Page 62 of Never Bet Against A Hockey Player

I could see the difference now between the smile she gave customers, the one she gave her best friend, and the one she gave me.

“Dhara, you’re good to go. I think we’re slowing down,” Lydia called out as she passed with food for the last table that’d come in. She usually cut her when the post-breakfast slump hit.

I cleared what I could from my table, stacking everything neatly while I waited.

Dhara disappeared into the back, where she traded her apron for a more comfortable outfit. When she walked back out her honey blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail. She looked cozy in an oversized sweater, and I found myself pulling her into a hug the moment she was close enough.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“I was thinking the farmers market. I’ve been trying to work on my cooking skills, so I could use a few fresh ingredients. And I hear they have plenty of bakeries so you can try some sweet treats.”

“That sounds perfect, honestly. Hopefully, they have a coffee shop. I could use a little boost.”

“If not, we’ll find one,” I promised.

“Oh, you brought the SUV.” Her eyes lit up as we walked closer. I wanted to always put that look on her face.

“Did you like driving it the other day?” I asked as I nuzzled into her neck, breathing in my omega.

We’d told her about the house, but I hadn’t had the chance to explain that the SUV was hers, too.

“Yeah, it was great.”

“The name on the title is yours,” I admitted as I pulled away, wanting to brace for her reaction.

She started to open her mouth, and I could already tell she was about to argue, so I held up a hand.

“It’s just one more thing in our favor. A working vehicle is important when you’re raising a kid.”

“Fine. But you guys can’t use this custody thing to get away with giving me expensive things.”

“No, that’s what courting gifts are for,” I teased.

Her eyes dropped to the bracelet around her wrist, and she let out a little huff of laughter.

“I don’t know how to take all of this,” she admitted.

“Just know that we’ll never give anything that makes us uncomfortable. If we’re giving you something, it’s because we genuinely want to.”

“Okay, okay,” she sighed, finally giving in.

Dhara rolled down her window and turned on the radio, a smile fixed on her face as she looked out the window, one hand surfing through the breeze. She looked so unburdened and free that it was hard not to stare.

Unfortunately we only had a little time left before the farmers market closed, so I couldn’t sit here and watch her.

At least we arrived after the morning rush. There were still people milling around but it wasn’t overly crowded.

“How did I not know this was here?” she wondered as we climbed out of the SUV.

“I don’t think it’s been here that long. Plus, you’ve been working every single day.”

She smiled sadly.

“I do what I have to. Gavin gets to eat there every morning.”

“Someday soon, you won’t have to,” I promised. “You’ll be able to wake up and let your pack take care of you.”

“Sounds nice,” she said, not dwelling on it as we walked toward the entrance hand in hand.