“He’s part of the company, just more of a silent partner. His background is in forestry, and he prefers to be outside as much as he can. When he found Emma, he settled down. Although you can’t keep her out of the forest, either. They’re truly meant for each other.”
I have more questions, but we’re at the house. I swallow down the lump in my throat as nerves twist my stomach into knots. Andrew’s words from last night reverberate in my head.
“It’ll be fine, little bit. Answer our questions, tell the truth, and trust me, everything will be fine,” Andrew says as he laces his fingers with mine and squeezes before pulling open the back door.
His family is already bustling around the kitchen when we step inside. Breakfast preparation is in full swing, but it’s Asher who’s cooking this morning. The women are sitting around the island with coffee, the men putting the meal together. The role reversal is weird to see, but maybe I’m the one who has it screwed up.
Glancing at our clasped hands, I feel safe, protected. But I shouldn’t. I don’t know what he’s thinking. I don’t know this man at all. Although after last night, he knows me a hell of a lot better. Ugh. Before I let myself go down that path, I lean closer to him and tug on his hand.
“I thought you said we were gonna talk this morning,” I whisper for his ears only. It was a good plan until I inhale his sandalwood and bourbon scent, filling me with need.
“We are, baby, but you need to eat first,” he answers as he leads me into what feels like the fray. Except the tension I picked up from all of them last night isn’t here this morning.
“Good morning, Jaclyn. Sleep in this morning, Andrew?” Adrian asks with a smirk.
“It’s my fault. I mean, I decided to change my shoes and made us late,” I stammer, not even sure why I need to defend Andrew. He can certainly take care of himself.
“He’s teasing, Sweetpea. Keep fucking around, Adrian, and find out what happens,” Andrew responds.
“Stop messing around, and let’s eat. Our pregnant wives are starving,” Asher growls, although it sounds more like a growl than actual speech.
“Hi, Jaclyn, did you sleep well?” Emma asks as I take my seat at the island. She’s smiling but pale this morning, and then I remember what Asher just said.
“You’re all pregnant?” I blurt out before I can stop myself.
Rebekah giggles, then shakes her head. “Nope, just me and Emma. But the way these guys are, I’m sure Hannah will be soon.”
Seriously? Hannah’s holding a baby, a young one, I think. And she’s going to have another? Is there a baby-making drug in the water up here? “Really? Wow.” I can’t keep the shock out of my voice, but damn. These women are around my age, and I sure as hell know I’m not anywhere near ready to take care of another person—I can barely take care of myself.
Adam kisses Rebekah’s forehead as he places a platter of bacon on the island. “We all want large families. Growing up with lots of siblings is amazing.”
I nod, because what else can I do? Being in foster care with other kids isn’t the same. I didn’t stay in the houses long enough to make any friends. The closest thing I have to family is Cheri.
The men load plates of food for each of their wives, just like at dinner, before doing their own. I know that never happened in any of my foster homes, and once again, I wonder if this is how normal families function.
“Coffee?” Adam asks as he walks around the island with a pot of coffee.
“Oh, yes, please. It’s a necessity for life,” I answer. Crap. I’m such a dork.
“I agree,” he says as he fills the mug I hadn’t noticed.
“Cream and sugar there.” Then he points toward a small pitcher and a sugar bowl.
“Thank you.” Before I can reach for them, Andrew puts them near me, and I smile my thanks.
“Bacon or sausage?” Andrew asks as he adds a spoonful of scrambled eggs to a plate.
“Umm, oh. Bacon, please, just one slice, though. I can get my own food, you know.”
“I know. But I want to, is that a problem?” He quirks an eyebrow while he waits for my answer, and I shake my head.
“No problem. Thank you.” The last thing I want to do is make a scene in front of the others, but I really don’t understand him. He’s been acting like we’re a couple, but I’m just an employee he dragged to his mountain to interrogate.
I must make a face, because he leans close to my ear and whispers, “You’re thinking too hard again. We’ll talk after breakfast. Everything is fine, baby. Try to relax.”
Nodding, I look at the plate he places in front of me. It’s stacked with not one but three pieces of bacon, scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit salad. Does he seriously think I can eat all of this?
He chuckles. “Eat what you can.”
