Page 28 of Pledge Of A Bobcat

The confidence kids had in everything they did was amazing.

“You’re doing such a good job, sweetheart.” Rachel placed a kiss on the crown of Serenity’s head.

“Thanks, Mommy!” Serenity replied, carefully sliding another pancake onto the growing stack without needing to be told.

I was impressed by this little girl’s cooking skills.

Rachel’s eyes drifted around the kitchen. “Where’s Aunt Maribel?”

“She left early. Said she had some errands to run.”

“That’s odd. I can’t imagine what she would need to do in town this early,” she said, before shifting her attention back to Serenity. “I’m proud of you. Look at you cooking me breakfast.”

The way Serenity’s face lit up was priceless. She stood there, practically glowing, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest I hadn’t expected to feel. Everything about this moment with these two felt right. It felt like the start of something I’d never dared to believe I could have. My bobcat stirred, feeling the same sense of hope rising within me.

As the three of us sat down with the stack of pancakes, syrup, extra blueberries, and butter, there was nothing but smiles. Serenity’s excitement was contagious as she eagerly piled her plate high with three pancakes. I passed Rachel the syrup so she could pour it on Serenity’s stack, and our fingers brushed. That tiny spark of skin-to-skin contact made my mind shift to thoughts of last night.

This woman was my mate.

My bobcat hummed with satisfaction while Serenity giggled at something Rachel said, and my gaze drifted between them. I couldn’t help feeling like I could get used to this kind of morning.

“Ellis said he has a surprise for us today if we don’t have anything to do,” Serenity said suddenly.

Rachel’s eyes widened. “Oh, did he now?”

“I told him we don’t,” Serenity said, practically bouncing in her chair. “Right, Mom? We don’t have anything, right?”

Rachel laughed, shaking her head. “No, I guess we don’t.” Her gaze shifted to me and curiosity shone in her eyes.

Serenity grinned, triumphant. “See, I told you!”

I chuckled. “You did.”

“So, can you tell me what the surprise is now?” Serenity asked, eyeing me.

“There’s a free kids’ painting class at The Gallery on Main Street today,” I said, keeping my tone light. “I thought it could be fun. Do you like painting?”

Serenity’s eyes lit up, and she practically squealed with excitement. “I love painting! Can we go, Mom? Please?”

Rachel’s smile softened, and she nodded, her eyes meeting mine. “That sounds perfect.”

I loved it when she looked at me like that.

After we finished eating, Rachel secured Serenity’s booster seat in my truck and I drove us to town. The Gallery’s front windows were decorated with vibrant paintings and ambient lighting. Serenity skipped in front of us as we made our way inside.

Inside, a woman with dark brown hair and warm, chocolate-brown eyes greeted us, her attention mainly focused on Serenity.

“Hi there! I’m Tara,” she said, her smile bright and welcoming. “You must be here for the painting class.”

“We are,” she replied, nodding.

“This little artist can’t wait to get started,” Rachel said, gesturing to Serenity.

Tara chuckled. “Well, you’re in luck because we have all kinds of colors and brushes waiting for you.”

She gestured for us to follow her, and Serenity gave a little squeal while we started that way. The class was in a back room that was filled with tables lined with small easels, brushes, cups of water, and rows of vibrant paints. The room buzzed with the energy of the other kids setting up their canvases, and Serenity immediately grew more animated. Once she settled in a seat, she turned to me, flashing another wide grin.

“This is amazing!” she shouted.

---