“Is that for us?” Mase demands, his dark hair standing up on end and pillow creases on his cheeks. Just behind him, Ginny’s still scrubbing at her bleary eyes, and Lynley’s just behind her, eyebrows raised in question.
My gaze fastens on her, taking in the raw beauty of her skin and the way her dark hair hangs loosely over her shoulders—her complexion perfect without even a hint of makeup. Lynley’s dressed casually in a cotton shirt and leggings, but I have to admit that this might be my favorite look of hers.
And one I wouldn’t mind waking up to every morning.
“This is actually mine.” I send Mase a mock frown. “But I suppose I could share…if you’re hungry.”
He sends an imitation of my own expression, makingmy lips twitch. “I think it’s only fair, considering we let you stay here.”
“Huh,” I say, pretending to think it over. “I guess you’re right. Luckily enough, there’s enough food for all of us.”
Mase and Ginny are both thrilled to set up another picnic, spreading the rug out over the floor and taking their seats. I ordered a full breakfast of sausage, eggs, bacon, toast, and some yogurt cups—which Ginny snatches up before I’ve even managed to get the paper plates and cutlery out of the bag.
Lynley sits down next to me, gratefully taking the takeaway coffee cup I hand her. “How did you sleep?”
I glance over at her, catching the amusement brimming in her gaze. “Absolutely fine,” I say archly. “Never had a better sleep, actually.”
“Oh. I just thought I’d check because it kind of looks like you’re wincing when you turn to the left.” I narrow my eyes at her, and her mouth twitches.
“You must be imagining it.”
“Ah, my mistake. I definitely won’t offer you a neck massage, then.” At my dark look, she laughs, warming my heart. She seems happier today, like a literal weight has been lifted. I wasn’t sure what to expect when she came down this morning, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if she’d struggled, especially with everything she’d learned yesterday.
I hated being the one to tell her about Angelica and the consequences of Christopher’s infidelity, but there will never be secrets between us. Not if I can help it.
I want to hear her laugh again, but I turn away, aware of Mase’s eyes bouncing between us with interest. Ginny finishes her yogurt cup with a frown, pointing at Lynley’s. “Momma, you gonna eat that?”
Lynley shakes her head with a grin. “Have at it.”
“Don’t mind if I do,” Ginny pipes, eagerly snatching the cup up, while Mase nudges his own a little closer to his spot, eyeing his sister warily.
The children finish eating in quick order and disappear outside, leaving Lynley and me to tidy up the mess. We work together quietly, and as I carry the containers into the kitchen, I marvel at how domesticated it all feels. It isn’t something I’ve ever felt like I was missing in my life, but at this moment, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Lynley follows me into the kitchen, and I look over at her. “How are you this morning?”
She pauses, giving the question serious thought. “I’m okay, which I didn’t expect. I guess I wasn’t as shocked by my mother and sister as I should’ve been.”
I lean against the kitchen island, crossing my arms over my chest, watching her closely. “I want to ask about all that, but I’m sure the answer’s going to make me angry.”
She lets out an amused huff. “My mother has always been willfully blind to the destruction my sister leaves in her wake, even when her choices harm our family. My father acted as a buffer for years, giving me the attention that my mother showered on Caroline. He saw the difference in how she treated us, and tried to make up for it?—”
“He should’ve done more than try,” I grunt.
She hums softly. “I want to argue, but you’re not wrong.” She wets her lips, her eyes focused on the window over the sink, watching her kids play. “I can’t imagine ever treating one of them like they were less. Mase… He’s so caring and sweet, even when he hides it behind the grumpiest face. And Ginny… She’s got the craziest sense of humor. She loves to make people laugh.”
“They’re great kids.”
She looks at me, her eyes soft and open. “Yeah, they are.”
“My brother isn’t so different from Caroline.”
She comes to stand at my side, her arm brushing mine. “Thatcher, right?”
The sweet, fruity scent of her shampoo fills my nose, and my hands twitch with the urge to tangle my fingers in her hair. I can see it; my hands cradling her head, holding her at the perfect angle for my mouth to cover hers and finally steal that taste I’ve been craving.
It’s enough to take my breath away.
To keep myself in check, I reach up and swipe my thumb over my lower lip, fixing my eyes to the window, just in time to catch Ginny doing a daring jump from the top of the playground out there. Lynley gasps sharply, having seen what I did, and I murmur, “She truly has no fear, huh?”
