Callie wrinkled her nose and then proceeded to pry Lily away from Dillon’s side. “I’m going to suggest that I take Lily out to the house. Mom will love having another chick to cluck over, and I can get the dads to cook us some lunch. That way, we won’t be swimming in testosterone when you buttheads have your little talk. ”
“I think that’s an excellent idea, Callie,” Dillon said. “Have Adam look over her arm while you’re there. I’m still dying to know how the hell she got herself shot, but I’m sure Seth will explain it all to me, won’t you, Seth?”
Seth scowled. “Lily stays with me. She’s not going anywhere. ”
“Oh come on, Seth. Do you really want her present when you three start bitching and moaning and having your pissing contest? I wouldn’t blame her if she ran screaming all the way back to Denv
er. ”
“You’ll take care of her, Callie. I’m charging you with her safety. Make sure she stays with you. ”
“She should have been staying with you. ” Dillon’s eyes glittered as he stared Seth down. “Don’t bitch at Callie when you left her here at the bar alone. She’s hurt, and anyone could have walked in here. ”
Seth’s eyes narrowed at the insult.
Callie cocked her head. “For God’s sake, both of you. She’s a grown woman. She doesn’t need a babysitter. ”
“Do it for me and my peace of mind,” Seth insisted. “Okay? I need to know she’s all right and more importantly that she’s not off on her own somewhere. ”
Dillon snorted again, and Seth shot him a murderous look that told him he wasn’t going to take much more from his younger brother.
Callie shrugged “Well, okay. I’ll try not to overexert myself wrestling down a tiny little thing with one arm tied to her waist. I mean, I’d hate to hurt myself. ”
“Sarcastic little wench,” Dillon muttered. “Is it any wonder I love you so much?”
Callie reached for Lily’s hand and squeezed reassuringly. “Come on. I’ll drive you out to the house. I guarantee you won’t want to be around for this. Things are about to get messy. Men talking about their feelings are never a pretty sight. ”
Lily stifled her laughter at Callie’s irreverence, but she also had a very real concern over what would happen in her absence. She wasn’t entirely certain what was going on, but she knew it involved her, and the last thing she wanted was trouble between the brothers because of her.
“I’ll pick you up later, okay, honey?” Seth said.
Lily nodded but as she walked away, she looked to both men and felt the strangest flutter deep in her chest.
Chapter Eleven
The drive was quiet, and Lily was grateful that Callie wasn’t one of these people who had to fill the silence with meaningless chit-chat or ask a hundred questions.
Callie’s mini SUV took the switchbacks up the mountain with ease, though Lily was still nervous about the proximity to a sheer drop-off.
Still, the view was spectacular, and Lily couldn’t help the deep sighs of appreciation as they climbed higher.
When they pulled up to the sprawling cabin, Lily gasped in delight.
“This is where your family lives?”
Callie smiled. “Breathtaking isn’t it?”
“You’re so lucky,” Lily said wistfully. “This is a beautiful place. And so private. ”
Callie paused as she opened her door. Then she looked at Lily. “Uhm, has Seth told you about our family? About our fathers?”
Lily nodded. “He said you have three fathers. ”
Callie looked relieved. “Okay. I just didn’t want you to walk into a situation and wonder what the heck was going on. Or that maybe you were being kidnapped into a cult. ”
Lily laughed and eased out her side of the car. She waited for Callie to lead the way, and as they neared the front door, nervous bubbles scuttled up and down her throat.
Callie opened the door. “Mom? Dad? Anybody home?”
She motioned Lily inside, and as Lily stepped into the living room she was reminded in a lot of ways of Michael’s cabin. It exuded the same homey feel but on a larger scale. The furnishings were rich and masculine looking, but Lily could see touches of femininity in the curtains and the colorful pillows arranged on the couches. Pictures of the family hung on the walls and covered every available surface of the coffee table and end tables.
Over the fireplace was a large portrait of the entire family, and Lily got her first look at the “dads”.
There in the middle of all the men were Callie and her mom. They all looked so happy, and the love reached out and wrapped Lily in its warm embrace.
This was a place that screamed home. Babies and children. Laughter and good times. The knot in Lily’s throat grew until each breath was agony to draw in.
“Callie, you’re home early. Didn’t expect you in until late tonight. ”
Lily turned to see who she assumed was one of the dads a few feet away.
“Hey, Dad. I brought Lily home. Was hoping you’d fix us some lunch?”
Lily smiled at the wheedling tone in Callie’s voice.
Callie turned to Lily then. “Lily, this is my dad, Ethan. Dad, this is Lily. She’s a friend of…Seth’s. ”
Ethan walked toward Lily with an outstretched hand. His eyes were warm and welcoming, and he wore a gentle smile.
“Hello, Lily. It’s very nice to meet you. ” His gaze dropped down her bound arm, and he frowned.
“Are the other dads around?” Callie asked. “I thought Adam could take a look at her arm. And where is Mom?”
Ethan chuckled. “I’ll be happy to fix you ladies something to eat. Why don’t you get comfortable? I’ll holler at Adam and your mother. They’re out with Ryan. I think they just came back from riding. ”