Caleb found her in the bedroom, lying back on the bed and staring up at the ceiling. She had Piggles tucked in against her chest. He was proud of her for expressing that she was upset with them. Sometimes he thought she held back out of fear of rocking the boat. Hadn’t her father and husband taught her to be perfect? To suppress her own needs?
Well, she didn’t have to do that anymore.
“Piggles, you have a cute little bottom. Piggles, I’m feeling slightly forgotten.”
He frowned. The last thing he wanted her to feel was unwanted or forgotten. That wasn’t why they’d kept her in the dark over some things.
It wasn’t the first time he’d heard her singing silly songs to Piggles or about him. She seemed to do it when she was nervous or needed reassurance.
God, he couldn’t believe that she was here. With him. With his brothers.
Mine.
Ours.
The way it should have been for all these years. But he shouldn’t think of lost time. They had her here now.
“Taking Wolfe’s suggestion, I see.” He walked over and plopped down next to her, staring up at the white ceiling.
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“To take a nap.”
She snorted. She was even cute when she snorted. “That wasn’t exactly a suggestion.”
“With Wolfe it never is.” He rolled onto his side. After a few moments, she followed, rolling over to face him.
He tucked some hair behind her ear.
“You can’t keep things from me, Caleb.”
“You’re right.”
Surprise filled her face then she quickly wiped it clean. “Yes, I know.”
He had to grin. “You sound as arrogant as Wolfe.”
She narrowed her gaze suspiciously. “Is that an insult?”
“Hmm.” He pretended to think about it.
“Hey!” She whacked his chest lightly.
“Oomph. Got a punch on you. Those guns are tough.”
“Told you.” Her face grew serious. “But I need you to tell me stuff. I’m not helpless or dumb.”
“Nobody said you were either of those things. And if anyone does, I’ll kick their ass. Yours included.”
Her eyebrows rose in surprise.
“Okay, I’ll just spank it, not kick it.” He reached over her to whack her bottom. Hard.
“Ouch!”
“No putting yourself down.”
“I didn’t! I said what I think you guys think.”