Allan smiled as they traipsed around the fourth cottage that afternoon. “Wolfish appetite. And I’d sure love to take you there.”
She appreciated that he wanted to make her feel better this whole week so she could deal with the shifting for the next three weeks. And she decided, well, mostly decided, that she really couldn’t live without Allan’s sense of humor, his passionate lovemaking, which she’d been dying to have, and the way they could disagree and still get along.
“It’s going on half past four. How about we make dinner reservations for six, and go home first and get changed.” She didn’t want to tell him what she had in mind until they got home.
“We’ll be there at a quarter of five. Did you want to check out another place?”
“No.”
He glanced at her.
She let out her breath. She wanted to discuss some more things before she agreed to change her life even more than it had been already.
Chapter 22
“Rowdy was right all along about the pack. What are you going to do about him?” Debbie said as Allan drove them back to his cabin.
“He could just be joking. If he’s not, he has no real proof. If he tells anyone, he’ll be the laughingstock of the force. So I doubt he’ll want to share what he believes with anyone. As far as we know, he’s just having a bit of fun because he loves the paranormal.”
“And if he’s trying to gather evidence against us?” Debbie didn’t believe Rowdy was just having fun with this. Sure, he acted like he was making a joke of it, but she thought that was because he was afraid of how she would view his allegations.
“Maybe we can convince him to join the pack.”
“Coerce him, you mean.”
“Maybe he just wants to belong. Don’t worry about it. What will be, will be.”
“Like with me.”
Allan reached over and took Debbie’s hand and squeezed. She loved how he did that—connected with her and treated her as though she was precious to him. “As long as we don’t turn him and then he wants to date you.”
She smiled. “I’ll keep saying no.”
“About us?”
She sighed. “Multiple babies?”
“Is that all that’s holding you back?”
“Is that all? You’re not the one having them!”
“We have a whole pack to care for them, and we can wait on having them as long as you want to delay it. You might even have just one child. Some do—look at Franny. You might not have any. No matter what, I’d be there with you every step of the way. You want to dive, I’ll take care of junior. Whatever you want.”
“You say that now…”
“It’s in our genes.”
Before she knew he was a wolf, she’d wanted this—envisioned being his wife, teaming up on police business, taking diving vacations, enjoying sunsets and hiking, and fishing when it grew warmer.
But now? She was a wolf, and that meant? Well, truthfully, she loved the way Allan played with her and taught her their ways, was infinitely patient with her, and loved her unconditionally. She was one of them and that meant forever. She couldn’t imagine being with anyone else.
“So…how does this work, exactly? I mean, do you get on bended knee and propose a mating?”
“This is why you wanted to have an extra hour at the cottage before dinner? You want to mate me? Hot damn, yes, woman!”
She laughed. “Well?”
Allan chuckled. “Truthfully, it begins with a lot of kissing, and you know all the rest.”
“And a marriage license?”
“We can do that. First or afterward. A wedding. Whatever makes you happy.”
Allan was holding her hand, his expression serious now, as if he was anticipating her next move—hopeful and eager, and that made her feel appreciated and loved.
“And we can wait on kids? Especially while we’re getting to know each other as a couple. And take some vacations? Well, I guess during the week of the new moon on occasion.”
“Absolutely.”
“You’re so enthusiastic.” And she truly did love him for it.
“You’re perfect for me, Debbie. I didn’t think I’d ever meet someone who was more suited to me…”
“Except that I was human.”
“And I still loved you. Once you became a wolf and we were able to share that aspect of our lives, I knew you were the only one meant for me. So, is that a yes to a mating?”
“Do you have to get Paul and Lori’s permission?”
“No. Only yours.”
She swore he was speeding a bit before they arrived at the house.
This was it, Debbie thought, and she saw the relief in his expression. Because he would have his way—her as his mate every bit as much as she’d have him.
He parked the vehicle and hurried to get her door.
He was perfect for her. Now that she had changed so much—though in many ways she hadn’t changed at all. She needed him as a mentor, a lover, and most of all, a companion for life.