Chapter 139 A Stroll On The Beach
Chapter 139 A Stroll On The Beach
ARDEN
My eyes widened. I hadn’t expected such a direct compliment in this town–especially from a child. Compliments from children were different. They had no hidden agenda and no layered flattery. So, when a child complimented you, it felt more real.
I couldn’t help but smile as I leaned down, close enough to meet her bright gaze. Her yellow ribbons swayed as I reached out and gave one a gentle tug. “You’re even prettier,” I told her.
Her checks flushed a deep rose, and she let out a shy giggle before rocking back on her heels.
“What are your names?” I asked, noticing movement behind her. The other two children, both boys, had wandered closer, peeking out from behind her.
The little girl straightened her back proudly. “I’m Vivorce,” she announced.
I nodded, turning my gaze to the boys. “And you two?”
“I’m Jaren,” the older one said, his voice slightly deeper but still holding that youthful tone.
The youngest, who had messy dark hair sticking up in every direction, grinned mischievously. “I’m Milo!”
“Are you siblings?” I asked, tilting my head.
Vivoree shook her head so hard her ribbons bounced. “No. We’re friends! Someone’s babysitting us.”
Just then, a voice called out from behind them, followed by quick footsteps. A young woman emerged from the cafe, her features striking in a way that drew the eye instantly. She was undeniably pretty, with soft brown hair tied into a loose braid and a sundress that swayed with each hurried step.
“Oh goodness, I’m so sorry,” she said breathlessly, ushering the kids toward her. “They just ran off when I went to the restroom. It’s my first time taking them out like this.”
Her apology faltered when her gaze shifted to Cade, and her eyes went slightly wide. “Whoa… you two are -such a hot couple,” she blurted, the words slipping out like she hadn’t even considered holding them back.
I laughed softly, shaking my head. “That’s honest.”
From beside her, Vivoree piped up, “We just told her she’s pretty!”
“She is, isn’t she?” the woman murmured absentmindedly. Then, she turned to us ag said with a small smile. “My name is Luna, by the way.”
I turned to Cade when I heard her name. She would be the perfect werewolf with it.
“My name’s Arden,” I introduced. “This is my boyfriend, Cade”
“Sorry again,” she
Cade nodded at her absentmindedly, and she gave me a subtle thumbs up, as if saying I had chosen right. Then, she clapped her hands together. “Alright, they’re on a date, so let’s go.”
The children waved enthusiastically, and I waved back, my smile lingering until they disappeared into the
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Chapter 139 A Stroll On The Beach
flow of pedestrians.
When I turned to Cade, I expected some amused remark about the encounter. But he was quiet. His jaw was relaxed, his gaze fixed somewhere ahead rather than on me.
There was a faint red tinge on his check–not bright. It was probably the sun, but my smile dipped
anyway.
“You’re not fond of children, hmm?” I asked gently.
He glanced at me, then away again. “I never thought about it”
He wasn’t lying. I could hear it in the even tone of his voice. But I also knew Cade and how his childhood was surrounded by shadows and storms. Maybe children weren’t something he’d ever had the luxury of imagining for himself
“So, you don’t want children?” I pressed softly.
He didn’t answer right away, and that pause was telling. My heart tightened slightly in my chest.
I guessed that meant no. However, since we were partners, I wanted to respect it.
“I never said that,” he replied, and there was no hesitation this time.
My eyes lifted to his.
He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. “Whatever you want, I’ll do. It’s your body, so it’s ultimately your decision. If you want it to just be us for the rest of our lives, that’s fine. If you want little pups running around…” A small smile tugged at his lips. “I’m all for it.”
For a moment, I forgot to breathe. The simplicity and certainty in his tone were overwhelming. No hesitation, no trying to convince me one way or the other–just unwavering support.
I stared at him, my heart doing an entirely unhelpful series of somersaults.
How… how did I land such a green flag?
***
After eating, Cade and I decided to take a walk along the beach. We’d already planned to swim tomorrow- Cade insisted he’d win any race we had–but for now, a casual stroll sounded perfect.
The waves swam lazily toward the shore, their foam dissolving into the wet sand before licking at my toes. Cade walked beside me, our hands intertwined, and every now and then he’d squeeze my fingers.
eyes. “Aha!” he
At one point, he stopped walking and reached into my bag with a mischievous glint in announced, pulling out the blanket he’d stuffed there earlier without telling me. “I knew it would come in handy.”
I laughed. “You hid that in my bag?”
He grinned, leaning down to press a soft kiss to my head and setting it up for me. “Guilty. I’ll be right back. Restroom break.”
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Chapter 139 A Stroll On The Beach
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling as I watched him jog off toward the small facilities further p the beach. I straightened the blanket over the sand, letting my body sink into its softness, and closed my eyes. The warmth of the sun soaked into my skin, and for a moment, I just breathed. I breathed in the ocean, the sun, and the faint scent of Cade still clinging to the blanket beneath me.
That was when I felt the sunlight dimming against my closed lids, the warmth interrupted by a shadow falling across my face, I smiled lazily, already picturing Cade crouched down, ready to kiss me again. “That was fast,” I murmured.
But when I opened my eyes, it wasn’t Cade.
A man I didn’t recognize stood there, his features framed by sun–bleached hair and a surfboard tucked casually under one arm. He was young–maybe a few years older than me–and his easy stance made him seem harmless. His tanned skin glistened slightly, probably from the ocean water still clinging to him.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice carrying a kind of hesitant sincerity. “I couldn’t help but notice you were alone.”
My lips parted slightly in surprise, and I propped myself up on my elbows.
“My name’s Charlie,” he continued, flashing a nervous smile. “And, um… I think you’re really pretty. Can I please have your number?”
