“Thank you,” she murmured. “Can I let you know?”
“Of course,” Samantha agreed.
“If you come on Tuesday, you can try Tess’ tacos. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried them,” Taco spoke up. “She’s the best cook ever.”
Sparky cleared her throat. “Excuse me, I believe Ty and Tess must be tied. They each have their own specialty. Let’s not forget Bryanna. You’ll have to try her cronuts. It’s a cross between a donut and a croissant.”
“Don’t forget her snickerdoodle cookies,” Saint reminded the group.
“Oh, they’re amazing,” Kassie chimed in. “Especially with the tea she serves with them and Bear’s honey.
“Speaking of Bear, how’s he and Julie doing?” Cole asked.
“We’ve taken a month’s worth of food over, and we’re taking turns checking on them. Bear’s over the moon about his little girl. Julie surprised him with the name, and he beams every time he says it,” Kassie said, smiling.
“What did they name her?” Cole asked.
“Julie named her Melissa. It means honey bee in ancient Greek. Bear leans over and coos to her, asking, ‘How’s my little honey bee?’ It’s absolutely adorable,” Samantha explained.
“Shadow and I plan on taking Tommy tomorrow night to the movies with Deni. Lizzy and Michael plan to bring their boys, too. Julie and Bear appreciate us not all dropping in at once. Tommy’s adjusting to his new sister and having us all there might overwhelm him. Where are Michael and Lizzy?” Avie asked.
“Faith fell and hit her head on the coffee table. She needed a few stitches. When Lizzy picked her up, she cried herself to sleep. Michael took them home and we’re picking the boys up at school this afternoon,” Doc informed them.
“Do they need anything else?” Ragu asked. “Annabelle and I plan on making a grocery run and picking up a pizza. We can drop one off to them,” Ragu offered.
“I’m sure they’ll appreciate it,” Kassie assured him.
“Poor Lizzy,” Gabby exclaimed. “I’d freak out if it happened to Marcus.”
“It’s not an if,” Patch advised. “I swear all kids have a homing beacon for coffee table edges. It’s usually one of the first injuries.”
“Don’t jinx us,” Knight demanded. “Marcus is trying to pull himself up on the furniture.”
“Remind me to purchase the kid a helmet. With your genes, it won’t take him long,” Patch goaded.
“He’s teasing,” Gabby said, punching Knight in the shoulder. “I swear we won’t need to worry about our kids fighting. We already have these two to separate.”
“Amen,” Claire agreed. “It’s bad enough hearing Knight singing. Then Patch copies him in his sleep. I bought a roll of duct tape for the next time. Do you want to borrow some?”
Patch growled and tickled Claire, making her giggle. Hannah watched as the women trusted these men. In turn, the men seemed as enamored with their spouses.
“What’s for dessert?” Shadow asked.
“I brought an apple pie and Edie sent along her pecan. We also have some brownies and an assortment of cookies,” Bryanna went down the list.
“Do you want a tour?” Cole asked her quietly, not wanting the others to overhear. “Brody and I can show you around.”
“Won’t it seem rude? They came because of me,” she said, seeming uncertain.
“They’re happy you’re here. Plus, they’ve already seen the place,” Cole joked.
“Yes. I want to see where you work,” she agreed. Cole and Brody stood to escort her.
“I’m gonna show Hannah around,” Cole told the group as Hannah rose and took his hand.
“Stay to the approved rooms,” Shadow reminded him.
They walked down the hall, and he showed her the pool area. “Everyone brings the kids to expend some of their energy. It’s complete chaos, but it’s nice to see how the adults work together. They’re like one huge family. It reminds me of mine,” he said, walking through the glass doors toward the gym. They stopped as she gazed at the indoor track, sparring area and workout area. “There’s another one outside,” he informed her.
