Chapter 47

• Besides, my dad, we’d have Dylan’s parents back in our lives too. I knew things could be rocky at first, given how Dylan’s choosing to pursue me meant that he’d gone against the old Alpha’s wishes. But I knew Chris and Heather were good people. And I was sure once they’d met Fern, their granddaughter, they’d be pleased to have us back in their lives. The idea of my daughter having such an extended network of family after having just me for so long seemed like something in favor of the move too.
• Yet, the idea of going back wasn’t all roses. I looked around at the vast, airy studio. I’d withdrawn a lot from Dylan over the last couple of days, hiding in my work and pulling a few late nights while he spent time with Fern. As much as I wanted to be with my mate, I felt as if I was already grieving for the business I’d have to let go of.
• I stared around at the long white tables where final prototypes lay. The interns who had now been here for the summer months were working on their final pieces. They’d be finished up in a few days. Their questions echoed through my head, and their eager energy seemed to dance in the studio, which had been their learning space and the incubator for their creativity. I loved being part of that process and couldn’t imagine not having it in my life. My gaze fell on the mannequin draped with a dress that Maisy was altering. My heart throbbed painfully. I pictured Maisy’s careful movements and heard her bright voice and easy-going humor. It must have been almost nine months that I’d worked with my assistant designer, and I felt another pang in my chest as I contemplated not working alongside her.