Chapter 30: The What If's

Asher’s POV



“Why do you two act as if you’ve only just met each other?”

I frown at Jack’s weird question, “Well, I met her not long before we got married.”

Jack shakes his head, clearly not happy with my response, “Yeah, but it seems more now than ever that you two are being more lovely dovey than when you got married.”

Jack and I are sitting on the porch drinking a beer. We had spent the afternoon playing soccer and sparring together. After a long training session like that we will sit on the porch watching the sun set with a beer in our hand. Most of the time we’ll sit in silence due to exhaustion, but Jack has other plans for our quiet time.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, sipping on my beer.

“Lately you two have been smiling at each other more and going on picnic dates,” He turns to face me, “It’s like at first it was fake, but now it’s not.”

I almost choke on the beer sliding down my throat. I cough and splatter; Jack watches me with cautious eyes.

“You’re out of your mind, man,” I say, clutching at my chest, “I’ve been in love with Harper since the minute I laid eyes on her.”

Jack narrows his eyes at me, studying my reaction, “At first you two acted like an old married couple, but now you’re acting like love struck teenagers. I’m getting whiplash.”

I wave him off with my hand, “That’s just how marriage works, okay? Maybe when you get married to Amaris you will understand.”

Jack sips his beer, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

I knew that would shut him up. With just the mention of Amaris, he gets all weird and blushes hard. I needed him to stop analyzing my marriage with Harper because he might end up asking too many questions, or worse, figuring out that it’s been fake since the beginning. I can’t risk it.

“Look, I’m late for a dinner date with Harper so I’ll see you in the morning.” I down the rest of my beer as I stand to my feet.

Jack follows suit, “That’s okay, Amaris and I are watching movies tonight, so I better get ready.”

“How is it having Amaris stay in your bedroom?” I ask as we walk towards the back door.

He smiles, “It’s been great. She’s adorable, and so easy to live with.”

I smile, clapping a hand on his back, “I think someone might be in love.”

Jack looks at me, horrified, “What?”

“There you are!” Harper calls from the kitchen as we pass by.

She is baking cookies with some of the children in the pack. There is flour all over the kitchen bench, and many of the children have begun wiping it on each other’s cheeks. Harper looks cute in her black and white striped apron. Her hair is in a messy bun on the top of her head, and she has the biggest smile on her face.

I wave goodbye to Jack as he continues down the hallway. I walk into the kitchen, kneeling in front of the small group of five.

“Are you guys having fun with Harper?” My voice is soft, matching the vibe in the room.

The children yell “Yes!” in unison, making Harper laugh.

I stand up straight, “Well, Luna has dinner plans tonight, so will I be able to steal her away soon?”

The children pretend to think for a moment, their small hands rubbing their chins. After a moment they laugh, nodding their heads.

“Perfect!” I turn to Harper, “I will see you soon in the bedroom.”

She smiles, leaning over to wipe a streak of flour down the bridge of my nose, “See you soon, Hubby.”


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“Sorry it took so long for me to get out of the kitchen,” Harper says, holding my hand as we walk to the dining room.

“Don’t worry about it,” I say, smiling at everyone who walks past us, “We managed to get here in the end.”

I organized a three-course meal for Harper and me tonight. Things have been going really well around the compound, so I wanted to celebrate and make her feel special. She contributes a lot to everyday activities and creative endeavors, which gets many of the members involved in things they wouldn’t normally do. Her influence on everyone is outstanding.

I pull out a chair for Harper; she sits down gracefully in a loose black dress that falls above her knees. I take the seat opposite her, and pour a glass of wine for the both of us.

“What are we celebrating?” Harper asks, flipping her long hair over her shoulder.

I raise my glass to her, “You.”

She looks surprised, “Me? What have I done?”

“You’ve inspired everyone in the compound to be more active and creative with everything they do. Since you arrived, you’ve transformed the compound from a sad and dull place, to a vibrant and exciting space to be in.”

Harper looks down, trying not to blush, “I don’t think so.”

I smile, “I know so. Now, cheers.”

We clink our glasses together and the first course arrives. The conversation remains light throughout the courses, with me spending a lot of time trying to convince Harper just how special her presence is around the compound. Although she doesn’t believe me, I can see the impact she’s had on everyone.

“Tell me about the history of the pack,” Harper says, putting a spoon full of chocolate cake into her mouth.

I wipe my mouth with a napkin, “Really? You don’t find history boring?”

She shakes her head, “Not at all.”

“Well, the pack has been living here for just over five decades,” I begin, “My grandparents moved here when my grandmother was pregnant with my Father.”

“Did they have many members at the time?” Harper asks, taking a sip of her wine.

I shake my head, “I think the pack size was about ten to fifteen people. They had run away from their parents when they were teenagers, wanting to start fresh with their friends somewhere far away.”

Harper smiles, “I can see the appeal in that.”

“My Father and uncles have spent their whole lives here; this place is all they know.”

“Three generations of your family have grown up here?” Harper quizzes.

I nod my head, “I want my children to grow up here, especially now that you’ve cleaned it up to be more inviting.”

Harper smiles, leaning her elbows on the table, her eyes look seductive, “You would make a great Father.”

I smile at her words. The thought of having children had never crossed my mind until Harper spoke about the weird dream she’d had about our curly headed boy. Ever since then, I’ve wondered what my life would be like raising children here with Harper.

She could teach them how to bake, and I can teach them how to play soccer. We can spar together as a family and go on small hikes. I can imagine beautiful children running around calling us Mommy and Daddy.
The thought warms my heart.

“You would make a great Mother,” I say, matching her position on the table.

We’re both staring at each other with such intensity; I can feel Harper undressing me with her eyes. I want to lean over and kiss her. Her mouth looks so plump and sweet, screaming at me to place my lips on them.

“What are you waiting for?” Harper whispers.

I’m out of my chair in a flash, walking around the table. Harper stands, wrapping her arms around my neck as our lips collide. I grip her hair hard in my hands; a sense of relief washes over me as her lips move against my mouth with such ease. I can tell she is just as relieved from the way she is gripping the loose hair at the nape of my neck.

Just as I begin to walk us back to the bedroom, the door swings open with such force, a gust of wind blows my hair around. We pull apart so quick, Harper is panting softly.

Julius and Dean are standing there, looking between Harper and me.

“What is it?” I snap.

“An unannounced pack has arrived,” Julius states casually.