Page 42 of Rehabilitated

“How have things been here?” I ask. “What did I miss while we were gone?”

“Not a lot. Fern and Jameson had their pup. The Midnight Haven has organized a few rescues. I think they’re looking for help since Fern and Jameson will be busy with their new baby for a bit.”

“Oh! We can help out!” Ever volunteers as she joins us on the porch.

“Yeah, let us know what needs to be done,” I agree.

“Sounds good. I’ll tell the others. And I’ll get out of your hair. I know you guys have a lot to get done, and I’m sure you’re both tired from traveling. I’ll talk to you later. We can do dinner.”

Ever smiles. “Perfect!”

“I’ll call you,” I tell Ansel.

He hugs me goodbye, and I tuck Ever under my arm, leading her to the car.

“Got the list?” I ask as I open the passenger door.

She stifles a yawn. “Yep, all set.”

We’ve been up and at it since four this morning. We caught our flight and made the drive back to Night Grove Falls. I know she wants to get everything done today, but I think I might have to insist on a nap or going to bed early when we get home.

As if on cue, Ever yawns again.

“We’ll be quick in town. I can start laundry when we get home,” I tell her.

“Oh, I can do that!” she protests.

I shake my head. “I’ve got it.”

I close the door before she can protest and climb behind the wheel. Ever instantly threads our fingers together, and I sigh, relaxed and happy as we hit the road into town.

“Do you think we’ll get pregnant quickly?” Ever muses.

My bear rumbles inside me.

“I hope so. We’ll get pregnant when it’s the right time for us,” I say, squeezing her hand.

I was ready to have kids from the moment I met Ever, but she needed time. I don’t blame her. She never had a childhood or any fun. She deserved that before we had to grow up and be responsible adults and parents. Now that the time is here, I can barely wait to start trying.

We wave at some pack members as we drive into town, and I can feel Ever and her bear settle into the seat next to me. No matter how far away we traveled, this place was always home for both of us.

“Happy to be back?” I ask my mate.

She smiles softly. “Of course. I can’t wait to put down real roots here. It will be good to work with the Midnight Haven and get back into pack life.”

I nod, pulling into the market parking lot.

“Our next big plan,” Ever sighs, turning to me in her seat.

“I can’t wait,” I say honestly.

She leans over the console, pressing her lips to mine. The kiss is soft, slow, and filled with everything we’ve built together. Not desperation, not fear. Just love.

When she pulls back, she’s smiling that smile that still steals the breath from my lungs after all these years.

“I love you,” she whispers.

“I love you more.”