Silverbacks and Second Chances

by Raines, Harmony

  “You’re welcome.” He lowered his voice. “While I’m gone, you could decide where you want to sleep tonight.” He winked as he walked away, leaving her unsure if he was joking or not.

  After they left the kitchen and their footsteps could be heard on the stairs, Haley wandered back across the kitchen to Mason, who still looked distraught. “Do you think he resents the baby? Or maybe he doesn’t think I can care for Tiana.”

  “It’s nothing like that,” Haley reassured him. “They’ve been through a lot together. They learned to depend on each other. And now everything has changed for Rhett. I suppose he might feel as if he’s been pushed out. But he’s a good, sensible kid and he knows that’s not true. Sometimes we just need to hear those words spoken. For life to be breathed into them and make them real.”

  “You’ve been a good friend to Tiana.” Mason put his arm around Haley’s shoulder. “I want to thank you.”

  She elbowed him lightly in the ribs. “I want to thank you, for putting a smile back on her face.”

  Mason removed his arm and went to get them a mug of coffee each. “I’d do anything for her. And for Rhett.” His voice was tight as he spoke.

  “You love him like he’s your own, don’t you?” Haley asked. She should be surprised since they had only known each other for a few months, but she wasn’t, she’d seen how Mason treated Rhett.

  “He’s part of Tiana, so he’s part of my family. Along with her mom and dad. Along with you and your kids. I’d look after and defend any of you.” He passed Haley her coffee, the look on his face telling her he meant every word he said.

  She swallowed, summoning the courage to ask her next question. “Is that the same for all shifters? I know Tiana told me it was. But do you know for sure?”

  Mason gave her a half smile and nodded. “Everyone I’ve ever met. And yes, most definitely for Buck, if that’s what you are asking.” It was, but she didn’t admit it.

  “It’s weird. Just handing over your heart to someone because it’s meant to be. I don’t know where T found the strength.” Haley sipped her coffee. “No offense.”

  Mason chuckled. “None taken.”

  “Do you have any advice?” Haley heard laughter from upstairs. Buck and her girls seemed to be having fun and she smiled at the sound.

  “Let it happen. Don’t fight it.” Mason looked up as the door opened and Rhett and Tiana, who had been crying again, came in. He tensed but didn’t spring into action, although by the tension in his jaw, Haley guessed he wanted to comfort his mate and lick her wounds if he could.

  “Hey, how are we doin’?” Haley asked, going across the kitchen. “You are two of my most favorite people in the world. Is there anything I can do?”

  “No, I think we have it licked,” Tiana said. “But thanks, Haley, it means a lot.”

  “You know you’re always welcome.” Haley hugged Tiana and then hugged Rhett. “As long as you two are talking, you’ll get through this. It’s all about communication.”

  “We’re talking,” Rhett said, looking up at his mom through tear-laden eyelashes.

  Mason joined them, holding back as if he was afraid to interfere or do more damage. “Are we okay?”

  Haley wasn’t sure who the question was directed at, but it was Rhett who answered. “I’ve been stupid.”

  “No, you haven’t,” Tiana insisted. “Things have happened a little fast for Rhett, and he is thinking of coming back home for a year.”

  Mason locked eyes with Tiana who gave him a half smile and a nod, a sign she was okay with it. Mason immediately responded and backed her up. “I like that idea. Why don’t you spend a couple of months helping Buck and me with those warehouses?”

  Rhett’s face lit up. “You wouldn’t mind?”

  “No, I’d like you to help,” Mason insisted. “We should spend some time getting to know each other better.”

  “And that way you can keep an eye on him, Rhett. So he’s not late for work every morning because of the baby.” She raised her eyebrow at Mason. “How many times have you told me you are going to get up in the night and feed the baby and make me breakfast in bed, so I can rest? If you take on all the baby chores, you’ll have no time for work.”

  Haley rolled her eyes and said, “Mason, you do know what this woman is capable of, don’t you?”

  Mason held up his hands in mock defense. “I’m trying to be the best husband I can be.”

  “Well, don’t smother her,” Haley warned, wagging her finger at Mason.

  It was Rhett’s turn to roll his eyes. “Mason can’t win. If he does too much, he is smothering my mom, if he doesn’t do enough, he’ll be accused of abandoning her.”

  “Hey, whose side are you on?” Tiana asked, grabbing her son around the shoulders and pulling him back toward her.

  “Well, if Mason is going to be my new boss…” Rhett laughed at Tiana’s look of mock betrayal.

  “I see, I’ve been dumped.” She pouted and was rewarded by a hug from both Mason and Rhett. As she caught Haley’s eyes over their shoulders, Tiana smiled. Everything was all right again, the air was cleared, her family had edged themselves around another potential storm.

  Haley hoped her family would weather the change in their own circumstances. But seeing the strong bond between Tiana, Rhett and Buck, she was confident her own family could be equally as happy.

  They had to take baby steps and be aware of each other’s feelings.

  “You know I was only joking about the breakfast in bed and changing all the diapers,” Tiana told Mason as their group hug split up.

  “No!” he protested. “I’ve listened to what you said and will firmly support you. No breakfast in bed or diaper changing.” He winked at Rhett. “We’re going to have man stuff to do.”

  Rhett walked over to the counter and picked up a cookie. “Never a dull moment.”

  “That’s the way it should be,” Haley said. “Because then you know you’ve lived life to the fullest.”

  Which was her own intention. She planned to fill it up with good memories and love. Starting today.

  Chapter Six – Buck

  “Over to the left a little.” Marie directed Buck toward the camping gear in the attic. “That’s it, there.”

  He stood with his hands on his hips, before pointing to a nondescript black canvas bag. “It’s in there?”

  “Yes, the tent wouldn’t fit back in the bag, so Rhett used that one.” Marie came to join him. “What are you waiting for?”

  Buck looked down at his young taskmaster and leaned forward, grabbing hold of the handles of the bag. It snagged on another box, and he pulled harder to free it. It came away suddenly and he was forced to let go of the bag as he overbalanced. Buck waved his arms around in an attempt to steady himself, which made both girls collapse into laughter.

  “You look like a windmill,” Alicia said from the other side of the attic where she was dragging out the sleeping bags and mattresses, ready for their campout.

  Buck grinned as he regained his balance. “Thanks for your concern.”

  “You’re welcome,” Alicia said, dragging her prize back toward the attic door.

  Buck leaned forward and grabbed ahold of the bag, pulling it toward him once more. This time the bag came away freely and he placed it down by his feet as Marie pointed in the same direction and said, “That bag has the tent poles in it. And that one has another tent.”

  “We’re having two?” Buck asked, reaching for and grabbing the next two bags.

  “One for boys and one for girls,” Marie said.

  “Okay.” Buck, loaded up with the three bags, made his way carefully across the attic. “Is this everything?”

  “Yes, I think so,” Marie said, a serious expression on her face as she assessed the tents, sleeping bags and mattresses.

  “Then let’s go.” Buck went first, carrying the tents, while the girls came down the stairs behind him, carrying whatever they could manage. When they got to the bottom they dumped their load
and then scampered back up the stairs to fetch the rest.

  “Stage one complete!” Marie’s excitement, which was incredibly contagious, grew further.

  “How many stages are there?” Alicia asked as they stood looking at their haul.

  “Five,” Marie said matter-of-factly.

  “There you are.” Rhett appeared at the top of the stairs and strode along the hallway. Despite his red-rimmed eyes, he appeared happier. “Need a hand?”

  “Yes, please,” Marie said.

  “Are you okay?” Alicia asked with concern as she studied his face.

  Rhett smiled weakly, his breath shuddering through his body. “I am now.”

  “Good, because you need to show us how to put the tents up,” Alicia said, not pressing for any more information now that she knew he was okay.

  They each grabbed what they could carry and took the camping gear downstairs and out into the yard. When it was all stacked neatly outside the kitchen door, Marie said, “Stage Two complete.”

  “What’s the next stage?” Buck asked as Haley, Tiana and Mason came out to join them.

  “We have to pitch the tents.” Marie pointed to a level area of the lawn. “Just there.”

  “Let’s do it!” Haley grabbed one of the tent bags and picked it up with both hands. “That is heavier than it looks.”

  “Want me to carry it?” Buck offered.

  “Nope, I have it covered.” She half carried, half dragged it, while Mason picked up another of the bags and Buck carried the third. In no time the gear was spread out across the lawn and assembly began.

  “That goes there,” Rhett said as he organized the group. They all worked hard. Buck was impressed by their communication skills and ability to work as a team. He shook his head ruefully. He was looking at them as if they were one of his construction teams.

  “You all work well together,” Buck made the comment to Haley as they all grabbed a guide rope and began hammering tent pegs.

  “We’ve been a strong collective for a while,” she informed him. “We’re both close to our kids, but our kids are close to each other, too. Rhett’s a star, he’s looked after the girls while I’ve worked, selflessly helped them with their homework when I had no clue.”

  Haley stood back and looked at the newly erected tents as Marie said, “Stage Three complete.”

  “What’s Stage Four?” Rhett asked as he accepted a drink of cold lemonade from Tiana.

  “We have to get all the bedding inside, and all our stuff.” Marie began dragging the sleeping bags into the tents.

  “And Stage Five?” Tiana asked.

  “We sleep in them!” Marie’s face glowed with happiness, which was reflected in every person’s face.

  “I never knew setting up a tent could be so much fun,” Buck confided in Haley as the adults retired toward the house to watch the kids play and finish off their camp.

  “Didn’t you ever do this kind of thing as a kid?” Haley asked, leaning on his arm as they sat side by side on the grass.

  He thought for a moment. “No, tents were not my parents’ thing. They preferred hotels and lodges. Roughing it was their idea of hell. But I’ve gotta say, I think they were wrong.”

  “So you’ve never slept in a tent?” Haley asked in shock.

  “Nope.” He shook his head and her eyes lit up with merriment.

  “I’ve decided where we’re going to sleep tonight.” She grinned and turned around to face Tiana. “You have another tent, right?”

  “Yes, it’s an old one and I don’t know if it leaks.”

  “That’s okay, there’s no rain forecast for tonight.” Haley’s expression challenged him. “Are you game?” She pointed to the other end of the yard. “We could camp down here, so we don’t crash the kids’ campout.”

  “This is a day of firsts.” Buck liked the idea of sleeping under the stars with Haley. Hell, he liked the idea of sleeping anywhere with Haley. Or not sleeping…

  “You accept my challenge?” Haley asked.

  “I do.” Buck grinned. “Do I have to put the tent up, too?”

  “Yes, it’s a rite of passage,” Rhett said, patting Buck on the back. “But since we’ll be working together, I’ll give you a hand.”

  “Thanks, Rhett.” Buck glanced at Mason who was laughing. “Can I persuade you to join us?”

  “Oh no, I have to look after my very pregnant wife.” He slid his arm around Tiana’s shoulders.

  “Now you’re using me as an excuse?” she asked in mock offense. “You won’t be sleeping in a tent, you’ll be sleeping in the doghouse.”

  Mason rolled his eyes. “See what trouble you’ve gotten me into?”

  “You can redeem yourself by having everything set up and organized while Haley and I are at work,” Tiana told her husband.

  Haley looked at her watch and her eyes grew large. “I didn’t know it was that time.”

  “You two go get ready, we can handle it from here,” Mason told his wife.

  “I should hope so; three grown men should be able to set up a camp.” Tiana kissed Mason’s lips. “Thank you.”

  Mason stroked her cheek. “Are you sure you are all right to work?”

  “I’m pregnant, not ill.” She kissed him again. “But I appreciate your concern.”

  “Okay, Alicia, Marie, please behave.” Haley went to her girls and added, “And please keep the boys in order.”

  “We will.” Alicia looked happy as she gave her mom and hug. “It’ll be dark when you get home. We’ll make sure your bed is ready and we’ll have hot chocolate around the camp fire.”

  “I look forward to it.” Haley hugged Marie. “I love you both.”

  “Love you, too,” they chorused as Haley and Tiana went inside the house.

  “Okay,” Buck clapped his hands together. “Let’s get this tent set up.”

  “We’ll make the beds up in our tents. Once you are ready, we need to collect wood for the fire.” Marie was a good organizer.

  “We have wood in the storage shed,” Mason offered.

  “Can’t we go into the forest and collect some?” Alicia eyed the trees with longing. “We could see your bears, too.”

  Buck and Mason exchanged glances. “All right, if we get the camp set up we can go and collect firewood. Then we’ll show you our bears.”

  “Great.” Marie’s face cracked into the widest smile Buck had ever seen.

  “Let’s get going.” Rhett accompanied Buck inside, where they went back into the attic and retrieved another tent from underneath a lot of other junk. It hadn’t been used for years but it looked sound. Buck erected it quickly, with some help and supervision from Rhett, and was glad to see the stitching looked good. He didn’t want it to collapse on them during the night.

  Although he was more than willing to protect his mate with his body.

  “That’s the last guideline,” Rhett said, pulling him out of his daydream.

  Buck stood back and looked at the tent, just as Haley and Tiana came out of the house, dressed for work. Haley wore a black pencil skirt and a white blouse; her feet were clad in flat black shoes. He sighed, she looked as sexy as hell. Perhaps he might be able to help her undress when she came home tonight.

  He could massage her tired muscles as he removed each item of clothing.

  “We are going,” Tiana was saying, her words only just permeating his brain as he stared at Haley, who blushed as she met his eyes. Could she read his mind? Did she imagine the same thing?

  “Okay, have a good shift.” Mason didn’t look very happy his wife was going to work. Buck could understand why. He was the protector and the provider. But Mason had told Buck that Tiana had insisted on continuing to work even though he was a millionaire several times over and they didn’t need the money.

  Buck wondered if Haley would feel the same way. These two women were used to doing their own thing, paying their own way and being self-sufficient. He’d have to approach the subject with tact and care.

  “Se
e you later,” Alicia ducked her head out of the tent she was sharing with Marie.

  “See you later, take care of your sister,” Haley called.

  Marie’s head appeared next. “We’re going to collect wood and wrangle a bear or two.”

  Tiana smothered a laugh as Haley gasped. “You’re going on a bear hunt without me?”

  “Do you mind?” Buck asked.

  Haley laughed and shook her head. “No. You guys have fun.” She came up to Buck and kissed him on the cheek. “Perhaps I could have my own show later.”

  He cupped her face in his large hand, his skin burned where her lips had pressed against him. “Anytime.”

  Then she walked away, and he felt the loss of her presence. He stood and listened as they got in the car, the sound of the car doors shutting like a wound in his heart, and then the engine started and Haley drove away, out of his life.

  “You get used to it,” Mason told him as he handed Buck a foam mattress and a couple of sleeping bags.

  “I’ll take your word for it,” Buck said as he clasped the bedding to his chest, wishing Haley was in his arms instead.

  “Let’s go collect the wood, it’ll take your mind off things.” Mason strode across the grass and rounded up Rhett and the girls.

  Buck took one last longing look after his mate and then dumped the bedding into the tent. Did he set it out, so they slept together, or did he keep them apart? He wanted them to lie close together, skin to skin. But Haley might think he was too forward.

  He didn’t expect sex. But he did want to hold her while they slept.

  Eventually he opted for laying out the mattresses side by side and leaving the sleeping bags rolled up. The decision was for later. Right now, the excited cries of Alicia and Marie told him his bear had a job to do.

  I can’t wait to meet them, his bear said almost as excited as the girls.

  Buck stood up and zipped the tent shut. Then he went to join the others. “Ready?”

  “Yes.” Marie jumped up and down on the spot.

  “Lead the way,” Buck said and followed them to the edge of the yard.

  Rhett took the lead. At the edge of the yard, he ducked under a low hanging tree and then pushed his way between two shrubs. The others all followed until they were standing in a group on the other side. Then they turned toward the mountain and followed what looked like a game trail until it merged with a wider trail that led onto the lower slopes of the mountain.