“I think it’s because now that they’re adults, they want to handle their own issues. Which is admirable. And I respect that,” Valerie said. “But damn I hate that I’m not allowed to take care of them anymore.”
“Same,” Janie agreed.
“Something’s going on with Hellen, and no matter how much I question, she just keeps saying, ‘I’m fine, Mom’. I’m not sure if I want to box her ears in frustration or follow her so I can find out what her issue is and protect her from it,” Valerie said.
“Same, but for Daisy,” Janie said.
“Seems to me, we’ve gotten lax. We just need to make ourselves more of a presence in their lives.”
“Maybe Tempest knows what’s going on with all of them,” Janie said.
Delilah nodded. “If she doesn’t, I’m sure she can find out, and rather easily at that.”
“You’re both missing something here,” Valerie said.
“What’s that?” Delilah asked.
“She’s Brandt’s mate. She’s the Alpha’s mate. She wields power like you do with Kaid.”
“And?” Delilah asked.
“She’s not going to sell out any of her clan mates. She’s not going to be in cahoots with us, if what we’re asking for is information that our own kids haven’t offered us. It’s a matter of trust.”
Delilah scowled, then that scowl softened into a smile. “We’re not asking her to tell us anything she shouldn’t. We’re just inviting her to brunch with us, and a little harmless gossiping,” Delilah said.
“I think I’m staying home,” Janie said.
The front door opened and Ronan stuck his head out. “Emmalyn’s waking up!”
All three women hurried back inside, their conversation on how to get more information on their children forgotten for the moment.
~~~
“Momma?” Emmalyn said weakly.
Bam, Everly, Analise, all turned their eyes to her.
Barron’s head popped up from where he’d been resting it on Emmalyn’s bedside.
“Em!” Barron said, holding her hand in both of his. “Em, you’re awake,” he said, doing his best to maintain his composure as his voice cracked with emotion.
Emmalyn turned her hazy unfocused gaze on Barron. “’S okay,” she said, her lids falling closed again. “Where’s Momma?”
“I’m right here, Emmalyn,” Everly asked. “Can you hear me?”
“Mmhmm,” Emmalyn answered, though her eyes stayed closed.
“I’m here, too, Em,” Bam said, looking down at his youngest as tears streamed down his face.
“Daddy,” she whispered.
Barron squeezed her hand, then brought it up to kiss.
She forced her eyes open to try to see Barron.
“Love you,” she whispered, letting her eyes close again.
“I love you,” Barron answered, letting go of her hand with one of his to run his fingertips over her cheek.
