Page 143 of Lavender and Honey

“Are you sure? Really sure?” She asked, and I knew she meant about going through with the marking and moving in with them.

I gave a small laugh, “Yes. I am more sure than I have been in a long time.” I was too, I knew those four men would be the center of my world from now on.

"Well then," Avery says, and I can hear the smile in her voice, "I'm happy for you. I mean, it sounds fast, but also... not? If that makes sense."

I laugh softly. "It makes perfect sense. It feels like I've been waiting my whole life for this, even when I didn't know what I was waiting for."

There's a pause, and I can almost see her processing, weighing her words carefully. "And the marking? That's a big step, Lydia. Permanent."

"I know." My hand drifts to my neck unconsciously, tracing the unmarked skin. "But I want it. I want them."

“As long as you are sure and happy, then that is all I can ask for.” I could hear the sincerity in her voice, making me smile more. I always could count on her and knew that she would be on my side no matter what choice I made.

"So when's it happening?" Avery asks, her voice dropping to an excited whisper. "The marking, I mean."

I feel warmth rise to my face. "Soon. After I finish packing up here. We're... taking some time, just the five of us." The thought sends a pleasant shiver through me.

"Ohhh," Avery draws out the word meaningfully. "Taking some time, huh? Like a honeymoon but with four hot guys instead of one?"

"Avery!" I laugh, grateful she can't see my blush. "It's not—well, it is, but—"

"Girl, please. I've seen them all. If I were in your position..." She trails off suggestively. "Anyway, I'm thrilled for you. Truly. I've never heard you sound so... certain about anything."

“Thank you…”I paused almost feeling like that isn’t enough to say to her for all the help she has done for me this last year alone, “I am glad we found this town and you convinced me to open my shop. If you didn’t I probably would never have met them.”

Avery laughed on the other side of the phone, “From the sounds of it, you five may have found each other eventually.” I didn’t have the same faith as her, but I would leave it.

“If you say so.” I said, not going to argue about fate and destiny that she seems to believe in. I didn’t have that same belief but I would respect her beliefs. We talked for another hour before we hung up, me telling her I would call her after settle in my new home.

The rest of the day drags by after the call with Avery. I pack the boxes meticulously. Glancing at the clock, it was late afternoon and I knew Lucian will want to know how it’s going. I send him a text:Nothing fragile about me, just the things I’m packing.

I set the phone aside and look around, already a little less lonely. The place empties with each new box, and I find myself enjoying the barrenness of it, the clear spaces I used to fill with too much doubt and caution.

I reach for the phone again. There is only one message sent, but it’s not from the one I expect:

SOREN: Wow, a text from Lydia. That was fast.

I laugh, seeing the teasing in his words. Soren always finds a way to catch me off guard.

I quickly type back:Wasn't texting you. But hi anyway.

His response comes almost immediately:SOREN: I know. You were texting Lucian. But he's driving, so I'm thedesignated texter. Want me to pass something along? Maybe something scandalous?

I shake my head, smiling despite myself.

ME: Just tell him I'm making progress with the packing. Should be ready when you all come by later.

SOREN: Boring. I'll add some spice to that message.

ME: Don't you dare!

SOREN: Fine, fine. How about this - "Lydia says she's almost packed and can't wait to see you. She misses your face specifically."

I smile at Soren's message, my thumbs hovering over the screen. Before I can reply, a message arrives into the group chat.

SOREN: Lydia says she is close to being done with packing. Meaning she probably needs more things when she moves it. So shopping is in the future.

I laugh out loud at Soren's message. Trust him to turn my simple update into a shopping expedition. I'm about to type a response when another text appears.

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