Page 8 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
While the Maimers would understand if I stayed, and Mercy would be fine traveling with the team alone, I’d feel bad backing out on my commitment.
“Good. If something happens and Grif needs you, I’ll call. I promise,” AJ told me, wiping another stray tear away with his thumb. “I’ll even buy your ticket back from wherever you are.”
That offer made me feel much better, especially since we’d be across the country.
“Whatever shitty thoughts you’re thinking about yourselfare not true.You’re enough, Verity. I apologize for every time I ever made you think you weren’t.” Jonas squeezed my manicured hand. Mercy had painted my nails sky-blue with little palm trees on them.
I leaned up and kissed him, needing to hear that.
“Grif said you make happy flowers?” Dean looked around at the mess.
“Did anyone give you an omega lily in a pot when you either mated Jonas or married Grif?” I asked, not recalling seeing one at their place, but I’d hardly seen all of it. It was a pretty traditional gift.
Dean nodded. “A couple people did, to bring happiness to my new home. They’re in the laundry room. My mom grows them in her garden for the same reason.”
“There’s some scientific truth to it. I’m trying to harness it. So yes, I am making happy flowers,” I explained.
Jonas beamed at me. “I love it. I could’ve used a shit-ton of those around the house growing up.”
“Me, too. All I want to do is make people happy. I’m glad you came.” It wasn’t necessary for them to leave hockey practice, but it meant everything.
“Why don’t we have the food we brought, then we’ll help you finish up.” Jonas assisted me off the ground.
“I’d like that, thanks. I have a lot to do before I have to take Mercy to the arena.” It was nice of them.
Though, what I wanted was Grif.
“I need to get back to work.” AJ snagged me by the waist, pulling me away from my sweeping inside the chilly greenhouse. Dirt smudged his suit and a leaf rested in his wavy hair. Smart suit aside, he hadn’t shied away from helping put things right.
“Okay, I’ll probably work until I finish cleaning, or it’s time to get dressed to take Mercy.” I leaned into him, inhaling his vetiver scent, which had intensified with the work he’d been doing. “Thanks for helping.”
It hadn’t taken us long to clean up after eating. It was only early afternoon.
His arms tightened around me, and he buried his face in my hair. “Anytime, Princess. Since you’ve done your inventory, I think you should go with Dean and Jonas and let them take care of you for a bit before you have to get to the arena.”
The words to fight him were on my tongue, but we’d done as much as we could for now.
“Will you come, too?” I looked up into his brown eyes. AJ hadreallybeen there for me today, and I didn’t want to let him go.
“I’m not like that with those two and I’m not about to fight Dean for you today. Another time, I promise.” His thumb stroked my cheekbone, sending shivers through me.
Oh. Being taken care of like that? Yes, I could use that sort of reassurance. The idea that they still cared for me despite whatever had happened today with Grif made me feel good.
They could easily be angry atmefor waking up whatever I did. After all, I was the alpha.
“Be good for Jonas.” AJ leaned in and kissed me sweetly. “Have a pleasant trip with the Maimers.”
AJ kissed me.May I have another?
“Come on, Little Alpha.” Jonas had my backpack.
Dean put an arm around me and kissed my temple. “We’re going to make you feel so much better.”
I needed to get out of my head. “Could I be the filling in a hockey sandwich?”
“I think that can be arranged.” Jonas snagged a kiss.
Dean got my crutch for me and we left the greenhouse.
