She probably didn’t realise it, but the way she’d come apart in the garden had lodged itself in my head. Framed by sunlight and grass. Taking everything Rowan gave her. Staring straight into the lens while we watched.
The break had changed things. Brought us closer.
And I was the only one clocking how the balance was shifting.
I waited until Ella finished her food—and Nick’s.
“Come sit on my lap, darling,” I said sweetly.
Rowan’s head snapped around so fast I nearly laughed.
“You’re welcome to join us, Rowan,” I said, smirking.
His gaze flicked to Ella, then back to me.
“Sure. Why not.”
I shifted slightly, and Ella settled onto my lap. Rowan took the seat beside me without hesitation.
“Can I sit on your other leg?” Nick asked dryly.
“No,” I replied, deadpan.“I won’t be able to see the TV.” Then I glanced at Rowan.“His lap’s free.”
Nick chuckled and leaned back, attention returning to the movie.
Ella eventually fell asleep, and we eased her down so she lay across both of us, Nick securing a blanket over her with quiet care.
“She’s sleeping more,” Nick whispered.
“We need to go easier on her,” Rowan murmured.
Nick snorted softly.“Was that you going easy on her today?”
I stayed silent, a faint smile curving my mouth as my brothers bickered in low voices.
There would be plenty more of that to come.
???
“I think I should stay with her today,” Nick whispered.
“No. You need to catch up on collections,” Rowan whispered back.
I sighed and lifted the covers, peering at them over the edge. They were arguing over Ella like she was a fragile heirloom.
“I can work from home,” I offered mildly—purely to fuck with them since they’d woken me up.
They both said no at the exact same time.
I chuckled and pulled the cover back over myself.
Nick was on the far side, so at least I didn’t have to worry about his rancid morning farts. We’d started kicking the covers off or heading to the bathroom for Ella’s sake. Unfortunately, she’d laughed at one of his outbursts, and now he treated it like a party trick.
Ella groaned.
“I need to rest,” she muttered.“I’m sure I’ve picked up a bug or something. Why don’t you all just go to work?”
I heard her shift between them.
