“We really appreciate you doing this cake for us,” Assa interrupted. “I’m sure our son will love it.”
Calder gave Assa one last befuddled onceover before heading toward the counter.
Ten minutes later, Assa remained at the table while Wes put down a deposit and gave Calder their contact information.
“This has been a productive afternoon,” Assa said as they exited.
“Definitely,” Wes said. “I know we could just buy Ryde a grocery store cake. I mean, those kids probably won’t care, but it gives me a little thrill to put in the extra effort.”
“Same.”
“But, sweetheart, you know I have to ask what the heck was up between you and that alpha, Calder? You tensed up as soon as you saw him, and then when he said his name.”
Assa sighed heavily. “I wasn’t sure at first, but I’m almost positive he’s someone I met a long time ago. At Green Rivers, Papa’s assisted living place. I only talked to him once, though. Over the phone.”
Wes couldn’t recall Assa mentioning someone named Calder. Still, it was obvious the man had made an impression. “Was he one of Jeral’s caregivers?”
“No. Nothing like that. He was a family member. Of some residents there. I meant to tell you then, but it happened when we were starting the adoption process, so it fell off my radar.”
As they drove, Assa told Wes the story of helping an elderly couple video chat with their son-in-law and their grandsons. He talked about Calder having a difficult time after the death of his husband. And he told him about the message Calder had left him a few days later.
“I see how that call seems so important in retrospect,” Wes said. “I assume that conversation was also memorable for Calder, since he looked like he was trying very hard to place you.”
Assa chuffed. “I noticed. The reason I didn’t put the pieces together for him or let you say my name is because if he figures it out down the line, I wanted to give him the opportunity to pretend like he hasn’t.”
“Do you think he’ll recognize you eventually?”
“Probably. Clearly, he’s close. And it’s not like we can keep my name a secret from the cake designer. I just want to give Calder the choice not to acknowledge the past. If he doesn’t realize I’ve recognized him, then the ball is in his court whether he brings it up. Because it’s possible he doesn’t want to reminisce with the man who was there right after he lost his husband. The one who facilitated his last meeting with his in-laws. Perhaps those memories are painful.”
Wes marveled at his brilliant, kind husband. He was looking out for Calder, even if the alpha didn’t know it.
“You’re amazing,” he said, bringing Assa’s knuckles to his lips across the console. “And it seems like he’s doing okay now.”
“I hope so. The main thing I remember about our conversation is how sad he sounded.”
Wes was glad to see Assa’s shoulders relax. “Can I say one sort of random thing, though?” he asked. “Even if it might be a smidge improper after what you just told me.”
“Oooh, I love things that are asmidge improper. Tell me.”
“The man is absolutely, insanely good-looking.”
Assa’s cheek ticked. “Glad it’s not just me. Like I said, I’ll leave it to Calder to bring up the past if he wants to. For now, he can be alpha eye candy for us.”
“Agreed.” Wes laughed lightly. “If we’re both noticing hot alphas, it’s probably time to get back on the apps.”
Assa stroked his thigh. “We’ve lived in Bellwether for over a year, and I’m ready for us to beusagain. And, sometimes, being us means having extra company in the bedroom.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Zinn
Zinn pressed his fist into his back. The dull ache at the base of his spine had plagued him since this morning, and it hadn’t helped that he’d been on his feet all day trying to get ahead on projects at the bakery.
Because he’d need time off soon.
“Are you okay?”
Zinn looked up at Ked, who stared uneasily at him. The teen had found him resting in the office after his shift. He’d asked Zinn to run lines with him for the school play. Since Zinn was dead tired and not excited about the prospect of walking six blocks home to his apartment, he readily agreed.