Page 84 of Culture and Curiosities
“When we get back, we’ll need time to relax and play and just have fun…and answer the diner men’s questions.” That got giggles from him and the questions stopped bouncing around as much.
I took that to mean I could slow my chatter and ate a few bites while he wiggled side-to-side in his seat and enjoyed his food. After a few minutes, I shifted us back into the conversation again.
Was it a conversation when all he did was flash pictures?
Ignoring what was probably a ridiculous question, I focused on the important parts. “I think we should look at renting a house here when we get back. Something private where you can have a playroom and I can practice cooking.”
That got more giggles but he also nodded. “I think we’ll have a better idea of what will make us both happy at that point.”
Hmm.
The question marks had turned to arrows, which all seemed to be pointing at me.
Had I done something?
Not done something?
Missed something?
When I just stared stupidly at him, Wren sighed and reached out to pat my arm before diving back into his food as Miss Nancy had said.
Oh.
“What would make me happy?”
His expression said he thought that should’ve been obvious.
“I’m going to start with telling you what I know specifically.” There was a lot I didn’t know, but giving him solid answers to start seemed like a good plan, and his smile said I’d made the right choice. “I want us to have a place where you can play and be little. I want us to have people around us that we like and that we don’t have to hide our relationship. I want to be able to see our families on both sides of the portal as long as that’s a possibility. I want diner pie at least twice a year.”
Human desserts had turned into a must have, but even I knew having them on a daily basis was not something I could do and still fit into my clothes.
More laughter and an image of the dessert called peach cobbler came through the bond. “Yes, pie and additional desserts. I should not limit myself. You’re correct.”
Still finding me funny, as his laughter faded, my mate sent me a picture of the closed portal. It could’ve related to several things but I thought he was thinking about our last discussion at the meeting. “It’s scary but we’ll be together no matter where we end up, and as you said, if we get trapped over there, we’re just going to imagine your mother being calm and relaxed while we see what happens.”
Wren’s cousin Pierce had described that as wishful thinking, but Wren chose to think of it as positive thoughts.
I was on the side of whatever made him happy and giggly, and at the moment that was imagining his mother as relaxed and content. Because there was nothing else we could do about it. Wren had already been confident about going through theportal and the council had decided that only single individuals or mated couples would go through the portal.
As difficult as the decision had been, it had been the only thing they could think of to mitigate the emotional damage of another disaster.
“But for the moment, we’re going to plan for coming back in two weeks with lots of goodies for everyone left here.” It was considered an important social custom related to traveling to bring back presents to important friends and family. “We’re going to bring back toys for Kenzie and your new friends here. I think we can bring back cake without it causing any problems. We’ll just have to figure out options for the Daddies and diner men.”
They would need presents too or as Merritt put it…we would never hear the end of it.
Chapter 23
Wren
Presents for the Daddies.
Presents for the littles.
Presents for the naughty men.
Hmm…
I showed Daddy a picture of some of my favorite toys, the diner men, and then the portal.
