“She’s your person,” Mom says, patting my arm. “She understands you without you having to explain anything. She just knows.”
“Yeah,” I respond. “Exactly that.”
“I get it. Your dad does the same for me. I’m happy for you, Nickel. Now, let’s get out there before she comes looking and our coffee gets cold.”
Wrapping my arms around my mom, I squeeze her. “Love you, Momma.”
“Love you too, baby. So very much. I’m so glad my boys are happy. And I love thewomen they’ve brought into the family. Hope your sister is as lucky.”
“He’d better treat her like the precious gem she is, or he’s going to have problems.”
Mom laughs and releases me. She’s still laughing as she picks up her coffee and walks out of the kitchen.
I’m not laughing, though. Opal is my baby sister. Nobody is getting anywhere near her without running a gauntlet.
Following Mom, I set Nora’s coffee next to her plate and get started on breakfast. I’m nearly finished when Coal comes from the direction of the offices and stops at the table.
“Nickel, you’re with Bee this morning until eleven. Then we’ll hold Church for an hour and go over finances before lunch.”
“No problem, Pres. I need to have a quick word about something before Imeet with Bee.”
Coal nods. “Meet me in my office when you’re ready. I’m going to grab a coffee.”
I turn to Nora. “What are you going to do? You can sit in with Bee and me if you want.”
“Oh, no.” She shudders. “Numbers give me hives unless they involve wind trajectory or coordinates. I’m spending the morning with Thea at the armoury, testing out guns. Much more my style.”
“Have fun.” I press my lips to her forehead and stand, reaching for our plates.
“I’ll clean up this time,” Nora says, placing her hand on my arm. She grins. “But don’t get used to it.”
“Never,” I assure her with a laugh.
“Payment is a kiss,” she tells me, rolling to her toes and pressing her lips to mine for a quick kiss.
“Always happy to pay your price, darlin’,” I croon, nuzzling into her neck and blowing a raspberry.
She squeals out a laugh. “That was mean,” she mock-grumbles, wiping her neck. “Go and do some work, and I’ll find Thea.”
I’m still smiling when I knock on Coal’s door and wait for him to answer. Thea is in there with him, and from her dishevelled look, I assume I’ve interrupted something.
“Sorry,” I apologise.
“No need.” Thea waves at me and smiles. “I was going to find Nora anyway. It’s good to see you smiling, Nickel.”
“Thank you, Thea. I’m happy.”
“Good.” She pats my arm as she walks past. “I like her.”
Turning to Coal, she blows him a kiss. “I’m going to go and shoot something with Nora and Jeanie. Your dad has Shea and Noah untillunchtime. He’s gone over to the Crows to meet up with Dog.”
“Thanks, sweetheart. I’ll see you at lunch. Enjoy your morning.” Coal grins at her.
“Aye.” She returns his grin. “It’s going to be better than yours, what with all that paperwork you have to do. Mine's going to be fun.”
“Wish I could join you,” Coal grumbles.
Thea laughs and pats my arm again on the way out. “Try not to have too much fun now, boys.”
