He hooked an arm around her waist. “All I know, Little Warrior, is that what I’m livin’ for is you.”
How were these men so sweet? I should be terrified. Packing my things and weighing different options. Not peeking over at Cash and watching his reaction to them.
“What do I get if I win, Daddy?” Maci asked, tugging at Kane’s hand.
“Hmm…” Kane drew it out. “I’m thinking an ice cream party. But only if you run really fast.”
“Ice cream party?” Colin looked like he might pass out from joy. “That sounds like the best thing I ever heard.”
Maci swept the sole of one shoe on the ground and then the other, like she was a bull getting ready to charge. “You better have bought my favorite strawberry ice cream, Daddy, because I’m really fast. I’ve been taking my ballet and tumbling classes with my Nolan, and I’ve got really good moves.”
Chuckling, he ran his hand down the back of her head. “Can’t wait to see those moves.”
“In my recital?” Excitement widened her eyes.
Another chuckle. “Oh yeah, can’t wait to see that, too, but I’m counting on some extra fancy ones right now.”
“Then you better start counting ’cause I’m gonna win!”
“All right, all the men cover your eyes for the first round. Remember, kids, you have to stay with your assigned teammate. No running off alone.”
Kane gave a quick glance around to make sure every child was with a parent.
Taking Emery’s hand, Maci swayed at her side. “Don’t worry, Daddy, we already know the rules and we always gotta follow ’em because they’re for our safety.”
“I am really safe with our Big Grumpy Giant.” Colin gripped onto Cash’s hand.
Those hazel eyes found mine.
A tumultuous storm, though with it, that promise blustered out.
A promise that it was true.
Colin was safe with him.
We all were.
And I was having a hard time imagining not being surrounded by that hedge of protection forever. Wishing it wasn’t just his loyalty involved, but that it was his heart, too.
The sun had begun to set, and a silvery sheen glittered in the air. That grayed pink that kissed every surface as twilight took hold. Giggles rolled from all over the yard as everyone ran to search for a hiding spot.
Exhilaration thudded my heart as I held tight to Addy and Eva’s hands as we sneaked along the forest line.
I shouldn’t feel so much joy. So much peace in the game as we rushed and ran through the meadow. But I couldn’t remember the last time I had so much fun.
The last time I felt so surrounded by comfort and wasn’t constantly looking over my shoulder, worrying that someone was going to come for us.
Running and running.
But this running was entirely different.
It was elation and glee and a thousand smiles from my children.
“Right here, Mom,” Addy urged under her breath.
The three of us ducked down behind a large bush that grew beneath an ancient tree. Its trunk cloaked us from behind and the lush leaves of the bush kept us completely concealed.
A giggle rolled from about fifty feet away, one that was unquestionably coming from Maci.
