Chapter 42

The next morning brought an end to the weekend and the beginning of another work day at Bayou Accounting. As I got ready for work, Mac chattered at me from the corner of the room. "You're not helping," I murmured, trying to find the missing match to the pumps I wanted to wear.

Lila's words from the night before played on a loop in my mind. A bond. A lifetime commitment. Being connected to Alex, a creature from a world I'd only ever read about and never knew truly existed until recent events.

As I opened the door to my room, and headed down the stairs into the bookstore, I was greeted by the essence of freshly brewed coffee. Lila was already there, setting up the shop for the day. She gave me a knowing smile. "You look like you've got a lot on your mind," she said, her voice gentle.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "I've decided," I confessed, the words feeling like a weight lifted from my chest.

Lila handed me a steaming cup of coffee. "Sit," she said, gesturing to the chair beside her