Kaylene pulled up in front of the Three Bears Diner and took a deep breath. It was always a little nerve wracking to meet a new client. Just because she had a reputation as one of the best didn’t guarantee that she was the best fit for the couple that she was meeting with. It didn’t happen often, but once in a while Kaylene wouldn’t get the job. Not that she had to worry about that; she had plenty stashed away for emergencies or for the months where she wasn’t working.

Letting out the breath she was holding, she got out of her Jeep and smoothed down her purple t-shirt and khaki shorts before heading inside. The restaurant was empty with the exception of a small older woman waving her hands around dramatically and then clapping them together in front of a younger looking couple at a table. Watching for a moment as the muscular, blonde headed man looked at the short, raven haired, curvy woman next to him, Kaylene surmised that this must be the Easterns.

Crossing the small bit of space once the older woman headed for the kitchen, Kaylene put on her best ‘I’ve got this smile’ and said, “Hi, are you the Easterns?”

“Sure are, Toots. You must be the baby doctor Brady has decided we need,” the woman said as she stuck out a hand in introduction. “My name is Stella, and this big ball of fur is Brady.”

“Babe, I’m not covered in fur right now,” Brady said softly before sticking his own hand out to Kaylene for her to take. “Brady Eastern. Thanks for coming on such short notice, Kaylene. We really appreciate it.”

“Hey, it’s no big deal. Kaylene is my name, and babies are my game. Short notice is kind of my thing,” Kaylene said cheerfully as she took a seat across from the two of them.

“Oh, babe, she rhymed. I like her,” Stella clapped her hands together in excitement.

“Down there, sweetheart. I think you’ve been spending too much time with Mama,” Brady teased as he handed Kaylene a menu.

“I highly recommend the cinnamon rolls, and the little bun in my oven agrees with me,” Stella smiled as she rubbed her hands over her currently mostly flat belly.

“Cravings are important; they tell you what your body needs for sure. If the baby wants cinnamon rolls, by all means, have cinnamon rolls. Just make sure that you’re taking your prenatal vitamins and eating a piece of fruit or a vegetable every now and again,” Kaylene said, peering over the top of her menu at Stella.

Stella rolled her eyes at Kaylene, “Oh lord, now she sounds like Liz. Remind me to keep the two of them separated, or they might collaborate on a mutiny or something.”

“Whatever you say, babe. But I think that she’s got a point. Liz already ratted you out for the Doritos stash in the kitchen,” Brady chuckled.

Feigning innocence, Stella said, “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

“So Kaylene, let’s talk numbers and contracts, shall we?” Brady suggested, obviously trying to change the subject.

Thirty minutes zipped by in a whirl of paperwork and coffee before the owner of the restaurant came back to take their order. Kaylene made sure to order a cinnamon roll to go so as to appease Stella’s suggestion but for now, she ordered the Breakfast Sampler that was complete with French toast, strawberry topping, scrambled eggs with a pinch of cheddar cheese, and several slices of bacon. It had been a long drive down, and Kaylene wanted to make sure she kept herself full. More nutrients meant more strength to hold her animal at bay, which would come in handy being around Landon.

“So am I allowed to ask what kind of animal you are?” Stella whispered at Kaylene.

Brady hushed Stella, “You can’t just go around asking people about their animal, Stella. It’s rude. That’s like asking someone if they’re pregnant or not or about their sexual preferences. You just don’t do it.”

“It’s fine, Mr. Eastern. I don’t mind, really,” Kaylene smiled at him, knowing that human mates didn’t know that what they were asking might be considered offensive.

“That’s enough with calling me Mr. Eastern, Kaylene, really. Just call me Brady,” Brady said politely.

“Okay, if you say so,” Kaylene shrugged at him before turning her attention back to Stella. “To answer your question, I’m a barn owl shifter. We aren’t very common in these parts. Most of my people actually live more towards the southern portion of the U.S.”

“That is so cool! Can you fly?” Stella whisper screamed.

Kaylene frowned for just a moment before answering, “Yes I can. But I don’t do much of that anymore.”

Stella furrowed her brow in confusion, “Why not?”

“It’s a long story. Maybe I’ll tell you sometime,” Kaylene gave a small smile as the owner returned with their food.

The chatter at the table grew quiet as they all dug into their food. Kaylene savored every last bite of her food. The strawberries were definitely her favorite part. They were full of flavor and an explosion of deliciousness in her mouth. It didn’t take long for everyone to finish their meals.

After Brady returned from paying the bill, he helped Stella to her feet and gestured for Kaylene to follow. “Let’s get this show on the road. We’ve still gotta drive back to camp and introduce you to the rest of the crew.”

Oh, right, the rest of the crew. Let’s just hope that doesn’t include Landon. I don’t know if I’m quite ready to face him yet.