Page 80 of My Knotty Mountain Men

“Actually, that's just what he wanted everyone to think because of his parents.”

Her brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty details, but trust me when I tell you, he’s lying about not wanting a party. He does. And I want to give him his first party since he was a little kid.”

“Damn, Violet,” she sighs. “You even have me falling in love with you.”

I burst out laughing, shaking my head. “So, will you?”

“Fuck yeah.” She slams her hands on the table. “Let’s do this!”

“I could have just made us supper at home,” Aiden grumbles as we get out of the car.

“I know, but we’ve spent so much time cooped up in the house. I wanna get out more, see the town. You promised to take me exploring, remember?” I laugh as Nolan and Thomas move around the car to join us as we start walking towards The Hearty Bean.

“We’re sorry about that,” Thomas interjects. “We kind of just enjoy having you all to ourselves when we’re not working.”

It’s been a few days since I officially bonded with Aiden and I’ve been itching to do the same with Thomas. But between the guys working long hours and this pregnancy kicking my ass, even for being only fifteen weeks along, we’ve all been tired. Thankfully, that should change soon because Aiden and his crew are wrapping up the big project up at the ski resort, and Thomas is almost done shifting inventory around for the new season.

As for Nolan, his job isn’t as demanding as our Alphas, so I spend more time with him. I think our Alphas are a little jealous.

That's why I insisted on hanging out with Thomas at his work tomorrow, just the two of us, to see him in action. I haven’t been to his shop yet.

“And I’ve enjoyed every moment of it too.” I smile up at him. “A few hours out of the house isn’t going to hurt.”

“It might a little,” Aiden mutters.

“Oh, come on,” I laugh, tangling my fingers in his as Thomas throws his arm over Nolan’s shoulder. “No being a grumpy ass today.”

He gives me a playful glare and I smile, rolling my eyes.

“Huh,” Nolan says, looking around the parking lot. “Bean seems to be busy today.” He observes, shortening the cafe’s name as he often does.

My stomach swoops with nerves. In two days, Macy was able to help me put together a little party at the cafe and invited their friends and Aiden’s family. Apart from Macy and her brothers, Aiden’s family was the only family they really have. Thomas doesn’t have much of a relationship with his parents and Nolan doesn’t have one with his at all. He kind of talks to his brother, but not often. I didn’t know if we should have invited them or not, so I left that up to Macy to decide.

Nolan and Thomas reach the door first and pull it open. The little bell goes off, announcing to the room that we’re here.

“Happy Birthday!” the whole room erupts in cheers.

“What the–” Nolan starts. My heart races as I watch the emotion on his face.

His eyes widen as he looks around, taking in the crowd of people.

“Happy Birthday, big cuz,” Macy says, coming up and giving Nolan a hug.

“Thank you.” He pulls back. “What is all this?”

“A birthday party, duh.” She rolls her eyes.

“I know that... but...”

“That would be thanks to your Omega,” Macy says. “Little birdy told me you don’t actually hate parties?” Macy crosses her arms, giving her cousin a once over.

Nolan’s eyes snap over to me. “You did this?” he asks, and I’m so damn relieved he’s not pissed. I nod. He’s over to me in a flash, and I gasp when he cups my face, bringing his down to crash his lips into mine. I moan as he kisses me hard, packed with so much feeling I can’t help but sway into him.

“Fucking love you, you know that?” he whispers against my lips, voice a little choked up as he presses his forehead to mine.

Happiness swells in my chest. “I love you too.”

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