Aspen waved from the kitchen where she worked with Roan. “Welcome to mayhem.”
My mom crossed the space, my father at her side. “It’s so nice to meet you, Hallie. I’m Kerry, and this is my husband, Nathan. I’m so glad you could come.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Hallie,” my dad said, extending his hand.
Luke moved before I could, stepping in to give my dad a hug and block the shake. “Hi, Grandpa.”
Dad’s eyes went wide as he thumped Luke on the back. “It’s good to see you, too.”
My mom’s gaze tracked from the two of them to Hallie and back.
“Thank you so much for having me. I would’ve brought something, but—”
“But let me guess, my boy told you two seconds before you were leaving that your attendance was requested?”
I winced, rubbing the back of my neck.
Mom just shook her head. “You’ll never learn.”
Aspen appeared then, putting an arm around Hallie’s waist. “Want to help me in the kitchen? We have drinks.”
Relief washed over Hallie’s face. “I’d love to.”
“I’m helping, too,” Charlie hurried to say.
“Me, too,” Luke grunted.
Aspen led them all into the kitchen, and I watched Hallie relax a fraction.
My mom hooked her arm through mine. “And you’re coming with me.”
“I should stay and—”
“Five minutes,” she promised.
I knew it would take less time to just go with the woman and let her say whatever she needed to, so I nodded.
Mom guided me down the hall toward Dad’s office. “The boys are protective of her.”
“She’s good with them. They’ve bonded,” I explained as we stepped inside.
My mom closed the door behind us. “You’re protective of her, too.”
My spine stiffened. “Mom…”
“And she’s stunning.”
“Yeah, and a good thirteen years younger than me, not to mention my employee.”
I said the words as a reminder to myself as much as to her.
Mom waved me off. “Your father and I have a few years between us.”
“Don’t.”
The single word was low but firm.
Pain flashed across my mother’s face. “Lawson.”
