39. Lily

Chapter 39

Lily

T he Village Hall is buzzing with activity. The smell of freshly baked goods fills the air, making my mouth water instantly. Fred has really outdone himself, transforming the usually drab community space into a cosy, inviting eat-in bakery.

We make our way to a table out in the sun, enjoying the warmth on my skin that matches the warmth in my soul.

Fred spots us and rushes over, his face beaming with pride. "Welcome, welcome! What do you think of my little setup?"

"It's brilliant, Fred," I say, genuinely impressed. "You've really made something special here."

Fred puffs up at the compliment. "Well, when life gives you lemons, right? Or, in my case, when life gives you a burned-down bakery and a village hall with an industrial kitchen and a Food Hygiene rating of five."

We all laugh at that, and I'm glad that Fred has made this work for him.

"So, what can I get for you lot?" Fred asks.

"I'll have a cappuccino and an almond croissant," I say immediately.

"Make that two," Jack adds.

Max considers for a moment. "Black coffee and surprise me with something sweet."

Fred grins. "Coming right up!"

As he bustles away, I lean back in my chair, taking in the scene around us. The hall inside is filled with a mix of familiar faces and tourists, all enjoying Fred's baked goods and outside is a Lake District paradise with clear blue skies and the lake gleaming on the horizon.

"This is perfect," I murmur, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me.

Jack reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. "It is."

Max watches us with a soft smile, a far cry from his earlier intensity. "You know," he says, "I can see why you love it here so much, Lily. There's something special about this place."

I nod, feeling a swell of pride for my adopted hometown. "It's not just the place, though. It's the people. Everyone looks out for each other here."

He nods slowly, and I think he gets why I'm so reluctant to leave, but life moves forward, and if I want to be with them, I have to uproot myself and take that step.

Fred returns with our order, setting down a tray laden with steaming mugs and plates piled high with pastries.

"Here you go," he says, distributing our orders. He looks at Max. "For you, I've brought our special of the day, a lemon tart."

Max nods appreciatively. "Thanks, Fred. It looks delicious."

As we dig into our treats, the conversation flows easily. We chat about everything and nothing—village gossip, plans for the weekend, funny stories from our pasts. It's comfortable and natural.

I watch Max and Jack banter back and forth, struck by how different they are yet how well they fit together—and how well they fit with me.

Suddenly, Sam runs over, slightly out of breath, his face breaking into a wide grin.

"There you are!" he exclaims, pulling up a chair. "I've been looking all over for you. It's my lunchtime. Whatcha got for me?"

"Well, you found us," Max says dryly, but there's affection in his voice. "Want some of my tart?"

Sam's eyes light up. "That's no way to speak about our omega," he jokes, giving me a cheeky wink.

"Rude!" I exclaim while chuckling and stuffing croissant into my face.

We all burst out laughing at his expression, and the warmth I feel grows, spreading into my soul. This is what family feels like. This is what I've been missing all these years.

I look around at my three alphas, feeling overwhelmed with love and gratitude. This morning, I was worried about moving too fast, about leaving my shop and my life in Keeley behind. But sitting here, surrounded by my three future mates, I know that home isn't a place. It's a feeling.

And right now, I feel more at home than I ever have in my life.

As we finally stand to leave, Fred rushes over with a box. "Here," he says, pressing it into my hands. "Some treats for later. On the house."

"Fred, you don't have to," I start, but he waves me off.

As we head back to the shop, I take a look back at the Village Hall and make my decision. It's not goodbye, I remind myself. It's just a new chapter.

"Ready to go home?" Max asks softly, his hand finding the small of my back.

I look up at him, then at Jack and Sam, and feel a smile spread across my face. "Yes," I say, "I'm ready, and I'm ready to move and grow the shop."

Max beams at me and pulls me closer. "Thank you," he whispers into my hair. "You're amazing, and I'm sorry for earlier."

"Don't be sorry. I understand." I know in my heart that this is right and perfect because we're a pack now, and nothing can change that—not now, not ever, so why wait? "When we get to the farmhouse, I want to mate," I add in a low voice. "I don't want to wait a second longer."

The growls that come my way makes me sure that this is what they want, too.

"I have to go back to shift," Sam complains. "Fucking hell."

"We'll wait for you, don't worry," I murmur, taking his hand. "We will do this all together."

"This is going to be a massively long-arsed day," he complains good-naturedly.

"There's no rush," I say, lifting his hand and kissing it. "This is right, and when we are together, it will be perfect."

He smiles and pulls me to him. "You are perfect, Lily Bloom. Perfect for us."