Page 36 of Knot the Stray

Duke whines from the floorboards, inching closer to sniff the air below the table edge.

Winston steps out of the plastic crate. The black and white tuxedo cat fluffs his fur, peering over the wood drop to assess the huge dog hovering below him. Duke gives another excited whine, his tail thumping hard against the wall. Winston stares down at the retriever, gives a slow, unfazed blink, and turns his back. He takes a seat on the woven table runner and begins washing his front paw.

"He gives zero fucks." Jake lets out a rough chuckle, scratching the golden retriever behind the ears. "Duke seems disappointed."

"Give them a few days." I straighten up, offering a smirk. "Winston makes everyone work for his attention."

Edward steps up behind me. He wraps his large hands over my eyes, blocking out the light. The spicy scent of clove and ripe fig washes over me, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Keep your eyes closed, Doc." Edward keeps his voice low, his chest rumbling against my back. "We have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" I place my hands over his wrists, letting him guide my steps. "You guys cook dinner?"

"Something better." Nolan walks beside me, his shoulder brushing mine.

Edward guides me down the hallway and into the large living room. The thick rug squishes under my socks. He stops me near the couch, letting his hands drop away from my face.

I blink, letting my eyes adjust to the new lighting. The setup catches me off guard.

The guys pushed the sectional sofa back against the walls, clearing the center of the floor. A plush air mattress occupies the empty space, covered in thick quilts and fleece throw blankets. Above the mattress, they built an elaborate blanket fort. Sheets drape over the backs of chairs and secure to the walls, creating a giant tent. Strands of warm fairy lights weave through the fabric, casting a magical glow over the entire room.

The large coffee table sits near the entrance of the fort. Mountains of classic childhood snacks cover the wood surface. Glass bowls overflow with buttery popcorn, colorful gummy worms, and salty pretzels. Three large cardboard pizza boxes sit next to a plastic cooler packed with canned fruit sodas.

I stare at the big flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The screen displays a colorful menu of classic, animated kid's movies.

A confession I made at the cabin during our card game pops into my head. I told Jake about the strict foster home rules, about older kids hogging the remote, and about never getting the chance to sit down and enjoy a Saturday morning cartoon.

They remembered. They built this entire setup to give me the movie night I missed out on as a kid.

My throat goes tight. A sob catches in my chest, breaking the silence in the room. The wave of love and shock hits me all at once.

I pivot on my heel, jog back down the hallway, and throw myself into the nearest bathroom. I shut the door and twist the lock, needing a minute to process everything.

I lean my weight against the cold porcelain sink, staring at my reflection in the mirror. Hot tears stream down my cheeks. Turning the metal faucet, I cup the freezing water in my hands and splash my flushed face. Crying in front of people is hard for me. Growing up, the foster parents viewed showing emotion as a sign of weakness, and the older kids used tears as an excuse to pick fights. I hate crying.

Racing footsteps pound down the hardwood floor outside the door.

"Jessie." Jake knocks a hard beat against the wood, his voice laced with panic. "Sweetheart, I'm sorry if we overstepped."

"We wanted to give you something nice you never had." Nolan speaks up, his tone tight with worry.

Their panic breaks my heart. To them, this grand act of love chased me away.

I grab a hand towel off the metal ring, drying the water and tears from my face. I take one deep, steadying breath, reach for the door handle, and swing it open.

Jake and Nolan stand in the hallway, their broad shoulders slumped. Edward hovers right behind them, his face pale with anxiety. I reach out, grab the fronts of Jake and Nolan's flannel shirts, and haul them forward. I crash into their chests, burying my face against them in a crushing, desperate hug.

Edward steps up, wrapping his strong arms around all three of us. The combined warmth of their bodies and the rich, soothing scents of their pheromones envelop me.

"You guys did nothing wrong." Stepping out of their embrace, I walk down the hall. They trail close behind me. Stopping in the center of the living room, I gesture to the blanket fort and the snacks on the coffee table.

"No one has ever done anything like this for me before." I turn back to face them. "It overwhelmed me."

Jake lets out a ragged breath. He crosses the floor, his hands dropping to grip my waist.

"I came out here with a plan tonight." I swipe a rogue tear from my cheek, holding Jake's dark gaze. "I'm done running. I'm done waiting out the clock. I accepted the permanent vet job this morning. I'm staying in Willowside."

Silence drops over the living room. The three men freeze, staring at me in total shock.