Chapter One
Kida
I trailed behind my men as we walked out of the Mobile airport towards the pick-up zone. The flight had been hell for me in my state. The two babies I was carrying were unsettled throughout the entire four-and-a-half-hour flight, giving me no chance to rest. Now I was sore, exhausted, hungry, and grumpy. What a wonderful way to begin the holiday.
One of the babies tumbled around inside me and I rolled my eyes. “Give me a break, would you?”
“Hey, sweetheart, are they fussing again?” Miles rested against the walking cane he had to use since his assault earlier in the year and slipped his free arm around my shoulders.
“I wish they’d settle.” I rubbed a spot on her pregnant belly that was especially tender today. “I don’t think they like flying, Miles.”
“Perhaps they’re excited.” Miles nuzzled into me and placed a kiss against my temple.
“I wish they’d be excited in a calm way,” I said around my jaw clenched.
“Mom’s over here, you two.”
Miles and I turned our attention towards James, my other lover and the biological father of the little girl I was carrying. James loaded our luggage into the trunk of his mother’s car before he hugged his mum. We hurried to catch up, though it was slow going for the both of us.
“Hi, you two,” Sheryl gushed, pulling each of us into a big, combined hug. “Kida, you look exhausted. You’re riding up front with me.”
“Miles should,” I protested, indicating his cane.
“Nope. It’s yours.” Miles’ stepped around me and eased himself into the back seat before I could argue.
James closed the trunk then came over and took me by the hand. “Come on, babe.” He helped me into the front passenger seat, plugged my seatbelt in, and eased the seat back into a reclining position. “Have a nap if you need to. It’s a fair drive to Mom’s.”
“Tell your children to behave, and I will.”
James rubbed my belly before he closed the door and dropped into the seat behind Sheryl.
As we left the airport and turned onto Airport Boulevard, I watched the buildings pass by. The warm breeze whipped at my blonde hair, a stark contrast to the crisp New York fall weather, and my eyelids grew heavy. I silently hoped her babies would rest with me as I gave in to the soothing movement of the car.
***
James nudged my shoulder as his mother pulled into the driveway of the house. “We’re here.”
I jolted awake and glanced up at the house with a sleepy smile. “I love this place.”
“I love having you here.” The warmth in Sheryl’s voice encompassed us all.
Miles climbed out of the vehicle and gazed up at the blue and white timber house with its wraparound porch. “This brings back memories.”
“Welcome back.” Sheryl patted his shoulder on her way to the front steps. “Leave your gear until later. I’ll organise some afternoon tea.”
When James began to unload the trunk I stepped over to him. “Let me help, James.”
“Hell no, Keeds. You’re not lifting a thing, and you’re not doing anything all Thanksgiving. This holiday is about you chilling out.”
I had to admit, I had come to love it when James took charge. It took some getting used to, but it showed me how much he cared for me. I truly appreciated that. But I had other plans. “I was hoping your mum might teach me how to cook a Thanksgiving meal.”
“You’re going to spend all day in the kitchen?” He didn’t sound happy about this.
“It will be a great way to bond with her and hang out and help,” I insisted as I adjusted the purse on my shoulder.
“That sounds like a good time. Maybe I could pitch in as well,” Miles piped up.
James’ gaze fell to where my hand was resting atop my stomach. His hand joined mine. “Only if you get enough sleep tonight.”
Insomnia had hit me hard lately. My occasional midnight activities had increased, causing me to be irritable during the daytime.
Even though I gritted teeth, my defiant glare did nothing to make James back down. Instead, he dug his heels in. “I mean it, Kida.”
“Fine,” I grumbled.
“You remind me of Willa whenever you do that.”
My mouth dropped open and James chuckled. I didn’t have much in common with my bratty teenage sister, but there were certain nuances in each of us that I guessed I could concede were the same.
“Are you two coming in, or are you going to continue sparring?” Miles called from the porch.
“We’re coming,” I called out, pasting a cheesy grin on my face. Jamse and I reached the porch and the three of us headed inside.
