Page 56 of Nesting With My Three Alphas
"Are you really moving in with us forever?" Charlie asked, her face bright with hope.
"If that's okay with you," I said, crouching down to her level.
"It's the best thingever!" Charlie threw her arms around my neck in a hug that smelled like sunshine and childhood and everything good about new beginnings. "I already cleared space in my art supplies for yours, and Dad said we can rearrange the living room so you have the best light for drawing."
They'd been planning for my comfort, my needs, my happiness.
"That sounds perfect, sweetheart."
"And I helped Dad move furniture in your room, and Micah brought over some of his special tea blends, and Reed installed extra locks on all the doors." Charlie's enthusiasm was infectious, her excitement making everything feel like an adventure instead of another life upheaval.
"It sounds like you've all been very busy," I said, standing up and taking her hand.
"We wanted everything to be perfect for you," Charlie said seriously. "Because this is your home now."
Not a temporary arrangement or a safety measure, but home.
The walk across the yard felt symbolic, each step taking me further from the woman who'd arrived in Hollow Haven scared and alone, and closer to the one who was brave enough to choose love and trust and belonging.
Inside Jonah's house, everything looked different. Not physically. The furniture was the same, the layout mostly unchanged. But the energy felt expanded, like the space had grown to accommodate one more heart.
"Come see your room," Charlie said, tugging me toward the stairs.
The guest room had been transformed. Fresh flowers sat on the dresser, soft blankets were folded at the foot of the bed, and someone had arranged my art supplies on a small table by the window.
"Micah picked the flowers," Charlie said proudly. "And Dad got you new sheets because he said the old ones were probably scratchy. And Reed moved the table so you'd have the best light."
Each detail was a small act of love, evidence that they'd been thinking about my comfort and happiness in ways that made my chest warm.
"It's beautiful," I said, meaning it completely. "Thank you all."
"There's more," Charlie said, grabbing my hand again. "Come see what we did in the living room."
Downstairs, they'd rearranged the furniture to create a dedicated art space near the big window. An easel stood ready with fresh paper, and a small cart held supplies within easy reach. It wasn't elaborate, but it was thoughtful and practical and exactly what I would have wanted if I'd been brave enough to ask for it.
"This way you can draw while we watch movies," Charlie explained. "And you can see when people come to visit, and the light is really good in the mornings."
"Charlie's been planning this integration for weeks," Jonah said with fond exasperation. "She's got very specific opinions aboutoptimal creative workspace arrangements."
"I researched it," Charlie said defensively. "Artists need good light and comfortable seating and easy access to supplies."
"Well, you did an excellent job," I said, running my fingers over the smooth wood of the easel. "This is perfect."
Reed appeared from the kitchen carrying a bottle of wine and wearing an expression of satisfaction that suggested he'd been enjoying the evening's activities.
"Micah's in the kitchen putting together what he calls a 'transition feast,'" Reed said. "Apparently moving into a new pack requires specific nutritional support."
"Everything requires specific nutritional support according to Micah," Jonah said with a smile.
As if summoned by his name, Micah appeared in the doorway wearing an apron and carrying a platter of something that smelled incredible.
"Comfort food," he announced. "Mac and cheese with truffle oil, garlic bread, and those little chocolate tarts Kit likes from the bakery."
He'd been paying attention to my preferences, storing away information about what made me happy.
"You didn't have to go to all this trouble," I said.
"It's not trouble," Micah said firmly. "It's a celebration. Our pack is complete now."
