It still amazed Abby how at ease Charlie and Ellie were with their Little sides, but they both told her that it had taken a while and they weren’t always comfortable around other people. But then Clint wasn’t just another person.
“It’s a mess in here,” he grumbled.
“Daddy is a grumbly bear today,” Charlie told them in a not-so-quiet whisper, making Abby and Ellie laugh.
It was hard to believe she’d only been here a month. She now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else, as though this was the place she was meant to be. With people who accepted her for who she was. Little and sub. She’d put her house up for sale. There was no point in keeping it and surprisingly she wasn’t as sad as she thought she would be to say goodbye to it.
Kent had left three days ago for a business trip. She hated not having him around. The only saving grace was that he’d arranged for her to come stay with Clint and Charlie.
For years, she’d lived alone and it seemed she now couldn’t even do three nights without Kent. She’d felt slightly silly having to come stay with Clint and Charlie, but they’d totally opened their house to her. Charlie had kept her occupied with games and movies and baking while Clint made sure she went to bed on time and didn’t get too sad.
Kent was due back in the morning, though and she couldn’t wait to see him. She’d just enrolled in an online course in creative writing which started in a few weeks. Kent still didn’t want her leaving Sanctuary without someone with her. They hadn’t heard a thing from Bartolli or her brother, but he wasn’t letting down his guard.
She heard some deep voices coming from the down the hall. Her heart raced. She knew that voice. She stood without thinking and banged her head on the table.
“Owie! Ouch, owie!”
“Oh, Abby, are you okay?” Ellie asked. “Do you want me to kiss it better?”
Tears flooded her eyes and her head throbbed. Partially from the pain, but mostly because she wanted to rush to see if that really was Kent.
“I’m okay, thanks.” She crawled out from under the table just as he entered the dining room. Happiness filled her. He entered the kitchen and everything was right in her world.
“Abby! What’s wrong?” he rushed forward, concern on his face.
She felt silly as tears dripped down her face. Ellie ran to Bear who had walked in behind Kent.
“Ellie,” he said in a low voice. “You were supposed to be home half an hour ago.”
“Sorry, Daddy. We were having so much fun. Abby banged her head, though. She needs a magic kiss.”
“Oh, sweet girl, where did you hurt your head?” Kent asked her.
“It’s okay,” she whispered even as she pointed out her boo-boo.
He kissed her head gently. “There, all better with Daddy’s magic kisses.”
She nodded. Then she threw herself into his arms. “I’m so happy you’re home.”
“Oh, baby. I’m happy too.” he rocked her gently. “I missed you. I didn’t like being away from my girl.”
“I didn’t like it either.” Then she felt like she was being selfish. “But I’m okay. Clint and Charlie took care of me.” She sat back to give him a smile.
Kent raised his eyebrow. “Did they? Just how much sugar have you been eating?” He glared at his brother, who shrugged.
“It kept them happy.”
“You are the biggest softie,” Kent told him. He glanced behind to where Charlie was standing by the fort they’d made. “You built a fort? Are you all right?”
“What do you mean is she all right?” Clint asked.
“She usually builds forts when she’s stressed and wants to hide,” Kent explained.
Clint frowned. “Abby?”
“I’m all right. We just wanted a fort to play in.”
Both men stared down at her.