will be brave enough to say it first?
I don’t want to frighten her away, Caleb replied. She has so much on her mind right now, and I know she’s worried about impressing Ivan. If I say the words now, I might freak her out.
“I’ll see you later.” He lifted his hand and waved at her, not taking his eyes off his mate as she got into the car and drove away.
Only when she was gone from his sight did he get in his truck with the remains of the breakfast picnic. If Aiden had been waiting around for Caleb to get back, he’d smooth things over by offering him some food.
No better way to a bear’s heart, his bear chuckled.
Especially our brother’s heart. He sure does like his food. Caleb drove away from the beach, resisting the temptation to follow his mate home.
The need to be around her was still incredibly strong, if he could stay by her side every minute of every day, he would.
I’m certain Ivan would have something to say about that, his bear replied.
I’m sure he’d understand. Caleb turned into the driveway of the house they were working on. The roof had leaked, and the two brothers were replacing some rotted-out lumber.
He’d understand more if he had a mate of his own. His bear wished they could find a mate for both Ivan and Rift.
“I thought you’d abandoned me.” Aiden came around the side of his truck and pulled out a long length of lumber from the back of it. Hoisting it onto his shoulder, he strode back toward the house.
“Never.” Caleb hopped out of the truck and went to help Aiden. “Ivan gave us some food, so I took Elise down to the beach. It was nice to have some time alone with her.”
“It’s been a hectic couple of days for sure.” Aiden headed back to the truck after setting the lumber down next to the other items he’d gotten for the job. “How did she get along this morning with Ivan?”
“Good, I think. Ivan asked her to make something special for him to try. You know, her favorite dish, something that highlights her culinary skills.” Caleb carried a beam on his shoulder as Aiden grabbed the last of the lumber from the truck.
“And she’s nervous about it?” Aiden could always pick up on Caleb’s thoughts.
“Yeah, she’s worried she’s going to screw it up.” He dropped the beam on the ground. “It’s tough not being able to help.” He shrugged. “I know good food when I taste it, but I am not good at cooking.”
“You’re supposed to be there for moral support, that’s all. Elise needs to do this herself.” Aiden thumbed toward the truck. “You’re making me hungry with all this talk of food.”
“I’ll go grab the basket.” Caleb jogged over to the truck and opened the door. “I also got a call from Zara. She is planning to visit this weekend.” He reached in for the basket and pulled it toward him. “I forgot to tell her I found my mate.”
“Oh. How did she take it?” Aiden hovered over his brother’s shoulder as he turned around.
“Here, help yourself.” Caleb handed the basket to Aiden, who instantly opened it up and looked inside. “She was okay after I explained we had a hectic day. It’s going to take some getting used to, though.”
“Having a sister?” Aiden pulled out a breakfast roll stuffed with bacon and eggs.
“Yes. And an aunt and uncle. Until now the only family we’ve had is Valerie and our brothers. Now we have blood relatives.” Caleb leaned against the truck while Aiden ate.
“They’re going to take time to get used to it, too. So don’t be too hard on yourself.” Aiden bit into his sandwich. “I envy you.”
“You do?” Caleb asked.
“Yes, you have a mate who is learning from Ivan. You won’t have to go to the restaurant for a good meal, your mate will cook for you. Everyday.” Aiden rolled his eyes in bliss. “This is so darn good.”
“My attraction to Elise is more than food,” he told his brother.
“Oh, I know. But it sure is a bonus.” Aiden finished his roll and looked in the basket for more.
“You eat your way through the leftovers, and I’ll get started on work. We both need to focus more on work now that we have mates.” Caleb grabbed a toolbox from the back of the truck.
“That’s true. No more slacking off to roam the mountains on a warm summer’s day.” Aiden leaned