Jardin's Gamble (Haven, Texas 9)

Carrick reached over and slid his hand into Thea’s, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“You’re having hamburgers? I love hamburgers.”

Regent offered her his arm and she slid her hand into the crook of his elbow. He led her very carefully over to the table, to the seat across from Thea. The way he treated her brought tears to Thea’s eyes.

Like she was precious. Delicate and fragile.

“Hello, I’m Lottie.” She gave Ace and Keir a smile before looking at her then Carrick.

She blinked a few times. “Carrick? I didn’t realize you were here. Did I know Carrick was here?” she asked Regent.

“I mentioned it the other day, darling,” he said as he fixed her a burger, placing it on her plate and cutting it into quarters.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Carrick,” she said.

“It’s all right, Lottie. I’m so glad to see you.”

Lottie smiled then looked down at her plate. “Regent, you made it just like when I was a kid. Excellent. Well, if we had burgers more often maybe I’d come down for dinners.”

“We’ll have them every night if that’s what it takes,” Regent murmured.

Lottie just patted his hand.

“You’re all living here?” she asked Thea.

“Thea and Carrick are mine now, Lottie,” Jardin told her. “As are Ace and Keir. They’re Thea’s brothers.”

“Oh, it will be nice to have some children around. This old place could use some laughter. I suppose you won’t stay long, though.”

Thea made a quick decision, seeing Lottie’s sad face. “We’re staying for a while.”

Carrick stiffened beside her, but when she looked over, he gave her a smile and a wink. She glanced at Jardin, who gave her a grateful look.

“That’s good.”

“Yeah, once Gerald moves all the fancy stuff, Reggie said we can have a water fight,” Ace informed Lottie around a bit of burger.

“Ace, swallow before you talk,” Thea scolded.

“Sorry.” He swallowed. “You wanna have a water fight with us, Lottie.”

She swallowed more delicately. “You know, I might just do that. If Reggie thinks it’s okay.”

Thea expected Regent to object to his nickname, but he just gave Lottie a gentle smile. “Of course, darling.”

“What about you, Vicky?” She turned to Victor. Oh, he definitely didn’t look like a Vicky.

But he didn’t even flinch. “Oh, I’m in. I’m going to whip Maxim’s ass.”

“Hey!” Maxim pouted. “I’m always picked on ’cause I’m the youngest.”

“No, it’s because you’re the ugliest,” Jardin told him.

Keir and Ace snickered. Oh, dear Lord, she gave up trying to teach them good manners. This was going to be hopeless.

“What school do you boys go to?” Lottie asked.

Keir answered her.