Page 39 of Her Courage

"Don't." I shook my head. "We protect each other. That includes using every resource available."

Lottie stirred again, this time her eyes fluttering open. "Daddies?"

"Right here, baby girl." Kaleb's voice transformed instantly, all the hard edges smoothing into warmth. "Did we wake you?"

She shook her head, yawning. "Bathroom."

Colby jerked awake at her voice, instantly alert despite having been dead asleep seconds ago. "I'll take you, little one."

He rose, crossing to scoop her into his arms before she could protest. She giggled sleepily, wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her from the room.

The moment they were out of earshot, Kaleb's mask slipped again.

"I need to tell her," he said. "Everything. About Patrice. About my father. About what she's capable of. Of what we suspect about my father's death."

"Tomorrow," I replied. "Let her rest tonight. She's been through enough."

"Agreed." He scrubbed a hand over his face. "But tomorrow, no more secrets. She deserves to know what she's walking into."

"What we're walking into," I corrected. "This isn't just your burden anymore."

Kaleb's eyes glistened, but he blinked it away. "When did you become the wise one?"

"When I fell in love with a woman who taught me that carrying burdens alone only makes you bitter."

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "She's pretty fucking perfect, isn't she?"

"The best thing that ever happened to us."

Footsteps announced Colby's return, Lottie still cradled in his arms. Her eyes were already drifting shut again.

"Up to bed, little one," Colby murmured, heading for the stairs.

Kaleb rose to follow, but I caught his arm.

"We've got this," I said quietly. "Whatever Patrice tries next, we'll be ready."

He searched my face, then nodded once. Firm. Resolute.

"Together."

"Together."

We climbed the stairs side by side, heading toward the bedroom where Colby was already settling Lottie beneath the covers.

Tomorrow would bring its own challenges. Legal battles. Media scrutiny. Patrice's inevitable counterattack.

But tonight, we'd hold our girl close.

And that was enough.

Chapter Twenty-Three

CHAPTER 23 COLBY

Iwatched Lottie's chest rise and fall with the steady rhythm of sleep. Her lips were parted slightly, one hand curled beneath her chin like a child. The weighted blanket we'd pulled over her earlier had slipped down to her waist.

Peaceful. She looked peaceful.