Lucas was putting a small pile of pancakes together and when Isabel brought her a bowl of fruit, Cary carefully slid a plate in front of her. He looked so proud at that moment; it took everything in her to blink back her tears.
“It looks amazing, Cary. Thank you. But I really want you and Ted to eat too... way before me.”
Another sign that the kid who’d had to grow up way too fast was reappearing was the twinkle in his eyes when he answered. “We ate a couple hot off the pan, as a test. I wanted to make sure they were good enough for you.”
So there was a smart ass after all behind his wise expression. “I have no doubt about your capacities.”
The boy shuffled some more as Ted came by his side and took his hand, shyly burying his face in his back. Even if she couldn’t see the child’s face, it was clear Ted was pulling his big brother’s sleeve. Cary straightened a little.
“Lucas said we could go with him to play video games. He has a console and cool games.”
He was not asking for her permission, but more like seeking her approval.
“Don’t you want to eat first?”
Cary shrugged. “He said we could eat in his room.”
Boys will be boys, so she laughed. “Just don’t make a mess and listen to Lucas. And don’t leave the house. That last part is important. Understood?”
His nod was quick, but his smile undeniable. Cary and Ted sprinted away, grabbing a plate, piling fruit on it before scurrying away around the corner, following Lucas. Chewy remained close, drawn by the combination of children and food.
“They won’t be able to step out the door without the alarm system or guards knowing.”
Deva’s statement stopped Catriona mid-bite.
Isabel rolled her eyes. “The men are probably discussing how to tighten security even more. Considering what occurred, that’s not surprising. They’ve all got gray hairs at your sudden disappearance and the new threat.”
She resumed eating but the pancakes felt like lead in her stomach. Even though they were delicious, Catriona pushed them aside and took a strawberry instead. Remembering what transpired with Hazel and Lucas dimmed her morning peace.
Zoe was still pacing with Julia, trying to soothe her. “I wish I could give you a big hug, Catriona. I know how you saved Lucas, and I’m still shaking from what could have happened. If not for you… It’s a Christmas miracle, although it’s only Christmas eve.”
The poor woman was upset, which triggered her daughter even more, who was now crying at full force.
No longer hungry and unable to remain seated while Zoe was in distress, Catriona pushed her chair aside and went to her, taking both mother and child in a hug.
Zoe circled her waist and pressed her cheek against hers. Julia’s cries lessened a little until they were completely gone. The baby started cooing and wrapped her chubby fingers around Catriona’s loose strands of brown hair.
Tears were running down Zoe’s cheeks when she straightened. Isabel and Deva came closer, rubbing their friend’s back.
With a watery laugh, the young mother moved back. “Sorry about that. Just like Archer and Julia, Lucas is my entire world. I couldn’t bear if anything happened to him. If not for you saving him...”
The words lingered and Catriona cringed a little. “Well, it was pure providence, because I’d run from the brothers. I accidentally found Lucas, and we helped each other escape. Your brother is young, but he’s courageous.”
The praise finished steadying the mother. “He is, so much.” With a kiss on Julia’s head, Zoe went to step back, but her daughter was holding Catriona’s hair with such force and fascination, the four women laughed. Isabel and Deva helped untangle the baby’s fist, but as soon as Zoe turned away, Julia screamed at the top of her lungs.
“That reprieve was short-lived. I think I’ll go back to our room.”
Isabel shook her head. “You haven’t eaten yet.”
Julia extended her arms toward Catriona, wailing with even more intensity. There was only one thing to do.
“I have a knack with kids. I know I’m a stranger, but I can hold her while you eat breakfast.”
Zoe didn’t hesitate and offered her baby to Catriona without any hesitation. Julia calmed down at once and resumed her amusement with her hair. The three women surrounding her looked stunned.
“Wow! She hasn’t been this happy for the last three days, no scratch that, last few weeks.” With a sigh,
Zoe’s shoulders dropped. Deva rubbed her back as Isabel went to get her something to eat. The women refilled cups and plates, and settled in the small sitting your area, Zoe cross-legged on the floor with a plate balanced on her knee, Deva curled up in one end of the sofa with Isabel on the other end, sipping a fresh cup of coffee. Catriona bounced Julia, delighted at Julia’s giggles.
