Epilogue
Greg
“Got any rooms available?”
I looked up from the desk to see Chelsea standing in front of me, looking particularly fierce.
“For today?” I’d been working on the books, and the question caught me off guard.
“No. In two weeks. I have some guests coming in for a visit.”
I opened the reservation software and checked. “Yes, we have a room. It’s pretty quiet in the late fall.”
“Three rooms,” she said. Since my mate arrived, I’d seen a lot less of my nosy-but-nice neighbor, and I’d assumed it was because she was giving me privacy, but now that I thought of it, when I had seen her, she’d never been alone. “For some family.”
“Much as I hate to admit it, we do have that available. Is it a special occasion?” There was nothing in particular happening in town right now that she might have guests coming for. And she had room in her house…
“Nothing big, but here’s your invitation.” She shoved an envelope at me, and I looked from it to her, wondering… “Don’t stare at me. Just book the rooms and don’t forget to RSVP.”
“RSVP?” Oh, this was too interesting.
“What’s going on?” Oswald came down the stairs, wearing Ethan in his latest version of a baby wrap. He’d become quite an afficionado since receiving a couple of the wraps at the shower. “Hi, Chelsea, how’s Bob?”
“Bob?” Oh my goodness. The old goat himself. I tore the envelope open and found a wedding invitation. “Chelsea, when did you and Bob get engaged? This is wonderful.”
“If you paid any attention to anyone but this omega of yours, and Ethan, you’d know. Give me that baby.” She helped Oswald extract our son and took him into her arms. “You have time for neighbors, don’t you, little man?”
As she and my mate cooed at our son, I marveled at the things that went on while I was too in love to look away from my beautiful family.
Chelsea, who had been so lonely but not wanting to admit it, had succumbed just as hard as we had.
The old goat came in just then, and she gave him a smile so bright, it nearly blinded me.
“We’re doing a hybrid event because some of Bob’s kids married humans, can you imagine?
But they seem nice enough, and we’re not going to be like those old-fashioned fogies who think shifters should only marry their own.
Some even object to different beasts. No, we’re having a mating/wedding so everyone will feel comfortable and all the grandkids can have a great time, too.
” She went on chatting about their plans, a whole new person from the lady who came over to seek a little companionship from me.
Excited, enthusiastic, done mourning a past love, and ready for what life was giving now.
Oliver Creek was more than a foodie haven. People who moved here tended to find their mates, their happiness, in many cases a fresh start. And if I had anything to say about it, The Bear’s Den would be a place where love ruled.