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“MORNING,” CARA’S SOFT voice penetrated the fog of sleep and I blinked, caught off guard when I realized I was flat on my back and she was resting with her head over my chest, staring up through thick lashes.
“Hey, honey.”
“I can’t remember the last time I slept so soundly. Must have been your warmth.”
I couldn’t help smiling. “Yeah, that was probably it.”
“I should call Charlotte and make sure she’s okay.”
“One of the prospects watched the house all night but go ahead and call. Let her know someone is gonna ride over and bring them here to the compound.”
She arched a brow, instantly sensing something was up. “What’s going on?”
“You’re not safe at that house and neither is Charlotte and Sophie until everything is sorted with Maxwell.”
She opened her mouth to object and then closed it. “You’re right. She’d be safer someplace else.”
“And Rae will be here too with Leah. It’s perfect.”
Cara sat up and slid from the bed, reaching for her phone. Five minutes later she ended the call with her sister and flopped down on the edge of the bed. “She’s packing a couple of bags.”
“Good. Why don’t you get dressed? I’ll see what I can find for breakfast.”
I left Cara in the room and made my way into the club’s kitchen, surprised to find Rae already cooking up a big batch of pancakes. Rows of sausage links sizzled on two separate griddles. Sammie was standing next to Rae and whipping eggs in a bowl.
I caught Leah sitting at the table, swinging her legs back and forth. “Hey, munchkin.”
“Good morning, Uncle R.J.”
“Guess who’s coming to play and stay for a few days?”
She shrugged, reaching for a link as Rae placed a platter of the sausage down on the table. “Anna and Elsa?”
I had to resist laughing. It was adorable how she always wanted them to come back for a visit. “No, but something just as fun. Sophie is coming with her mom.”
Leah jumped up from her seat and gave me a hug. “You’re the best!”
I patted the top of her head and gestured to the table. “You better eat so you can get dressed and be ready by the time she comes.”
Leah grabbed a pancake and started chewing quickly as Rae poured syrup and clucked her tongue. “Not so fast. You’ll choke.”
Leah nodded but kept chewing, reaching for another bite.
“It’s a good idea.” Rae pulled me aside, her brow furrowed in concern. “I’ve been worried about Charlotte and Sophie.”
Valan walked into the kitchen, rubbing his stomach. “Is that pancakes?” He walked up to Leah, ruffled her hair, and picked up a link, stuffing it into his mouth as she giggled. Turning our way, he raised his chin in greeting. “Need me to pick them up or did ya send one of the prospects?”
“No one yet.”
“I’ll go,” he offered, a little too quickly. That wasn’t like Valan at all. Not that he wasn’t willing to help. It was just that he didn’t usually do things the prospects could handle. He was old school. The man was in his forties. Valan liked to keep to himself and lately he was always drunk. This sudden change was interesting. I hoped he was trying to enjoy life again. He knew enough heartache and it was time he found a little happiness.
“Alright. I’ll text you the address. Charlotte knows someone is coming. Cara already called her this morning.”
Valan nodded, stole another sausage link, and headed for the door. I swear I saw a little extra swagger thrown into his step. Today was turning into one surprise after another.
Cara joined us in the kitchen, and we ate, shared a few jokes, and the morning sped by quickly. As I pulled Cara into my embrace, she beamed a smile that nearly sparkled with happiness. I wanted the moment to last but once her sister arrived, she slipped away and headed off with Rae, Charlotte, and the two girls.
It was for the best. I ha
