Page 33 of Homani True

Chapter twenty

Lillystepsoutofher cozy little cottage nestled on the outskirts of town. The crisp morning air carries the promise of a beautiful day ahead. She has a list of errands to run, but she can't help feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest.

As she enters the bustling town center, Lilly spots the familiar storefronts and friendly faces of her neighbours. The town is alive with activity, even at this early hour. Her first stop is the grocery store she owns.

The soft chime of a bell above the door announces her arrival. Inside, the shelves are lined with colourful fruits and vegetables. Large wooden barrels hold the latest crops of wheat and barley harvested from the fields. She navigates the narrow aisles until she spots Matt and Jax engrossed in a conversation near the counter with Beth, who has graciously been managing the place for her. A smile spreads across her face as she approaches them. Beth grins and gives her a wave as she turns to help a customer, leaving the three of them at the counter.

"Hey guys," she greets them.

Matt turns first, the corner of his mouth rising. "Well, what’s got you smiling like the Cheshire cat?" he teases.

Jax cocks his head to the side. "Yup, something is up."

Damn, nothing gets by these two.She shifts her weight from one leg to another, running her hand along the smooth countertop.

Matt and Jax exchange knowing glances, their teasing expressions softening into genuine concern.

"What's going on?" Matt asks, his voice gentle.

Lilly hesitates for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She wants to choose her words carefully. Although she believes her friends will be happy for her, she’s not one hundred percent certain of what their reaction will be, considering the logistical issues that come with her news. "It's about Gage," she begins, her voice trembling ever so slightly. "We... we mated."

Both Matt and Jax stare at her, their brows practically reaching their hairline, playful banter forgotten. If she weren’t so nervous, their reaction would be comical. These men are like her brothers, and though she doesn’t need their blessing, she wants it.

It’s a moment before Jax finds his voice. "You and Gage? Mated?"

“Yup,” Lilly says, a mix of excitement, hope, and anxiety coursing through her veins.

Matt and Jax take turns gathering her in their arms and swinging her around as relief flows through her at their acceptance. She's grateful they are happy for her, but for some reason, she's still hesitant to express her feelings. She extracts herself from Matt and folds her arms in front.

"I'm just not ready to say those three words yet, you know? The 'I love you' part. I care about him a lot, but it's so complicated," she confesses, her gaze dropping to the ground.

What’s holding me back?She sighs, rubbing a spot on the plank floor with the toe of her sneaker.

"We're thrilled for you. Gage is a good man. He’s lucky to have you as his mate, but we get it. Loving a mate is a given, but getting to know them enough to say the words out loud..." Matt places a reassuring hand on her shoulder and squeezes.

“What if he wants to leave? He’s the leader in Crescent. I can’t ask him to stay here. How can I leave my friends? My family?” She gestures around. “My business?”

Matt squeezes her shoulder gently. "You don't have to figure it all out right now. What matters is that you're happy."

Jax nods in agreement. "And we know what it means for you here on the farm. If he decides to return to Crescent Harbour, you'll have to make some tough choices."

Lilly's gaze drops to the ground as she mulls over the implications. She has grown up in Smith’s Farm, alongside Matt and Jax, and the idea of leaving it all behind is both thrilling and terrifying. "I know," she whispers. "I just need some time to figure it all out."

Matt pulls her into a comforting hug. "We're here for you. No matter what you decide, we'll support you."

"Yeah, we're family, remember? We've got your back," Jax echoes the sentiment.

Over the next few days, Gage and Lilly settle into a routine. They spend their evenings talking about their days and how the plans for fortifying the farm are coming along while they cook dinner together. Stealing kisses in the kitchen, Gage enjoys having someone to share his life with, a possibility that he had long given up on.

As the week goes on, Gage admits to himself that he's falling more and more in love with Lilly. He's never been in love before. This new rush of flutters in his stomach, the way his pulse races when she's near, and the electric jolts when he brushes her skin are all addicting. Not to mention, the sense of deep fulfillment from holding her in his arms has him craving more.

He loves the way she laughs at his jokes and the way she always knows how to make him feel better when he's having a shit day. Lilly seems to be able to read his mood and does her best to improve them.

Finally, one morning as they're getting ready for the day, he gathers the courage to tell her how he feels. Grasping her hands in his, he takes a deep breath of preparation. "I have something to tell you.”

Lilly looks at him, her eyes full of concern. "What is it?"

"I think I'm in love with you," Gage says, his voice barely above a whisper.

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