Page 49 of Fragile Heart

ETHAN

“How did the cinnamon rolls go?” Joan asks, a knowing look in her eye.

I cock a single eyebrow, and she laughs even as she hands me a large mug.

“They were edible, at least,” I say dryly. “But that might be because of the icing you let us use.”

Her eyes glint with her amusement. “But I bet Cam had a ton of fun making them,” she says.

Camden nods. “Daddy let me sit on the island and stir them all together.”

He looks up from the muffin Joan first handed him and sees the to-go cup in her hands. His eyes light up, but he doesn’t say anything.

“That sounds like a perfect evening, then,” she says, handing him the cup.

“Thanks, Grammy,” he says. He licks the whipped cream before going back to the muffin he’s halfway devoured.

The Rustic Roast is busier than I’d expected today—even factoring in that it’s a Sunday, only a week or so until peak tourist season. Every single table is full, and only a few chairs are empty around the space. I stand next to Camden, leaning an elbow against the bar that blocks the large window that overlooks the main street. Caleb comes up behind Joan, concern furrowing his brows.

“Hey, Mom,” he says. Joan turns toward him and frowns. “Miranda mentioned one of the roasters has been giving you guys trouble?”

“The one on the right. It’s been overheating and I’m not sure why.” Joan sighs and shrugs. “I have a call in to the manufacturer since it’s supposed to be under warranty, but they’re backlogged and won’t be able to get anyone out for at least a couple more weeks.”

Caleb crosses his arms.

She continues, “Hudson said he’d take a look at it when he gets a chance. But between the restaurant and Olivia being so sick, he hasn’t managed to yet. The person I spoke to said they’d be willing to reimburse me if I found someone local to do the work since they’re so behind.”

I know what Caleb’s going to say without even looking at him. We hadn’t made any substantial plans for today, so I’m not all that worried about it. Especially since he’d drop everything to make sure my mom had help if something needed fixed at the ranch. I take a sip of the coffee and rearrange the plans I’d had for the day.

“I can take a look at it,” Caleb says. “Save you waiting for the vendor to make it out from Cheyenne.”

Joan relaxes, stress dropping away from her. “That would be amazing. Thank you.”

He kisses the top of Camden’s head and then disappears behind the counter and into the back of the cafe. The bell overthe door jingles, and Joan glances over her shoulder, smoothing down the navy apron she wears. Her face lights up.

Camden looks up from his muffin and then grins, too.

“Bri!” he says, waving.

I close my eyes, trying to keep myself calm. Fuck, is there one place where she can manage tonotshow up while I’m there? First my barn. Then my house. Now not even Joan’s cafe is safe enough.

Before I can stop Cam, he climbs down from the barstool and rushes across the cafe. Joan chuckles under her breath beside me.

“He really likes her, doesn’t he?” she says even as she picks up the crumbs he’s left behind.

I don’t say anything, not trusting my voice. Being mean to Joan is like being cruel to a puppy.

“Well, I’m glad. I know Caleb’s been nervous they wouldn’t get on,” she continues, unbothered by my lack of response. She sets the plate on the pick-up counter, and Miranda grabs it, stashing it in the sink along the back wall. “Scent match or not, he wouldn’t feel comfortable with it unless Camden liked her.”

Caleb told Joan about the scent match? How many other people know? Did he tell me last? Frustration wars with hurt and panic.

That panic—that fear that the entire town is about to find out that they’re biological soulmates when we’ve not even talked to each other since yesterday morning’s debacle—must show on my face because Joan rushes to explain.

“He told me just this morning before Miranda and Leanne arrived,” she says. “And then swore me to secrecy. I don’t think he’s told anyone else. He mentioned wanting to wait until everything settles down a bit with the fire season.”

I force myself to relax as I give Joan a single nod. He probably doesn’t want to leave her alone while the town findsout. Kayla had enough problems when acclimating to living here—and she was a matched Omega with the backing of the Council. Despite the deep-seated pain at the thought, I can’t help the reluctant satisfaction of Caleb wanting to protect her as much as possible in this gossip-filled small town.

There’s squealing behind me, Camden’s voice mixed with others I don’t recognize. With a sigh, I push off the bar top and stalk toward my son. Brielle stands with a larger group of people taking up most of the far corner that I’d initially dismissed when we arrived. Two girls crowd her legs, their cheering growing louder than Camden’s. A red-headed woman about Brielle’s age steps up to her, hugging her despite the girls in the way.

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