Page 9 of Dreaming of His Omega
Traviel put a comforting hand on my shoulder. “We'll figure this out,” he said softly. “Don't get worked up.”
“I'm pregnant,” I snapped, feeling tears gathering in the corners of my eyes. “I can't help it.”
“You're upsetting my mate,” Traviel said sternly to the sheriff.
“I'm just doing my job; two complete strangersand a housepopped up out of nowhere.”
“Nevertheless, you're upsetting his mate,” said a firm, feminine voice.
We turned to see a woman standing in the doorway.
“Mother,” Sheriff Vale said in surprise.
“Gentlemen,” she said, nodding to us. “My name is Rosemary Vale.” She walked in and placed herself between us and the sheriff. “I’m the former mayor and, in fact, I founded this town. I came to welcome you to Vale Valley.”
The sheriff looked pointedly at his mother. “Can I talk to you for a moment?”
She shook her head. “Nonsense. I already know all the details, LaMarkus.” She moved forward and extended her hand to me. “It's very nice to meet you.”
I shook it tentatively. “Thank you.”
“As you've noticed, Vale Valley is a special place.”
I nodded. “Yes, it's wonderful.”
“It has a secret. Did you know that?” Rosemary asked.
Traviel and I glanced at each other, and then shook our heads.
Rosemary smiled. “Vale Valley can only be found by those who are looking for love and for a home.” She held her arms out toward the two of us. “You clearly have already found love. But if you're here now, you must have needed a home. And whatever circumstances brought you here, you are welcome.” She turned her eyes to her son. “Nowyou may bring me up to speed.”
The sheriff quickly summarized our encounter as Rosemary listened, nodding along. At last she said, “Well, then, let's start with something a little easier to remember. What did you do today?” she asked, directing the question to my mate.
“Well, I woke up.” Traviel nodded to me. “Elarian was still asleep. I got dressed. I went downstairs.” He paused in thought. “I had cereal for breakfast, and I set out a bowl for Elarian.” Traviel paused again. “He's been fond of cereal for breakfast recently. Iknowthat.”
I nodded in agreement.
“And then I came out to the greenhouse, and started working on a flower arrangement for…” Traviel trailed off, as his eyes narrowed in confusion and concern. “I don't know,” he admitted. “I just started working on it… I haven't got any idea who it's for.”
“We can check the ledger!” I said. I quickly pulled it out of the drawer of the counter near me. And sure enough, there were descriptions and prices of various flower arrangements and services we had provided. And there were several business names. Sweet Bites, Picture Purrfect, Bella's Diner; all the same places we knew, and yet didn’t know. Traviel joined me, looking over my shoulder.
“I don't actually remember delivering any of those,” he said an annoyance. “Do you?”
I shook my head sadly.
“What after you started the flower arrangement?” Rosemary prompted.
“Elarian came out and joined me, and then the sheriff here. That was it.”
“And you?” Rosemary asked me.
“I woke up, Traviel was gone. There was a bowl of cereal out for me, just like he said. I ate that, came out here, and here we are.”
The sheriff paused in his note taking. “What about last night? What did you do before going to bed?”
I hesitated and shot a panicked look at Traviel.
He shook his head. “I don't know,” he said, almost in wonder. “We must have gotten ready for bed...”
