Page 87 of Knot in Bloom
“That’s going to keep happening,” Levi observes quietly. “Word’s getting around.”
“She’s not available,” I correct firmly. “She’s ours. Has been for weeks, even if she’s just now admitting it.”
Reid nods in agreement. “We just need to get through the next few hours. Once the festival winds down, we can get her somewhere safe.”
The afternoon brings validation of everything Sadie has worked toward. Tourism board representatives confirm inclusion in the state marketing campaign. The magazine photographer captures perfect shots that will showcase Honeyridge Falls to thousands of potential visitors. Local vendors report more business inquiries today than in the previous six months combined.
Her professional dreams are becoming reality.
But watching her try to manage success while fighting biology is almost painful. She struggles to focus on conversations, sways slightly when standing still too long, constantly seeks physical contact—touching our arms, leaning against counters, unconsciously gravitating toward us for comfort.
By three o’clock, the festival is in full swing and the whole town has turned out. Families with kids running between vendor booths. Elderly couples sharing funnel cakes on park benches. Teenagers taking selfies in front of the decorated Main Street.
That’s when I spot all three of my favorite people clustered around Lila’s coordination station.
Dean’s helping her organize vendor schedules while Callum handles a minor supply issue with his usual quiet efficiency. Julian stands slightly apart, observing with that careful attention he brings to everything. Their pack dynamics are seamless—each one contributing their strengths while keeping Lila at the center of their protective attention.
It’s exactly what I want to build with Sadie and the others.
“How’s your girl holding up?” Dean asks when I approach, nodding toward where Sadie’s explaining centerpiece arrangements to a group of out-of-town visitors.
“Struggling,” I admit honestly. “Heat’s coming whether she’s ready or not.”
“Pre-heat’s tough,” Lila observes gently, her hand resting on her rounded belly.
Looking toward Sadie, who’s currently swaying slightly while gesturing at a vendor display. She needs to stop fighting and let us catch her.
By five o’clock, the official festival activities start winding down, but the community atmosphere continues. Someone’s set up a small stage near the gazebo where local musicians take turns performing. Food trucks line the park perimeter, filling the air with the scents of funnel cakes, barbecue, and caramel apples.
That’s when I realize I haven’t seen Sadie eat anything all day.
I find her sitting on the steps of the hardware store, looking simultaneously triumphant and exhausted. Her scent is so rich with approaching heat that I have to stop several feet away to maintain my composure.
“When did you last eat?” I ask, settling beside her but leaving enough space that my proximity doesn’t overwhelm her further.
“I...” She looks confused for a moment. “Coffee this morning? I think Reid brought pastries.”
“That was eight hours ago.” I stand and extend my hand. “Come on. Let’s get some food in you before you pass out.”
She accepts my help standing, and the brief contact sends a visible shiver through her entire body. Her scent spikes with arousal so intense that I have to bite back a groan.
“Sorry,” she whispers, embarrassment flushing her cheeks darker. “I can’t seem to control anything right now.”
“Nothing to control,” I assure her, voice rough with restraint. “Your body knows what it needs.”
We make our way to the food trucks, her hand tucked into the crook of my arm for stability. Every step brings her closer to my side, and by the time we reach the barbecue truck, she’s practically leaning against me.
“Two pulled pork sandwiches,” I order, keeping one arm around her waist to steady her. “And whatever sides look good.”
The vendor—Tommy Clanton’s cousin from Pine Valley—takes one look at Sadie and grins knowingly. “On the house for our festival organizer. Y’all did something special here today.”
We find a quiet spot at one of the picnic tables set up near the gazebo. Sadie picks at her sandwich despite obviously being hungry, her attention scattered between the food and the lingering festival activities around us.
“This worked out better than I ever dreamed,” she says, gesturing at the scene around us. “Look at everyone. The whole community came together.”
“You brought them together,” I correct. “This was your vision.”
“Our vision,” she says firmly. “I couldn’t have done any of this without all of you.”
