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“You’re making this harder than it has to be,” Drake grumbled.
She laughed. “No kidding. But we can fix that.” Cassie reached behind him and turned the faucet handle to cold. Then she jumped out of the shower, laughing as he swore.
Toweling dry was just as much fun, taking longer than it should have.
By the time they were dressed, their hair combed and shoes on, Cassie could smell bacon.
Her stomach rumbled.
They descended the steps hand in hand and followed the yummy smells to the kitchen, where Hank manned the skillet with the bacon, Sadie stirred fluffy yellow eggs in another pan and two children played with wooden spoons and plastic mixing bowls on the floor.
Cassie’s chest tightened at the scene of this beautiful family making breakfast together. She realized she wanted that. If what they had continued to be as good as it felt now, could this be them in a few years? The idea was scary, exciting and desired.
Cassie and Drake helped set the table and pour orange juice into glasses and coffee into mugs. Hank laid platters of bacon and toast on the table and went back to the stove to collect another Sadie had filled with scrambled eggs.
Sadie lifted their dark-haired little boy from the floor and fitted him into a highchair while Hank helped the golden-haired little girl into a booster seat at the table.
Everyone took a seat and helped themselves to the food.
While they ate, Cassie and Drake filled Hank in on what they’d learned in Idaho, careful about what they said in front of the little ones.
“I’ll double-check with Margaret and find out if Greenway Construction did work in Idaho Falls twenty years ago,” Cassie said.
“It had to be Greenway,” Drake said. “Why else would a heavily pregnant Beth Anderson come all the way to Eagle Rock, Montana?”
“Margaret might also know who worked the job in Idaho.” Cassie’s gaze met Drake’s. “It could’ve been a smaller subset of the crew working the Lucky Lady Lodge addition.”
Sadie smiled as she pushed to her feet and started collecting plates. “Sounds like you two have your day lined up.”
“Let us know if we can be of assistance.” Hank stood and helped his wife. “And if you have time and want to come back out here, we’re having a barbecue tonight for the Brotherhood Protectors and the crew of spec ops folks working on the lodge’s renovations.”
“Thank you.” Cassie drank the last of her orange juice and pushed to her feet. “You two have been too kind.” She grinned. “And I love the outfit.”
Sadie smiled. “You can keep it. It was one of the outfits from the movie we made last year.”
Cassie shook her head. “You’re both so amazing. I don’t know how you juggle your lives between movies, the Brotherhood and your beautiful children.”
Hank slipped an arm around Sadie and dropped a kiss on top of her golden-blond hair. “We love each other enough to make it work.”
“Don’t get us wrong,” Sadie said. “It’s not always easy.”
Hank stared into his wife’s beautiful face. “But it’s worth it.”
Drake carried his dishes to the sink and rinsed them before placing them in the dishwasher. “Whatever you’re doing is working, and we really appreciate what you did for us last night.” He turned with a grin. “It was almost like old times and made my heart proud when that helicopter came over the ridge and landed in front of us.”
“I’m lucky to have a great support system in Eagle Rock and Bozeman. We have access to planes and helicopters when we need them.”
“You’re making a good sales pitch for coming to work for Brotherhood Protectors,” Drake said.
Hank held up his hand. “Not pitching. Just stating the facts. You committed to helping Molly and Parker for the duration of the lodge renovation. When that’s done, you’ll be hearing the official sales pitch.”
“We hate to eat and run,” Cassie said, “but I feel like we’re really close to finding out who was behind Beth Anderson and Earl Hensley’s murders.”
“And possibly behind the explosion that triggered the landslide that almost killed the two of you,” Hank added. “They have to be connected. I don’t believe in coincidence.” Hank dug in his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “Take my truck since yours was buried in the avalanche.” He tossed the keys to Drake.
Drake caught them with one hand. “Thank you, Hank and Sadie. We hope to see you this evening if things work out.”
Cassie hurried out the front door and into Hank’s truck, anxious to get started.
