Page 49 of The Beta's Heart

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That evening, after dinner at the orphanage, I rolled up my sleeves and started on the dishes while Charlie cleaned up the rest of the kitchen. The clink of plates and the hum of the faucet mingled with the faint sounds of pups playing in the yard like a familiar song.

“Thanks for helping out, Ty,” Charlie said, wiping down the counters. “You know you don’t have to, right?”

“I don’t mind.” I shrugged, scrubbing a stubborn spot off a plate. “Besides, it gives us a chance to talk.”

“Talk about what?” She raised an eyebrow, glancing at me. “Your research on your parents at the alpha library?”

“Oh,that. Alpha Jay and I have gone through the whole Dark Woods room and didn’t find anything useful. Anyway, remember when I asked you if you’d be interested in meeting someone?”

“Yes, I remember.” She stopped what she was doing, giving me her full attention, so I took a deep breath, rinsing off the plate and setting it to dry.

“How about going on a blind date with a guy? A widower?”

“A blind date?” Charlie’s eyes widened, and she looked both surprised and hesitant. “Ty, I… I don’t know.”

“I get it,” I said quickly, drying my hands on a towel. “But I wouldn’t set you up with someone I didn’t trust or think was suitable for you. He’s a good guy who’s lonely and sad and needs a friend.”

“But ablind date?” She chewed her lip, clearly unsure. “That’s a lot of pressure.”

“I promise I won’t tell him your name. That way, you can just walk out of the restaurant if you’re too uncomfortable to meet him.”

She stood and kept her eyes fixed on her shoes for a long moment, then sighed and raised her eyes to meet mine.

“Okay, I’ll do it, but you owe me, Ty.”

“Deal! What do you want in exchange?”

“The boys usually have evening activities and clubs, but I’ll probably need you to babysit Honor while I’m on this date.”

“Oh, that’s easy. I like hanging out with my best girl,” I laughed. “Thanks for being willing to try this, Charlie. You won’t regret spending a nice evening with this guy. I’ll leave it up to him to plan everything, then I’ll get back to you with the details.”

“All right. Let’s see where this goes.” Charlie nodded, her eyes sharp with a bit of apprehension, but also curiosity.

Later that night, after saying goodnight to all the kids, I linked Misha.

Got some good news for you. She agreed to the blind date.

Truly?!He sounded both surprised and relieved.That is wonderful! Many thanks, beta!

Don’t mention it. Make sure to plan something nice, then let me know the details. I’ll take care of the rest.

Of course, he said, excitement coloring his voice.I will get back to you soon.

As I closed the link, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Setting this up was surely a step in the right direction for both Misha and Charlie. And who knew? Maybe it would lead to something more. If nothing else, I was glad to have helped two people take a chance on happiness.

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Misha caught up with me the next day as I was leaving the medical clinic after a treatment with Dr. Myers. I was happy to see the guy looking and sounding more upbeat than he had in a long time.

“Beta Ty! I have set up the date for tonight at The Trolley Car. It’s a nice place where wolf shifters do not often go. I want her to feel comfortable without prying eyes. Please tell her that I will be there at six o’clock with yellow roses so she can find me.”

“Yellow roses?” A smile spread across my face. “Good choice. I’ll let her know. Thanks, Misha, and good luck.”

When I got home, I found Charlie tidying up the living room.

“Your date’s set for tonight. He’ll be waiting with a bouquet of yellow roses.”

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