“He’s trying to show you how much he loves you,” Kassie explained. “He stopped by yesterday before returning home. Leo asked me to find you a helper and watch over you. The nanny you used last time has agreed to start tomorrow.”
Catherine started to protest when Kassie stopped her.
“I gave him my promise. You have your hands full right now. Yes, Carol and Jake can help out, but they’re no spring chickens. You have a full zoo. Let someone younger handle the monkeys while you rest. Leo would insist I keep you here.”
Catherine rolled her eyes. “Leo wanted me to wear a bug mask and ran daily exercises with the team with dummieshooked to their backs to find the shortest route to get me to the hospital. Do youreallytrust his judgment?”
“I’m not taking chances with my best friend,” Kassie said stubbornly. “You’re here until Dr. Greene releases you.”
Catherine flopped against the pillows, and her mind drifted to her husband. He promised her he’d stay safe and come home to their family. Then why did he act like he wouldn’t see them again as they said their goodbyes?
* * *
“Thankyou for coming in on such short notice. I’m taking Catherine’s kids for the night. She’s in room 204. Don’t let her work on anything,” Kassie instructed. “How do you feel? I know you and Liam have grown closer since the mudslide incident.”
“I’m fine. I saw him this morning before they left,” she confided. “Do you know a painter? I’m thinking of redoing a few of my rooms.”
“You did? I must’ve missed you at the facility,” Kassie said. “I have a contractor we keep busy all year round. I’ll text you his number, and he’ll get you a quote.”
“I came to the facility, and they already pulled out of the parking lot. I caught them on the airfield,” she said, feeling the heat rise to her face.
“Ohhh,” Kassie said, getting the picture. “I hope you sent him off in good spirits.”
“I believe I did,” she replied, grinning.
“He’s a nice man,” Kassie said. “If Catherine’s still in the hospital, we’ll all meet here and move to the conference room to give us more room. Samantha, Lizzy, Tess, and Bryanna have volunteered to help with the kids. Poor Claire has morning sickness, as does Gabby. I sent a helper to Gabby’s house to helpwith Marcus. Avie’s sending a couple of the teens over to help with the circus at my house.”
“Will Doc need a bed beside Catherine?” she teased.
“He’s used to it. Our family keeps growing. On Sunday, if Catherine’s feeling better, we might take the kids swimming at the facility. If we’re lucky, the men will call us while we’re there. Bear showed Stormy how to handle everything.”
“May I come? Liam might call,” she stammered.
“Absolutely. We’ll bring snacks and sandwiches for the kids. If we wear them out in the afternoon, we can have a movie night with the older ones and put all the babies in the nursery at my house. The twins can sleep together. Tori has moved to a big girl bed, so we can put a couple in her old crib and use a portable one.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you there,” Addyson said as she did her rounds. In two days, she’d see Liam. Her heart pitter-pattered, and she smiled, feeling happier than ever.
CHAPTER 24
The team landed,and the men went on alert. They unloaded their supplies while Shadow and Taco searched the vehicles. Until they discovered the traitor, who killed Cole’s friend and countless others, they needed to stay vigilant.
“Keep your heads on a swivel,” Leo warned them as Shadow gave the all clear.
They walked to the nondescript vehicles and drove to the base. Leo pulled out his private contractor ID.
“Leo Armstrong for Colonel Rutherford,” he said, showing the guard his ID while another checked under the vehicles for bombs.
“I don’t miss this shit,” Saint muttered under his breath.
“If you’ll pull forward, Mr. Armstrong. Sergeant Taylor will update you from there,” the guard instructed.
“The other three vehicles hold my employees. Do you mind if we wait for them on the side?” Leo asked.
“We’ll clear your team, but Sergeant Taylor has requested to speak with you specifically,” the guard explained.
“Understood,” Leo responded.
“I’m not liking the sound of this,” Shadow said from the backseat.
