Page 111 of Knotting With A Stranger

“That’s our fault for not telling you this earlier,” Hunter explains. Then, to my utter shock, he drops to one knee before me.

James and Archer exchange a look, then follow suit until all three Alphas are kneeling at my feet. The sight is so unexpected, so overwhelming, I’m momentarily speechless.

“We heard you like groveling,” James states with a hint of that dry humor I’ve come to adore.

I glare at him, heat rushing to my cheeks. “But?—”

“No,” Hunter interrupts firmly. “We don’t want to lose what you showed us, the happiness we knew we were missing.” His ice-blue eyes, usually so controlled, are raw. “All three of us want you, only you.”

“You crashed into our lives—literally—and somehow fixed something none of us even realized was broken,” Archer adds, his usual playfulness replaced with earnest sincerity.

“You make us better,” James says simply. “Together and individually.”

Tears well in my eyes, spilling over despite my best efforts to contain them. It seems impossible—that these three incredible men could all want me, could be willing to upend their lives for me.

“But you barely know me,” I protest weakly.

“Sometimes a week is all it takes,” Hunter murmurs with a grin. “My grandfather used to say he knew my grandmother was the one the moment he laid eyes on her. Took him three days to propose.”

“And we’ve had less than a week with you,” Archer points out. “So, we’re practically taking it slow.”

Hannah watches from a few feet away, her initial wariness gradually replaced by a slow smile spreading across her face. She’s always been able to read me better than anyone, and whatever she sees in my expression seems to reassure her.

“What are you waiting for?” she whispers, loud enough for me to hear. “If you adore them, then yes, try this out. Don’t you dare give up now.”

“Your sister is very wise,” Archer adds with a theatrical wink toward Hannah. “I think we should listen to her. She clearly has excellent judgment, impeccable taste, and—if I might add—a remarkable resemblance to you that suggests beauty runs in the family.”

“Laying it on a bit thick there, Arch,” James murmurs.

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” Hannah replies dryly, though I can see she’s charmed despite herself. Her posture has relaxed, the protective big-sister stance softening.

“What do you want?” James asks me. “Because whatever it is, we’ll make it happen. We’ll move to Whispering Grove if we need to.”

“I’m not sure Hannah will like having three Alphas move in with her,” Hunter points out.

Hannah makes a strangled sound that’s half laugh, half cough. “There is not enough space. Literally. Our apartment above the bakery is tiny. I can hear Lily singing in the shower from every room.”

“My singing isn’t that bad,” I protest automatically.

“It really is,” she counters with sisterly frankness.

“We’ll buy a house there,” Archer suggests promptly. “Something with enough room for all of us.”

James’s eyes light up with a new idea. “We could open our own bakery, the four of us. You and me as the bakers.” He turns to Hannah. “Imagine the lines of women coming to buy baked goods from Archer and Hunter in pretty aprons.”

“I’d pay good money to see that,” Hannah agrees, grinning.

“Hunter in an apron? Now there’s a visual,” Archer muses, tilting his head as if picturing it.

“Don’t push your luck,” Hunter growls, but there’s no real heat in it.

“A book café attached,” Archer adds enthusiastically. “Rare editions on display, reading nooks, literary events. I’ve always wanted to combine my love of books with a public space.”

“And I’ll handle the business side,” Hunter says, his deep voice practical but warm. “Funding, management, logistics… but only if that’s okay.” His eyes move between Hannah and me. “We don’t want to break up the bakery sisters or take business from you.”

Hannah is already shaking her head. “Not at all. This is perfect, actually.” She hesitates, then continues. “I’ve been wanting to branch out more on my own and wasn’t sure how to tell you, Lily.”

“You were?” I stare at her, momentarily distracted from the three men still kneeling before me. “What are you going to do?”

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