Skylar was so taken aback, she was speechless. Speechless and on the verge of tears. The warmth and sympathy on the older woman’s face tugged at some long-forgotten memory of her own mother... “I need to change her,” she murmured, carrying Greer inside before she made a scene.
* * *
Kyle heard the thump of the back door and glanced up in time to see the look his mother and Lizzie exchanged. Seconds later, Lizzie was hurrying across the yard to his side.
“I’ll help out here if you want to go check on Skylar?” Lizzie nodded in the direction of the house.
“She okay?” He frowned, searching the wraparound porch.
“I don’t know. Your mom was being very sweet about all of us being family, through Chad, and Skylar sort of ran inside with Greer to change her diaper.” Lizzie paused. “We both feel terrible, Kyle. We didn’t mean to upset her.”
“No.” His chest clamped down hard. Family. Through Chad. He ran a hand along the back of his neck. “After losing so much and being on her own so long... I imagine this is a lot to take in.”
“Go on,” Hayden said. “Make sure she’s okay. We’ll keep wearing the dogs out.” He winked as all three children chased after the dogs, laughing.
With a quick nod, Kyle was across the yard and up the steps, patting his mother’s shoulder before heading into his childhood home. There was no sign of Skylar in the cavernous great room or the open kitchen. He headed down the hall and peered into each room, coming to a full stop when he found Skylar standing in the middle of Weston’s nursery, holding Greer.
“Skylar?” he asked, softly.
She shook her head but didn’t look at him.
While he wanted to respect her boundaries, he couldn’t leave her if she was upset. “Hey,” he murmured, softly, almost coaxing, as he came around to stand in front of her.
She kept her eyes on the ground. She held Greer facing outward, gently bouncing the wide-eyed baby.
Greer saw him and started kicking, her little hands fluttering, and an excited coo filling the air.
Kyle chuckled. “Now that’s the sort of welcome a man could get used to.”
Skylar sniffed. “You shouldn’t.” She sniffed again, brushing past him to lay Greer on the changing table.
Kyle watched her, her words a gut punch, waiting for her to say more.
Silence filled the room—save for Greer’s gurgles and squeaks—while Skylar changed the baby’s diaper. But when Greer was changed and she was snapped into the onesie that made Greer look like a tiny pink-and-white bumblebee, Kyle couldn’t take it.
“Skylar—”
“No, stop, Kyle.” She rested her hand on Greer. “I forgot, okay? I forgot what it’s like to have a...a family. People who say nice things and do nice things and...care.”
He stepped closer, wanting less space between them until he could figure out what to say.
“But I know that, just like that—” she snapped her fingers “—it could all be gone. All of it. Everyone is being so nice and welcoming and...and I can’t...I can’t stop thinking it’s not real. You’re imaginary—it’s the only thing that makes sense. I mean, look at you. And all you’ve done.” She shook her head. “And this has to be a dream which means I’ll wake up at Frank’s and—”
“You’re awake.” He caught her hand. “You and Greer and Mya and Brynn are never going back to Frank’s.” His voice was a little too gruff so he cleared his throat.
Her light brown eyes darted to him then back to the carpeted floor.
He placed her hand on his chest, hoping she wouldn’t pick up on how out-of-control his heart rate was. “I’m real.”
“I don’t want to rely on...anyone. To be...needy.” She pressed against him, then gripped his shirtfront.
“I know.” Needy wasn’t a word he’d use for Skylar. Still, he wished she’d rely on him—a little.
“I’m strong. I don’t cry or get emotional. I hold it together.” She sniffed, her gaze blazing up at him. “But I’ve cried more in the last few days than I have in...years.”
Even with tears on her cheeks and a red-tipped nose, she was so damn beautiful she took his breath away. “Maybe you finally felt safe enough to cry?” If she needed to cry, then he’d hold on to her until she was done.
She was staring at him now, studying his every feature. “Safe...” She swallowed, her voice a whisper. “Is what’s happening here safe?” The way her gaze lingered on his mouth and the slight parting of her lips had him holding his breath.
He knew what she was asking. He knew what she was feeling. He was feeling it, too. Deep down. A fluid warmth in his stomach, the sweet ache in his chest, the rapid throb of his pulse, and the hum of energy that skated atop every inch of skin. Every bit of him was zeroed in—laser focused—on every bit of her. Without thought or choice. It just was. Safe? He shrugged.
Her grip on his shirt tightened right before she pulled him in and stepped closer. Right before she stood on her tiptoes and he, finally, cradled the curve of her cheek in his palm.
“Momma?” Brynn’s voice rang out. “Momma! Momma!”
“I’m here.” But Skylar’s words were too soft, her gaze unfocused as she blinked.
“Momma?” Brynn’s voice changed, instantly alarmed.
Skylar pushed away from him, shaking her head and letting out a sigh. Her gaze darted to his, an almost apologetic smile on her face. Was she apologizing for the near kiss? Or the interruption? He was hoping it was the latter.
“She’s coming.” His mother’s voice was calm. “She’s just getting little Greer cleaned up.”
He saw Skylar glance at Greer and offered, “I’ve got Greer.” Kyle scooped up the baby.
“Thank you.” Skylar hurried from the room, her voice strong and loud. “I’m here, Brynn.”
Kyle followed, Greer contentedly making noises and staring around her with wide eyes. “Lots to see, right, Greer?” He smiled, earning a toothless grin from Greer in return.
“My knees,” Brynn moaned.
Kyle came around the corner in time to see Brynn, holding Mya’s hand, looking forlorn as she stared down at the grass stains on her pants.
“They’re green.” Brynn drew in a wavering breath. “Will the green wash ’way?”
Skylar crouched. “I’m sure it will.” She patted her daughter’s cheek. “It’s just a teensy little grass stain.”
“I have just the thing for that.” His mother nodded, turning to head into the washroom off the kitchen.
“It’s green.” Brynn frowned, still fixated with the smudges on her clothing. “Look, Kyle. Green stuff.”
“I’ve had my fair share of grass-stained knees.” Kyle smiled. “My mom has some stuff you can put on that and it will disappear. Just like magic.”
“Magic?” Brynn repeated.
“Almost.” Kyle chuckled.
His mother reappeared, a spray bottle in hand. “Skylar, if you want to change her, I can treat those spots right now before they have a chance to set.”
Skylar nodded and stood. “Thank you. Let’s get your clothes, girls.” She glanced his way.
“Greer is happy as a clam,” he said, continuing to bounce the baby. “You need a hand?”
“No,” Skylar answered a little too quickly, her gaze lingering on his lips before she spun and led the girls out the front door, and pulled it closed behind her.
“Well.” His mother stared after them, a thoughtful look on her face. “I can see why you brought them with you.” She turned, smiling at Greer. “They’re just lovely. All four of them. Though Skylar...” She broke off, studying his face. “When I lost your father, you three were older. It was hard and I missed him so—I miss him still—but I didn’t have three little ones or a little one that can’t hear.” She shook her head. “I get the sense that she’s quite a woman. And, from the little yo
u’ve said, a woman who could use a fresh start.”
He nodded. “She does, Mom. From here on out, she deserves only good things.”
The corner of her mouth ticked up. “I know this means the world to Chad. I know he only visited the once but that, and your letters, said all I need to know who he was as a man.” She patted his cheek. “I know you must miss him—like Skylar must miss him. It’s good the two of you have each other. And those girls, too. You were the two that knew their daddy best, after all. You’ll have stories to keep him alive for years to come.”
He nodded, the sudden lump in his throat preventing him from saying a word. He hoped that was true. Bringing the girls here would never make up for deserting Chad that day... Nothing could undo that. But he’d do whatever he could to give these girls a sense of who their father was. A good man, a true friend, a loyal and loving father and husband... The best of us.
His mother stared up at him, her lower lip wobbling just enough to tell him she was struggling to keep her emotions in check. “I’m so glad you’re home, Kyle. It’s been too long.”
“I know.” He cleared his throat, continuing to bounce Greer. “And I’m sorry.”
“I didn’t say that to make you apologize. You’re a grown man—living your life. There’s nothing to apologize for.” She paused, making a silly face until Greer squealed with glee. “But I’m in no hurry to see you leave, is all.” She grabbed Greer’s little foot and jiggled.
“I’m not planning on leaving.” He smiled down at Greer. “I’m ready to come home. I miss being here and Granite Falls.” Until he’d seen Skylar and the girls’ living conditions he hadn’t realized just how much he loved his home. He had family and roots and the legacy of land to carry on. Now that he recognized how blessed he was, he wasn’t about to take it for granted. And now, Skylar and the girls were here too... Nope. He shut that line of thought down. “If that’s okay?”
“Of course, it is. Why would you ask such a thing? And Hayden will thank you for it. He’s running himself ragged.” She patted his arm.
“Says you.” He chuckled. “I’ll let you know after I talk to him about it.”
Her frown was pure disapproval. “You and Hayden and John need to stop letting the past dictate your path forward. You three are my boys. If you were little, I’d make you apologize to each other and hug it out.”
Kyle grinned. “I don’t see that happening.”
Her brows rose. “Don’t underestimate the power of your mother, Kyle Andrew Mitchell.”
“No, ma’am.” He chuckled. “You hear that, Greer?”
Greer stared up at him, smiled, and blew bubbles.
“You look good with a baby in your arms.” His mother sighed. “That’s another perk of having Skylar and her girls around—practice for a family and babies of your own someday.”
The front door swung open and Mya and Brynn came in, assuming a sort of here-we-are pose right inside the door. They’d changed and were both wearing knee-length butterfly-print knit shorts with their bright pink and white shirts. Skylar trailed behind them, pushed the door shut and stood back to watch her girls, wearing an amused smile.
A damn beautiful smile. The sort of smile that woke him up on the inside... He ran a hand over his face. Of course, the one woman I can picture a future with is the one woman I can’t have. He froze, replaying what he’d just thought. Where had that come from? And, more important, was that true? His gaze sought her out until he found her and had his answer. I’m a damn fool. A damn fool who would never deserve her.
“We can use the magic spray, now,” Brynn said, holding up her stained pants.
“Well, then.” His mother nodded. “Why don’t you bring those in here, Miss Brynn, and you can help me.”
Brynn’s eyes went round. “I can?” She glanced at her mother, then Mya. “Mya, too?”
“Of course.” His mother waved them both after her, leading the way to her oversize laundry room.
“I hope Brynn doesn’t get too carried away with your magic spray.” Skylar shot him a look, but was distracted by Greer’s excitement as the baby spied her mother. “I can take her now.” She held her hands out for Greer. “I know she gets heavy after a while.”
“Greer?” He smiled at Skylar. “She’s no heavier than a doodlebug.”
Skylar laughed. “Doodlebug?” She took the baby, the brush of her silky-soft fingers leaving the hair upright on his forearms. “Are you a doodlebug?”
Greer reached up for her mother, making an assortment of adorable noises.
The back doors opened and Lizzie, Weston, and Hayden came in with all three dogs bringing up the rear. All at once the house seemed busy and crowded. Greer stopped moving, her little eyes bouncing from dog to human to toddler and back again.
“People and dogs everywhere, huh?” Kyle asked.
Skylar nodded. “It’s quite a change.” She smiled down at Greer. “Isn’t it?”
Greer babbled something in answer but before Kyle could clarify whether or not it was a good change, Skylar carried Greer in the direction of the laundry room, the magic spray, and the girls.
“We got your house ready,” Hayden said, holding out the key. “You’d left it neat as a pin, so there wasn’t much to do.”
“It was a little bare, for the girls,” Lizzie said.
Kyle hadn’t thought that far ahead. “We’ll see what’s missing and make a trip into town in a day or so. As far as material things, those four were making due with next to nothing.” He shook his head. “Thank you. Both of you. I know I sprung this on you and you’ve got your hands full as it is—”
“We were happy to do it,” Hayden cut him off. “We’re happy that you’re home.”
Chapter Eight
Skylar stared out over the night sky, a million diamond stars lighting up the canvas of blue-black. The dim porch light was bright enough to entice moths and beetles, the occasional thump of them hitting the bulb or the flutter of their wings was accompanied by the soothing chirp of the crickets and the regular click of Jet’s nails on the boards as he followed her every step.
Greer was in no mood to be soothed. Nope. She was committed to an all-night fussfest.
She’d hoped walking, in the cool evening air, would help. But every time Greer slumped against her in sleep, she’d fight herself awake and begin to cry anew.
“I know it’s been a big day,” she said, smiling as Jet turned and headed back to the other end of the porch. “Lots of new things. Your sisters love their big new bed.” And loved that they got to share. Skylar was equally as thrilled to have a full-size bed to herself. The bedroom they shared was massive and, the best part of it, there were no crates or sleeping bags or lawn furniture in sight. Not anymore. “New people. New places. Even new smells...” It was true. The Hill Country smelled of green growing things, dark soil, and wildflowers. Flat Brush smelled of dust and oil—being smack-dab in the middle of oil-drilling territory.
“Is that a bad thing?” Kyle’s voice startled her so much that she jumped, almost tripping over Jet, before she steadied herself.
“You shouldn’t do that.” She sucked in a deep breath. “Sneaking up on me like that.”
“I’m sorry.” He walked onto the porch, running a hand over his face. “I figured you’d heard me—that I was what had woken her up.”
She shook her head, wishing his sleepy voice didn’t send a shudder down her spine. “I thought she woke you.”
He stepped forward, placing his hand on Greer’s back. “She’d never do that.”
“No?” She couldn’t shake the surge of warmth that rolled over her when his hooded gaze met hers. But, even then, she noted the dark patches under his eyes. “You look tired.”
He shrugged.
Skylar patted Greer, knowing he’d never admit she or the girls were to blame—even if it was the truth. Things had been on
overdrive since they’d climbed into his truck and left Flat Brush behind. After last night? The hospital and the hotel... Had that really only been last night?
“What?” he asked. “What does that look mean?”
“I was just... So much has happened in such a short time.” She paused, staring up at him. “You have plenty of reason to be tired, Kyle.” She cleared her throat and added. “Once the girls and I are in a position to find a place of our own, you’ll have all the peace and quiet you deserve.”
He frowned. “You and Greer aren’t disturbing me, Skylar.”
The way he said her name sent a jolt from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Stop being ridiculous. Obviously, Kyle wasn’t the only one overtired. Still, reacting to him this way only strengthened her determination to get out on their own. “That’s because she’s being relatively quiet tonight, trust me.” She kept patting Greer’s back. “You don’t think you’ll want to have the guys over for cards or a football game? Or...or a lady friend, even.”
Kyle chuckled. “A lady friend, huh? Other than you and the girls?”
“That is not the sort of lady friend I was referring to.” She walked around him, resuming her pacing. She wasn’t going to spell it out for him, they both knew what she meant. But she didn’t like the odd twist in her stomach when she thought about Kyle entertaining that way...
“And that look you’re wearing now? I’m not sure I want to know what you’re thinking?” Kyle asked, leaning against one of the stout beams supporting the wraparound roof. “That’s some look.”
“No look.” She tried to brush aside his question and rein in whatever expression was catching his attention. Someone as handsome and young and healthy as Kyle Mitchell should be dating and partying and living it up instead of keeping her company in the dark of night while she walked a colicky baby. Not that she minded the company.
Of all the things she’d missed most at Frank’s, it was company.
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