Her gaze slid over him, and somehow, despite the way she made him feel like a punk kid all over again, there was nothing condemning in her expression or tone. She sniffed and tipped his hat. “Lord, have mercy! What is all over your face?”
Yeah. Called that. “Couldn’t find my razor.” Though he teased, Stone sobered, taking in the face lined with years of seeing her loved ones through storms. He’d caused more than a few of those wrinkles, and while she gave him what-for, his mom was as true as they came. “I’m glad you’re here.” It surprised how much he meant it.
“Are you?” She narrowed her blue eyes at him. “Nine months makes me wonder. I just wanted to be there for you.”
“I know …” But he’d needed time to himself. “C’mon. Let’s get you into your condo.” He straightened and offered his hand, catching sight of his sister over the hood of her SUV.
Dark-haired Brooke arched an eyebrow and shrugged as if he had it coming, then moved to the rear without a word.
He cupped his mom’s elbow as she shifted out of the vehicle. Once she was on her feet, he started for the rear hatch to grab her suitcase.
“Where do you think you’re going? You didn’t hug me.”
He turned back. “Wasn’t sure you’d want one.” Bending in, he grinned.
She tiptoed up to wrap her arms around his neck. “You’re my flesh and blood. You’ll always be my boy, though I might still want to take you over my knee a time or two.”
“Pretty sure you’d break your back again if you tried.”
“That won’t stop me.”
“No doubt,” Stone laughed. From the back of the SUV, he pulled out two wheeled suitcases, passed them to Brooke, then lifted another suitcase and two boxes. Juggling them, he led them into the lodge. As they passed the desk, he nodded to Oscar, who was already coming out from behind the counter with a ready smile and a luggage cart.
“Welcome, ma’am,” he said as he extended his hand. “I’m Oscar and you can find me here most days. If you need anything, just ask.”
Mom beamed. “Thank you.”
Stone tossed his chin at his employee. “Please ask one of the staff to bring up a trolley and get her things from the car for us.”
“On it, boss!” Oscar wheeled back around to his station.
Guiding Mom on, Stone nodded to the left. “That’s the dining hall. Your condo has a full kitchen, but feel free to eat there as often as you’d like, no charge.” He hesitated on the next part because he protected his privacy and downtime. “And you’re welcome to join me up at the cabin.”
“That’s your home,” she countered as they moved into the private hall. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“We’re family—intruding is part of the gig.” He indicated to the keypad. “The code is your birthday.”
“Fancy.” She grinned at Brooke, then pressed the access pad.
He toed open the door and shifted inside, holding it as his mom and sister entered.
“Oh my gracious.” Mom cupped her hand over her mouth, shaking her head as she took in the home. “This is too much.” Eying the living room with its fireplace, sofa, chaise, and large ottoman grounding the space, she smiled broadly. “This reminds me of our house, only much nicer.”
Since she was giving up some independence, he’d wanted her to be as comfortable here and worked to replicate “home” here. The large square island with quartz counters, the industrial stove, and high-end appliances were personal favorites he’d duplicated when he’d built the cabin. Though not a chef, cooking relaxed him.
He set the boxes along the wall and moved further in. “Phone lines are private—not connected to the lodge. However, you can access the lodge by dialing the code on this card.”
Brooke sauntered around the open-concept kitchen-dining area. “I’m a little jealous, big brother.”
“No, you’re not.” Especially considering the New York City penthouse Brooke had and the insane amount she’d paid for it, far surpassing what he had here. Besides, it was too weird to hear Brooke paying a compliment. That alone told him she wasn’t jealous.
He motioned to the other side of the kitchen. “Laundry room back there has a nook with desk and chair.” He shifted and pointed to another door. “Bedroom is there with full bath and shower, walk-in closet.”
“This is wonderful,” Mom called from the laundry room.
One of the knots in his shoulders eased a little.
“She seems to like it.” Brooke went to the fireplace, pulled out a framed picture from her purse the size of a feed bag.
