Page 43 of Her Courage

"Thank you, Daddy C."

His smile was warm, but concern lingered in his eyes. "Breakfast is almost ready. Kaleb made your coffee just how you like it."

My heart squeezed. "Where is he?"

"Gym with Andrei." Colby's hand settled on the small of my back as we headed downstairs. "Trying to work off some excess energy."

That didn't sound good.

The kitchen was empty when we arrived, steam rising from the stove where bacon sizzled. My perfect iced coffee sat waiting on the counter, condensation already forming on the glass.

I climbed onto the stool at the breakfast bar, my feet dangling as I reached for the coffee. The first sip was heaven—sweet cream, just a hint of caramel syrup, the way Kaleb always made it.

But worry churned in my stomach, making it hard to enjoy.

I pulled out my phone and opened the group chat.

Me: Please come have breakfast with me? I miss you both.

I hit send before I could second-guess myself.

Colby moved behind me, his hands settling on my shoulders. Strong fingers kneaded the knots there, working the tension from my muscles with practiced ease.

"They'll come, little one," he murmured. "Just give them a few minutes."

I nodded, biting my lip as I stared at the screen. The three dots appeared, then disappeared. Appeared again.

Finally, a response.

Andrei: On our way, kroshka.

Relief flooded through me, but it was short-lived. The wait felt eternal as Colby plated food and I sipped my coffee, my leg bouncing against the stool's footrest.

The sound of footsteps made me straighten. There they were.

Andrei appeared first, his dark hair still damp from the shower. His fitted black shirt clung to his broad shoulders, water droplets trailing down his neck.

Behind him, Kaleb.

My breath caught.

His face was stern. Closed off. That carefully constructed mask firmly in place as he crossed to where I sat. Without a word, he pressed his lips to my forehead—a kiss that felt more like an obligation than affection.

Then he moved past me.

Sat on the stool furthest away from me.

The distance felt like a chasm.

My heart plummeted into my stomach as tears pricked the backs of my eyes. I blinked rapidly, trying to hold them back, but it was useless.

"Kaleb." My voice cracked on his name. "Please don't shut me out."

He stiffened, his hands flattening on the counter. But he didn't look at me.

"Daddy, please." A tear escaped, sliding down my cheek. "I know yesterday was awful. I know your mom is—" I swallowed hard. "But you can't do this. You can't pull away from me. From us."

Andrei moved to stand behind me, his hand settling warm and reassuring on my back. Colby flanked my other side.