“I’m excited. I don’t plan on coming back.”
She snorts as though I’m teasing. “If you don’t come back, who will be my taste tester for all my new recipes?”
Damn…that’s a very good point.
“Creed can, but really, the children eat far more than either of us does.”
“Gods know that’s the truth.”
A soft, loving smile lingers on her lips as she starts spreading the thick sweet cream over the top of the muffins. It’ll melt into perfect sugary delectableness. I’ll be licking my fingers for hours after I eat that whole tray.
“Muffins!”
The echoing shriek comes from at least five different voices and Creed winces from the sound as they all run into the kitchen. His gaze immediately drops to my arms when Ezra lets out a whine.
“Damn, my bad. I didn’t know he was sleeping. These ones need to use the bathroom.”
“Momma, Seed said damn!”
I throw my head back and laugh at Samarie. The snaggle-toothed six-year-old girl has no fear whatsoever as she matches Creed’s glare with one of her own. He drops his look first, though, with a groan as all the other kids come rushing in.
“I told all of you to wait outside and we’d be right back out.”
They completely ignore him and move in on Annalise. Latching onto her feet, asking for drinks, muffins, and tattling on each other.
I chuckle at the madness unfolding in the kitchen and let it happen long enough that Creed looks like he’s going to faint.
I let out a whistle that’s laced with my power. “Little troublemakers, go get in your seats at the table. Rowden, go wash your hands. I don’t know what that is on your fingers, but it looks disgusting.”
“I think it’s poop,” he says as he brings his fingers to his nose, then grimaces.
Gag.
“Oh, for the Valories.” Annalise gasps, wipes her hands on a rag, and rushes over to him.
I chuckle as Creed jumps out of the way when they walk by him and that earns me a malicious look.
My melody hums through my smirking lips as I herd the mess-makers to the table.
Wordlessly, Creed and I grab cups and plates. When the kids start chirping along with my silent song, my brother snorts and pours their drinks.
By the time Annalise comes back with a now not-shit-stained Rowden, the others are peacefully stuffing their faces and humming with full mouths.
Her shoulders slump and she gives us an affectionate look as she holds her hands out for Ezra. “You boys are incredible. They’re never this calm for me.”
I get a good little baby whiff before passing him off to her. “You’re their safe space. They’re never going to be this calm for you.”
“Not to mention, he’s got so much power pumping through here I’m about ready to take a nap,” Creed says as he cracks his neck.
“Oh, a nap sounds divine,” I agree, then scowl so he knows I’m still mad at him.
“You know we don’t have time for that. We’ve got to get going.”
I groan and with a taunting chuckle, Annalise professionally seals up my tray of muffins with a lid one-handed. She teases me by reaching them out to me first, then turns them over to Creed.
“Make sure he shares these and both of you better start treating Thayla right. Forever is a long time and I approve of her.”
I grab Creed by the arm and turn his ass around when he looks at me all questioningly. Annalise earns herself a frown that she just grins at.
