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“Up here!” A very young voice yells from above. All eyes turn to find a grinning child staring down at us from between the balustrades. Their features aren’t quite male or female, but they sure are Sasquatch. With canines protruding from their button lip and pointed ears with fur clinging to their body. They’re still the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

“Who are you? I didn’t invite a gremlin into my house!” John faux-huffs with his hands on his hips.

The bout of giggles ensues from above, and I lean into Arden’s side with a smile on my lips. This is what a family is like. One where everyone can be themselves, where jokes are rampant, and laughter is abundant.

“Help me set the table.” Arden kisses my head, giving my shoulders a squeeze.

I take what he hands me and lay it out on the large wooden dining table. There are more than enough seats, but with the amount of food Sadie’s cooked, the table is overflowing with dishes and pots. It’s a true feast.

Noelle and Katie meet us at the table, setting one child on their lap and giving the oldest their own next to Sadie. I stand at the edge of the kitchen, watching the way everyone seems to know their place at the table.

But I don’t. I’ve never had a family dinner before. It was always just Mom and I. And then it was just me.

Arden takes my hand and leads the way, pulling out a chair next to his father; he lets me sit before taking his own next to me. I sink into the deep chair, the table reaching my chest. Arden must realize the height issue and chuckles under his breath.

“Oh! Sorry dear! I forgot how big we get sometimes!” Sadie holds her hands up, jumping to her feet and rushing to the living room. “I’ve got just the thing!”

She quickly returns with a donut pillow, and hands it to me. “John got this when he got his bum looked at,” she giggles.

I can’t help but choke on my own laugh, my skin heating with a blush of embarrassment.

“Dear!” John groans beside me. “You can’t go telling Arden’s mate about my bum surgery.”

I shake my head, sliding the pillow under my butt, which props me up a little higher. I open my mouth to share that my father is a surgeon, but I stop myself. He isn’t my father anymore, and I’d rather not bring him into any conversation again.

“So what do you do, sweetie?” Sadie smiles over at me as she passes a dish of collard greens to Noelle.

I take the plate of sliced roasted chicken from Arden, using the time to add a few slices of meat to my plate. I don’t know what to say. If I say nothing, I’ll look like I’m riding on Arden, but if I lie and say I’m a law student, my stomach clenches so tightly I feel like I’ll heave.

“Blake is between jobs, Mom.” Arden smiles at me. “But he’s going to help me in the shop for the season while he gets back on his feet.”

I practically melt into my chair. Once again, he’s saving the day. Saving my mind from another spiral of despair.

“Oh, wonderful!” Sadie gleams. “You’ll love the shop! In the summer, Arden takes groups to do bouldering. You’ll love it.”

Bouldering? My mind races with all the possibilities that could be. For some reason it lands on a very handsome Sasquatch tossing huge boulders in the forest. His muscles tensing under his fur and his hulking body vibrating with adrenaline. I shake my head, clearing my thoughts.

Arden’s hand finds my thigh under the table, and he gives it a squeeze. “Once he’s established himself a little more, he’s welcome to do anything he likes.”

John hums, “Oh yes. There’s plenty to do in town and up in the hills. I’m sure a youngin’ like you will find ample to do.”

I nod. “Thank you. I hope I’ll be of use somewhere.”

Katie scoffs. Feeding her toddler some mashed potato, she replies, “No need to be useful here, Blake. Do whatever you enjoy doing. I, for one, do kayaking retreats on the lake next to our mountain. It’s just a fun hobby, really.”

“And when I’m not looking after these ones,” Noelle tilts her head to her children, “I go hiking. This town is built on mutual respect and trust. Whenever you want to help out, do so. But otherwise the grocery store closes at midday because the owners like to go fishing.”

The table erupts with a chorus of chuckles. But I sit in silence, completely baffled by everything. There’s no morning rush. No stress to achieve greatness. No pressure to be the best. Just a community supporting each other from the kindness of their own hearts so they can spend their lives doing what they enjoy. Together.

“Potato and gravy?” John asks, as he spoons it onto my plate without waiting for my response.

“Thank you,” I reply. “For accepting me into your home.”

Sadie leans over the table, her arm extends, and she grasps my empty hand. “You’re family. Never thank us for anything. We’re proud to call you our own.”

My eyes burn, and the back of my throat closes. I nod, chewing on my lower lip. “Excuse me. Where’s the bathroom?” I’m standing before I can feel my legs. Sadie gives me the directions, and I’m hurrying away from the table. Arden’s gaze follows me as I disappear into the hallway.

Shutting the door behind me as quietly as I can, my knees shake as I sink to the floor. Sobs shiver through my body as I bury my head in my knees, hiding my tears from the world. I don’t know what to think. What to feel. None of this makes sense. How could they be so kind, so accepting when they don’t even know me? Sure, I’m Arden’s mate, but they still might not like me. So why do they? I haven’t done anything for them.