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“Have you spoken to him?”
“He hasn’t called.” Lincoln rubbed his jaw. “I’m tempted to go to the office to keep him occupied so he doesn’t have time to focus on you. But I’m concerned for Lexie and Eric’s safety.” The war within him was obvious.
And I couldn’t stand him being torn between me and Lexie.
“Help us make the deliveries. He’s going to do what he’s going to do whether you occupy him or not.”
Eric rushed back into the kitchen. He opened his palm, revealing a sunflower pin. “Now, you’ll match.”
He affixed it to my dress and admired his work.
“Thanks, pal.” I shucked his shoulder.
“I can sit in the back today so you’ll be more comfortable,” he offered.
I linked arms with him and Lexie. “Nope. Girls in the back. Boys up front.”
She grinned. “I like this plan. We can snack on the donuts.” Then she frowned. “Although, if I keep consuming them like they’re air, I’m going to have to get some new clothes.”
“You can borrow some of my overalls.” Pepper tugged on the strap of her denim overalls as she came into the kitchen. “There’s lots of room to grow in them.”
“Like a baby?” Teague asked hopefully.
Pepper paled. “Um . . .” She looked at her feet.
I understood her hesitation. I never thought about children because it just hadn’t seemed like they were in the plan for me. And I was happy without them.
Pepper was similar. She had Miss Adeline and all their fur babies.
But my brothers should be fathers. A whole brood of kids should feel their love and learn to be as kind and caring and protective as they are.
Cal should be a dad.
The thought twisted my stomach. Family was so important to him. He’d be amazingly patient and such a good example. It was a sin he didn’t have as many sons as he had brothers. A daughter might make him crazy, but he’d be everything to her that my father hadn’t been for me.
“I told you I’d clear my social schedule to help raise them.” Miss Adeline nudged her. “Is there any coffee in this place? I have a whole herd of dogs to walk.”
“We’re going to help you,” Pepper said, putting a hand on her hip.
She shrugged. “I figured I was on my own while you work out this baby situation.”
“There is no baby situation,” Pepper said almost helplessly.
“Lincoln’s the oldest. He and Lexie should go first.” I rinsed out my glass and put it in the dishwasher. “We should get going. We have deliveries to make.”
“Let’s blow this popsicle stand.” Eric looped a leash around Muffy’s neck. “And this week at art class I’ll make a painting for the baby. When will she be here?”
Lexie and Pepper appeared ready to pass out, but I liked the idea of having nieces and nephews to spoil.
I slung an arm around Eric’s shoulders. “I think you’ve got a while. Besides, we have to pick out a room for her.”
“You don’t know she’s a her.”
“Fine.Hisroom.” I smiled sweetly.
“Excuse me.” Pepper rushed from the room.
My amusement faded. “I didn’t mean to upset her.”
