Love at First Scent
Chapter 16

Craig still seemed tense from what happened yesterday, but when they’d talked about staying home from the fair that day so she could recuperate, she wouldn’t hear of it. By morning, she had fortified herself, and a huge part of it had been having him there to hold her all night to provide the comfort she needed. Knowing this man would be there for her if she faltered created a sense of freedom in her that she’d never experienced before.

Laughter surrounded them as she watched her sister curse and stomp her foot.

“Ha!” Caro snickered. “Looks like you couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn with that arm!”

“I’d like to see you do better!” Ellie replied before throwing her hands up in defeat. “Who knew throwing darts at balloons could be so difficult?”

“Let me show you how it’s done, little sis,” She sauntered up and grabbed the handful of darts that her two tickets bought her. “I’m all hopped up on mini-donuts and funnel cake. I could probably take over the world right now.”

Turned out sugar-fueled dart-throwing was her game. By the time they all walked away, she had the largest stuffed zebra she’d ever seen.

“I can’t believe you won that!” Ellie laughed.

After what they’d gone through in the last two days, Caro was relieved to see her sister looking happy and relaxed, her hand firmly in the grasp of the man beside her. The love Bennett had for Ellie was plain to see in every move that he made, and nothing had made Caroline happier in a very long time. Even her own happy ending seemed possible now.

Over the afternoon, Craig had introduced her to what appeared to be every pack member who lived in Hillard, and they’d been very welcoming—overwhelming, but certainly friendly. They’d all known what had happened the day before and they seemed genuinely relieved that she was safe.

“Babe, obviously I need more sugary snacks because before we leave this fair, I will have a bigger stuffie than Caro.” Ellie stopped and posed with her hands on her h**s—her serious superhero stance. “And you, my love, will make sure it happens.”

Bennett laughed. “Yes, my queen. As you wish.”

Then he pointed off, his voice getting much louder. “To the food stands!”

Caro g*****d. “I’m so full I don’t even think I can watch her eat anything else. My stomach may burst out of sympathy.”

“That’s okay.” Craig checked his watch as the sun began setting on the horizon. “I have a surprise for you, so we can grab something to drink and head up there.”

“Up?” She narrowed her eyes, “Just how up are we talking?”

He laughed. “Don’t worry, nothing too extreme. It’s a spot that I’ve kept to myself for when my rangers get on my last nerve and I need some quiet time away from the pups.”

Craig led her away from the hustle and bustle of the main street that held the fair, back toward the ranger station. Diego waved from where he was manning the desk as they continued until they reached a set of stairs, and then upward to the roof of the building.