Fae-ted to the Bear - Harmony Raines Page 0,26

here together.”

“You’re right. We’ll figure everything out as we go.” He hooked his thumbs into his belt. “After losing Flora, I have decided it’s less heartache and worry if you just take things as they come.”

“Says the man who’s been planning his wedding to Flora for how many years now?” She arched an eyebrow and instantly regretted it. “I didn’t mean to be so flippant. I know how cut up you are about the whole thing.”

“Do you know what’s worse?” Karros asked.

“No.”

“This afternoon, spending time with Caleb’s family, I realized Flora is much better off being part of that family than ours. They’re kind, supportive, and loyal to each other. And Valerie... She just wants the best for them all.”

“Our parents want the best for us. It’s just unfortunate they’ve never really listened to us enough to know what we want.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Maybe one day they’ll see.”

“Will they?” Karros asked. “The longer we stay in Wishing Moon Bay, the less I feel inclined to go back home. Not to live. Not with the pressure on us to marry well.”

“Maybe one day you’ll feel different.” She took hold of his hand and pulled him toward the front door. “You have only been in this town for less than a day. I’m sure you’ll get homesick once the excitement has worn off. This is all shiny and new, remember.”

But as she watched Caleb lifting a chair down from the truck, her heart rate quickened, and she knew she’d never grow tired of the town and her mate.

If only there was a way to make their parents see that all that really mattered was that their children were happy.

Perhaps things might change once they had their first grandchild.

Elise froze on the spot. She wanted a career, not children. But Caleb would make a wonderful father.

Was she selfish to want everything? Was it possible that in Wishing Moon Bay she could find love and have a family and a career?

Or would she have to make sacrifices?

Chapter Ten – Caleb

“That’s all the furniture unloaded.” He brushed his hands down his thighs and straightened up. He’d gone back to the hotel for one more truckload after they had signed the lease. Valerie had sorted out a stack of linens for Elise and Karros, and Ivan had given him some kitchen utensils to pass on to Elise as a moving-in gift.

The house was starting to look like a home.

It’s a pity it’s not our home, his bear complained.

Caleb agreed. He sorely wished he was moving in here with Elise instead of Karros.

But at least they are settled and happy, his bear sighed.

Caleb smiled as he watched Elise’s face, her eyes bright with excitement as she held onto the corners of a sheet and flapped it in the air. “I’ll help.”

He caught the other corners of the sheet and helped her smooth it over the bed. If only this was their bed. He shook his head, those kinds of thoughts weren’t helpful when there was so much to do.

“Thanks.” She smoothed the sheet down and tucked it under the mattress. “Your family has been amazing.” She held up her hand. “I know, I know, they’re my family too now.”

“You’re finally getting the idea,” Caleb replied. “But I’m hoping I get the chance to meet your parents and the rest of your family and win them around.”

“I’d like you to meet them. And I’m sure they’ll come around to the idea of me being with a shifter. Sooner or later. Maybe if we give them a grandchild, they’ll get over it sooner.” She put her hands to her cheeks and stared at him, her mouth open. “That just slipped out.”

Caleb chuckled. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You know I want children. But they take a while to arrive, even if we did start practicing now.” His eyes rested on the newly made bed. “And,” he continued, “I’d rather not wait nine months to meet them.”

“Can we just get to know each other first? With no pressure.” She smoothed her hand over the bed and then headed for the door. “Are you going to help me make Karros’s bed, too?”

“I guess, although he’s old enough to make it himself.” Caleb followed her out of the room.

“He’s unpacking everything we brought with us from home.” Her eyes lingered on the staircase as they walked past. “It’s not a lot.”

“Well, we could make a trip back to your world to pick up the rest of