The Lyon's Cub Caitlin (Lyon The Next Generation 1)

“You and me kid, we’re gonna sit down and have a talk. And I’ll be the one to tell my kid that she’s going away to college a year early.” My face was almost ready to split from the smile that I was holding back. “Yes sir!”

KAT

Colt never came back to bed and by the time I rolled over just a few short hours later I had to hit the ground running. He’d already taken the trips and Cody downstairs when I checked the nursery after my morning shower. I needed to get breakfast going since everyone was heading back over to have breakfast together, but there was something I needed to do first.

I walked to Caitie’s room and was glad to see that she was now getting out of bed. “Morning sweetheart, did you sleep well?”

“Morning mom.” My beautiful girl was trying to put on a brave face as I walked in and sat next to her on her bed.

I didn’t have to say much, just held my hand out with the key. Her eyes lit up. “Mom, this is…”

“It’s the key to your car.” She threw her arms around my neck and broke into tears. Poor little mite, she’s been put through the wringer.

I didn’t tell her what her dad and I had talked about last night, I know my husband and he’d want to do that himself. Besides, I wouldn’t want to take that moment away from them for anything.

I may grump and moan about Colt, but the truth is, the guy surprises me on a daily basis. People on the outside looking in would never expect the reality that is Colton Lyon. He’s big and gruff and stuck in his ways, but when it comes to me and his kids, he’s got a heart as soft as a marshmallow.

“Oh mom, how did you get the car? I thought I had to wait until my birthday?”

“You know your Grimmy would never do that to you. It was a game we were playing on your daddy.” She opened her mouth to question me but I stood up.

“I have to get breakfast started, the others will be here soon and I haven’t done a thing. You know you can’t ride in that thing without a licensed driver with you right.”

“I know mom, I’ll get cleaned up and come help you make breakfast.” She got down off the bed and came to give me one more hug before rushing into her shower.

I had to take a minute in the hallway as tears filled my eyes. That freaking Colton, he always does it to me. I don’t know why I always fight him since he always does the right thing in the end, but the man can take me on a rollercoaster ride better than six flags.

With nine kids, there’s a hell of a lot going on. Yesterday the girls had all been asking me for pointers. All their kids are young enough that they can get a head start on raising them right as long as they have the right tools.

I just had to let them know that once you have the right foundation, both a mommy and daddy who’re on the same page, then you’ve already won half the battle.

My kids are not perfect, I don’t know half of what my older sons get up to, but I know that with Colton Lyon in my corner, they’re not getting up to anything more than your average teen would. I don’t understand how Colt has kept them in line all these years, and his patience level is off the charts. Not that I’m not patient with them, but it’s nowhere near his level.

He says that it’s because I spend more time with them than he does, and the fact that he knows that, is what makes my life easier. When I look back on our life together, the only time Colt and I have ever had a disagreement is when I’ve wanted to do something he perceived to be dangerous.

Then again Colt doesn’t argue, which use to drive me nuts, but I’m thinking maybe his way works. He doesn’t freeze me out, not unless he’s extremely pissed and doing it for my own benefit, but he gets his point across in so many ways.

I wiped my tears and headed down the stairs ready to get the day started with a very light heart this morning. I’m gonna have to do my man right when we don’t have a houseful of people, he deserves it.

Lyon

“Morning babe, did you tell her?” She walked over and kissed me as I sat in front of the specialty high chair feeding the trips. “Nope, I want you to do it.” That’s my girl! I’m now as excited as she is to see the look on my kid’s face when I give her the news. I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.