah, they are. We all are with her. You especially. It’s good to see you so relaxed and happy. More than happy. Content.”
He smiles but doesn’t say anything. He is still Max, one to guard his feelings and not gush too much about shit. We work in companionable silence for a few minutes before Max speaks again. “You know, I never really thought I’d have this. A loving and true mate. I thought we’d end up settling for something acceptable but not perfect. It’s overwhelming sometimes.”
I clap him on the shoulder. “I know what you mean. But we got lucky.”
He grins. “We did.”
Jack and Lily join us, arms around each other. Lily’s cheeks are flushed, and there’s a sparkle in her eyes that makes my heart skip a beat.
“Everyone okay?”
Lily nods, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Perfect. Just perfect.”
Jack presses a kiss to her temple before moving to help us with the cleanup. As we work, the conversation flows easily between us, with Lily telling us about the upcoming Summer Fair. There’s an undercurrent of excitement, a shared sense of anticipation for the future we’re building together.
Her face lights up. “It’s going to be so great! I’ve got so many ideas. The theme is ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ this year, so I’m thinking lots of wildflowers, fairy lights, maybe some hanging garlands...”
As she describes her vision, her hands move animatedly, and I smile. Her passion is infectious.
“Sounds beautiful,” Jack says, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Just like you.”
Lily blushes, and Max rolls his eyes good-naturedly. “Smooth, Thorne. Real smooth.”
We all laugh, the sound filling the kitchen with warmth. It strikes me, then, how natural this all feels. The four of us, in this farmhouse, planning our future together.
As the night winds down, we find ourselves in the living room, sprawled across the sofas. Lily is curled up against Jack, her feet in Max’s lap. I settle on the floor in front of her, feeling pleasantly tired from the day’s work. Leaning back against the couch, I feel Lily’s fingers gently carding through my hair. The simple touch sends a wave of contentment through me. I close my eyes, savouring the moment.
“So,” Max says, breaking the comfortable silence, “I’ve been thinking about the smaller section of the barn.”
Jack raises an eyebrow. “What about it?”
“Well, we’ve got Lily’s shop set up in the larger space now, but there’s still a lot of unused space,” Max explains. “I was thinking maybe we could convert part of it into a writing studio for me. You know, somewhere I can really focus on my work.”
And be right next to Lily to protect her. Nice moves, Max.
“Great idea,” I say, locking gazes with him. He nods imperceptibly, and we are on the same page.
Lily sits up straighter, her eyes bright with excitement. “Oh, that’s a brilliant idea! We could add some bookshelves, and a big desk and have it carpeted and get you a lamp and some curtains!”
I nod, already picturing it. “We could even soundproof it a bit, so you’re not disturbed by the shop activity.”
Jack grins. “Looks like we’ve got our next project, lads.”
The conversation flows easily as we brainstorm ideas for Max’s writing space. It’s moments like these that make me realise how perfectly we all fit together. Each of us bringing something unique to the pack, supporting each other’s dreams and ambitions.
As the night wears on, I notice Lily trying to stifle a yawn.
“Okay, princess,” I say, standing up and stretching. “I think it’s bedtime for you.”
Lily protests weakly, but another yawn cuts her off. I chuckle and scoop her up in my arms.
“Come on, love. Let’s get you to bed,” I say softly.
There’s a moment of unspoken communication between us as she gazes up at me - a shared understanding of how lucky we are, how precious this new life we’re building is.
As I carry Lily up the stairs, I can feel her nestling into my chest, her body warm and soft against mine. The scent of her - that intoxicating blend of lily and vanilla - fills my senses, making my heart race.
