Page 40 of Roman

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“Did you use your coffee maker?”

I nodded.

“That explains the lingering coffee flavor. How about you put a mug in the microwave. Just don’t tell anyone else that I’m having you heat my tea in the microwave.”

“I would never.”

I grabbed another mug, added water, and after placing it in the microwave for ninety seconds, I turned back to find Beau taking a spoonful of applesauce.

“You know, normally I’d just use magic, but it’s not really working at the moment.”

“Still?” I asked.

“Yeah. It’s a bit concerning, but I should have expected it could be a possibility.” Beau sighed. “I’ve already abandoned the bakery just days after opening it, and now if I can’t use my magicto make some of the goodies, I don’t see why the council would keep me at all.”

The microwave dinging sidetracked me. I retrieved the mug, placed another tea bag in it, and placed it beside Beau. I then took the applesauce from him and placed it on the other side of him before I positioned my hands on either side of his legs and leaned in, kissing him once more.

“Explain to me why it is that you think the council will get rid of you? Master Edison already said that the bakery would be waiting for you if that was what you desired. Have you changed your mind about things?” If he had, that was fine with me.

“No. I still want to work at the bakery. I just…I can’t make all of the things I had on the menu without the use of magic. There were too many things. And I’ll have to go in at something like three in the morning to start everything.” Beau looked as if he were about to cry, so I pulled him into a hug and simply held him.

“If you have to have fewer items, then you do. The council will understand. And I might not be an amazing baker, but I’m here to help you in any way I can. I’m not doing anything until August or September, so until then, I’ll help in any way you need.” I held Beau for several minutes before he moved out of my embrace. I was going to question him until he swiped at his eyes.

“I can’t, Roman.”

My heart felt a sudden pang unlike I’d ever experienced before. “You can’t what?”

“Not tell you. You’re so amazing and wonderful and just…more than I think I deserve. I was supposed to be the person running the bakery, and then you showed up, and I chose you instead of the bakery, and it’s just like Evan warned. He said I would have to give everything up if I chose you, and I don’t care anymore. I want you.” Beau swiped at his eyes again before heglanced off to the side. “I want you, and this house, and our baby. More babies. I want all of that. I had thought that I wanted the bakery, but that was before you. Before I fell in love with you.”

The ache in my heart suddenly lifted. I pulled Beau close and just held him. “I love you too. I know it’s fast, and some will never be able to understand just how intense our feelings are or how quickly they develop, but they’re there, and they’re real,” I said as I held him. “I love you, Beau, and if you truly don’t wish to run the bakery, then you do not have to. But if you’re simply exhausted and overly worried right now, I understand, and we’ll figure it out.”

I kissed Beau, which only seemed to make him cry a bit harder. Not exactly how I envisioned our first declarations of love going, but then again, I’d never expected to be mated to a cute little fae either. Beau kissed me back before he pulled away. He smiled at me before he wiped his eyes and then his nose. I grabbed him a paper towel, and when he covered his face with it, I wrapped my arms around his waist and held him.

“We’ll figure it out. I promise. I’ve been through a whole lot in my lifetime, and this is no different. It’s simply an obstacle that we’ll tackle and come up with a plan to work through it.”

Beau blew his nose, then wrapped his arms around my chest and held on. “I’m so glad you love me too. I don’t know if I could handle you not with everything else that seems to be going on right now.”

My poor mate. He was obviously overwhelmed. But a whole lot had happened in just a few short weeks, and it was completely understandable. I kissed the top of his head once more before I moved to step back. Beau appeared a bit more relaxed but still as if he were ready to fall over if the wind blew him just right.

“Drink some tea, and hopefully, it’ll calm your stomach enough that you can relax. You’re overly tired,” I told him as Iran my fingers through his disheveled hair. Beau nodded before he picked up the mug. He pulled out the floating tea bag and placed it on the wadded paper towel. I took both and tossed them into the trash while Beau took a drink of tea. His moan told me that it was either exactly what he needed or infinitely better than what I’d made for him. Most likely both.

I had a few ideas where the bakery was concerned because I knew that deep down, Beau wanted to run the bakery. It was important to him to feel as if he were doing something. Once I got my mate settled, hopefully, I’d be able to make some calls and see if I could not only get my mate some reassurance but some help too.

Chapter 16

Beau

Iwasn’t quite sure why I was so apprehensive, but I was. I shouldn’t be: I knew how to run the bakery, and it was mine to do so. But I felt as if it wasn’t really mine. Not anymore. I’d been away far longer than I had actually been in the bakery. But with Roman’s support, I was up before the sun, and we were going up to Treasure Ridge.

We’d been mated for just over a month now, and although it had been the longest I’d ever gone without seeing my brother, I’d talked to him on the phone twice in the past week. But I think the prospect of Evan dropping by later was even more nerve-racking than the fact that I was going to try and use magic to make the goodies this morning.

My magic, come to find out after another appointment with Dr. King, would return to its normal wonderful self shortly after I had our little one. Until then, expect less-than-perfect magic. It was something that some fae experienced, but not all. I happened to be one of the lucky ones, apparently.

But all of that aside, I was trying to get motivated to go to work. I had more of my things, something that I was thankful for Lukan arranging for me. Evan…he wasn’t exactly upset, but he wasn’t thrilled for me. Roman kept telling me it would take time,but he would come around. I hoped so. He would then remind me that he was in Evan’s position not long ago, and although he hadn’t tried to forbid his brothers from claiming their mates, it did take him time to get used to them no longer being his responsibility. Evan was very much in a similar position. He’d raised me, had been more than just my brother since I was fourteen.

“Are you ready?” Roman asked as he came into the bathroom and stood behind me. “You’re nervous, I understand, but they’re going to be thrilled to have you back.” Roman wrapped his arms around my shoulders and hugged me from behind. I placed my hands on his forearms and closed my eyes, just enjoying the embrace. That was something that I absolutely loved about my mate: he was very affectionate and open about showing it. He loved to touch me, even if it was just his hand resting on my shoulder or back while we were sitting at the table eating. I hoped he would be just as open with his affection now that we were going to start venturing out, but if he was more reserved, I would try to be understanding.

“I’m as ready as I’m going to be. Although, I will say that I’ve become a bit lazy this past month with not having to get up this early.” I stared at Roman in the mirror, his eyes hypnotizing me with their intensity.