Page 156 of As The Shifter World Turns

“I thought so too.” Daire said, a piece of sushi halfway to his mouth. “But Iguess they have plans to turn it into a franchise and Hank says we could probably ask for more and have them agree.” He popped the sushi into his mouth.

“But if you sell it, you don’t have anything left but money.” Archer pinched the bridge of his nose. “You worked so hard for this… both of you.”

“I’ve started over before.” I didn’t really like to talk about how shit went south with my ex, but the truth was, starting over concerned me not at all. I was more worried about Daire. He never had anything like this before. It was always his parents’ money. This company we’d built was his passion. Was a fat wallet worth that?

“I have been getting over the top hits on my videos. They’re making me more than my take-home pay at this point.” He pulled up something on his phone and turned it to us. “That’s what I’m making.”

“That’s a lot of money for one month,” Archer said.

“That’s today.” He took the phone back. “Plant content seems to be hot right now. I’m fine selling. It means I can be out from under my parents’ control completely.”

I hadn’t thought about it from that perspective.

“And you, Micah. What do you think?” Daire asked.

“I think I’d love to be home with our family and figuring out what I really want to be when I grow up.” I stuck out my tongue playfully. “But I don’t want to do anything that will make my mate nervous that I can't provide.”

“Sounds like you two want to take the offer.” Archer grabbed a piece of sushi with his chopsticks. “And Daire, maybe ask Hank to make sure you have the rights to your name and such if you sell. Those video views are no joke.”

My mate was all in. Of course he was. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive mate.

“So, we are doing this?” I asked.

“We are doing this,” they both said in unison.

Please let it not be a mistake.

63

SEE YA

Ivor

“Are you driving with me?” Ryder asked as he studied himself in the mirror and flicked his hair back?

“Yes. Micah will drive Archer and his dad and Neil will go with them to look after Elune so Archer can devote his attention to his father.

Archer’s alpha father, George, had passed away. It wasn’t surprising as he’d been ill and getting progressively worse but of course no one was really prepared for death. And Archer and Ron, his omega dad were grieving the loss of their mate, father and Elune’s grandfather.

Originally Ryder had come out of the bedroom dressed in a black suit and tie but I’d explained to him Archer’s dad hated pomp and ceremony. We’d been asked to dress casually. There’d be a small informal ceremony, Micah had paid for food to be delivered and Daire's parents had given us the use of the house for the day.

The Sunshine Manor family used the house and grounds so often, I was surprised Daire’s folks didn’t charge us rent. Maybe they’d mellowed a little after seeing their son make a success of his career.

After the ceremony, or maybe during it, those who wanted to shift would do so to honor George. At the stage I was at in my pregnancy, I wasn’t shifting so I’d stay with Neil and Elune.

Ryder and I didn’t talk much as we headed outside of town. Usually when we made this trip it was to shift—often with our manor family—and it was a joyous occasion. Today was somber, though Archer had emphasized he and his dad wanted to celebrate George’s life not mourn his passing.

“What do you want me to do if you die before me?” I asked. “A big splashy funeral or a quiet get together with friends?”

“You know the answer to that. And make sure there’s plenty of beer. No tears, just telling stories about me.”

I cradled my bump and thought of the life growing inside me and was sad that Elune wouldn’t remember George though perhaps her unicorn would keep the memories safe and show them to her when she was older.

“Does it make you uncomfortable talking about our deaths?”

He shrugged. “A little, but it’s sensible. And that reminds me, we should make a will.”

Uggh. We’d been putting it off which was silly as we had to appoint guardians for our baby. Archer and Neil were the obvious choices. And maybe Daire too. But we hadn’t asked them. My fault as there’d been so many upheavals in everyone’s life, it never seemed like a good time.”

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