Everett shook his head. “My hands are kinda full at the moment.” He smiled at Bea.
Bea clasped her hands together and beamed back at him.
Cutest tiny human ever.
“I can take her,” Roman and Magnolia spoke at the same time.
The two gave each other a long look—then smiled.
“I don’t mind.” Everett stepped back. “We’re having a deep and meaningful conversation, aren’t we, Bea?”
Bea nodded. “Gi ma hi.”
The back door opened, and Tansy walked in. “Good morning. Looks like the gang’s all here.” She glanced around the kitchen, her eyes widening when she saw him. “Everett. Were your ears burning? Is that what brings you by this morning?”
“I brought him.” Dane leaned against the counter. “I figured he could use some friendly faces after yesterday.”
That was true. But now Everett was more than a little curious to know what had been said about him—and by whom.
“Not that he needs a reason to stop by.” Magnolia reached for her teacup. “I take it yesterday was challenging?”
He really didn’t want to dwell on yesterday. “Challenging is about right.” But he was feeling a little better today. He had a plan. He’d laid it all out there, chosen what mattered tohim, and was going to keep his eye on the prize.
Astrid walked through the back door, took one look at the bacon Roman was frying, and covered her mouth. She backed outside again—turning an alarming shade of green. “I think I’ll sit on the porch.”
He couldn’t see Rosebud, but he heard her say, “Go sit, Astrid. I’ll get you some water. Crackers?”
“No. No. Don’t worry about me. I just need...fresh air.” Astrid groaned, moving out of view.
“Poor thing.” Magnolia shook her head.
“We’re not having kids for a long time.” Tansy leaned against Dane and looked up at him. “Just wanted to give you a heads-up on that.”
“Fine by me.” Dane’s arms slid around her waist and pulled her against him. “I’m not ready to share you yet anyway.”
“Gag.” Leif waved his hands. “Seriously. No one wants to hear that stuff this early.”
Roman laughed, turning the bacon over.
Rosebud came in—not acknowledging anyone as she headed straight for the cabinet, pulled out a glass, and turned on the faucet. She tucked her hair behind her ear, her expression concerned. Worried about her sister, no doubt. Even when she was worried, he couldn’t help but notice how pretty she was. It’d be nice if he’d stop noticing.
“Tay.” Bea pointed at Tansy. “Tay and D and Ma and Ro Ro.”
“Ro Ro is here. Morning, Bea. How are you?” Rosebud finished filling a glass with water and turned, a sweet smile on her face. “Oh. Hi. Everett.”
“Morning, Ro Ro.” He grinned, loving Rosebud’s laugh. There was a rosy glow to her cheeks. He liked it.
“Ro Ro, yeah.” Bea smiled at him in approval.
“Back up. To yesterday? You said it was challenging?” Shelby asked.
Everett hadn’t realized he was still watching Rosebud until Dane nudged him in the ribs, making Everett jump and give Bea a squeeze. “Sorry, Bea. That was Dane’s fault.” He apologized to the toddler, then glared at Dane. “I’m holding a baby, man.”
Bea imitated Everett’s glare to perfection.
“Okay, okay.” Dane held up his hands. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, okay, Bea? And I’m sorry Everett is a clueless jack—”
Tansy covered Dane’s mouth with hers. It didn’t take a second for Dane to melt into her kiss.
