“You,” Calder whispered.
“I recognized you the last time we were here,” Assa said, lifting his shoulder. “But I didn’t want to presume that you’d remember me.”
“Wow.” Calder ran a palm over his face. “I’m shocked I didn’t put it together sooner.” His mind returned to that day. He’d been having lunch with his sons, and something compelled him to pick up a call from an unknown number. He answered to find a gorgeous red-haired beta on his screen, experiencing the first spark of attraction he’d had since Denni died. The beta facilitated the last conversation he would ever have with his in-laws. “I owe you a debt of gratitude for what you did for me and my boys. Being able to speak to Denni’s parents that last time is a core memory.”
“I’m glad. I didn’t want to accidentally remind you of something painful.”
“No. It was an incredible kindness you showed to a stranger. I needed that. Sal and Endo needed that. They were heartbroken after Denni died, and on the video call, seeing that I was okay, that Jordie and Ked were happy… I believe that’s what allowed them to rest.”
“It meant a lot to me too. That day, I’d been visiting my alpha father, who was always a bit of a shit.” Wes snorted and Assarolled his eyes. “Sal and Endo reminded me that there were good people in the world. Good fathers. I debated calling to offer my condolences after you told me about their passing, but figured since we didn’t technically know one another, it wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“I understand. But it makes me doubly happy you came to Felton’s. It gives me a chance to say thank you in person.”
Calder had the insane instinct to jump up and give Assa a hug. He settled for sliding his hand across the table, thinking a clumsy tabletop handshake would suffice. Assa surprised him by wrapping Calder’s fist in his palms, squeezing firmly. “No need to thank me.”
A fissure of awareness raced through Calder at the beta’s touch, surprising him. He was so stupidly infatuated with Zinn that he had assumed he was incapable of noticing another man.
Then again, he’d noticed Assa was beautiful eight years ago. He wasn’t perving on him. He was merely grateful to get this closure, to have that memory unlocked. Assa continued smiling at him as he pulled his hand back.
Wes’s lips twitched. “How about you thank Assa by making an awesome cake for our son?”
“That we can do,” Calder said, placing a black album on the table between them. “Here’s a book of pictures of some non-wedding cakes we’ve done. It might help you get a sense of what you want.”
He went to the counter and asked Lolo to make Assa’s latte. When he returned, Wes looked up from the book. “These are great,” he said. “But Assa and I are fine if you feel like getting creative. Whatever you want to do, really.”
“We’re always up for an original,” Calder replied, imagining Zinn would enjoy the challenge. “If you tell me about your son, that will help get us started. Our decorator can figure out a theme.”
Assa chortled. “You don’t have to ask twice for me to talk about my kid. Easily my favorite subject.”
“Understandable.” Calder was charmed by Assa’s animated expression.
“For starters, Ryde can be shy, but once he gets to know you, he really warms up fast,” Assa said proudly. “He plays multiple sports and swims, but he’s not elite or anything, and he’s into typical things like video games and hanging out with his friends. Something unique is that he was an early reader, and he loves learning about other places. He has a collection of atlases, so we’re guessing he’ll travel a lot when he’s older.”
“He’s also an exceptional artist,” Wes added. “I mean, as much as a seven-year-old can be. Sometimes he gets so focused on his drawings that it’s tough to get him to do basic things like eat.”
Assa and Wes went into more detail about Ryde’s likes and dislikes, his school, and how well he’d handled the move from Warburton to Bellwether. Calder smiled. “Sounds like a cool kid.”
“We’re very lucky,” Assa said, taking a sip of his latte.
Calder noticed Wes eyeing the entrance. “Are we expecting someone else?” he asked.
“Ryde is at soccer practice and it’s closer to Felton’s than our place, so his friend’s daddy is dropping him off here.” Wes glanced at his watch. “Should be any minute now.”
Assa winked at Calder. “When he comes, ix-nay on the cake talk. This is a surprise for him. He thinks we’re meeting here to grab a treat.”
Looking down at his notes, Calder nodded. “It’s okay. We have plenty to work with. It’s too bad Zinn didn’t make it, but he’ll be able to use these to make a few sketches by the end of the week, so you can approve the design.”
The door dinged as it opened. An omega popped his head in, making eye contact with Wes and mouthing,gotta go. I’mblocking someonebefore stepping back. A small boy ran past him, straight toward their table.
“Hey, Dad,” the little beta said to Wes. He slung an arm around Assa. “Hey, Pop.”
The child looked longingly at the bakery case as Calder’s blood turned to ice water in his veins.
A low buzzing began in his ears. He swallowed harshly, feeling it go down like a bag of rocks.
“Calder, this is our son, Ryde,” Assa said.
Their son.