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She nodded and slipped on her shoes in the most contorted way ever. How she managed to balance like that was beyond me.

"At least I managed my hair and makeup," she said, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Sure did." I tucked her hair behind her ear, and she smiled. "That eyeliner is killer against those emeralds that I can't stop staring at."

"Car." She chuckled and hugged me when we stood up together. "I like your eyes better. The soft brown feels so cozy and…safe."

"I'm glad my eyes make you feel safe, Kitten." I kissed her cheek. "You look beautiful as always."

"You look sexy as always." She tugged the pocket of my vest then thumbed the handle of my service weapon attached to my gear belt. "Love you in a vest."

"I know." I grinned and snaked my fingers over her neck before palming the back of her head. With caution, I gave her a gentle tug so that her lips landed an inch from mine now that her heels brought her to my height. "That's why I wear it."

Her entire body shivered, and her fingers curled around my belt. "You're going to make my clean panties damp."

"Hmm. No regrets." I claimed her mouth with mine and her entire body seized with it. She held onto the collar of my shirt, and I felt the anxious tension leave her in a rolling wave. My hands fell to her hips and her smile ended our kiss.

"Do that to me all day?"

"If you're feeling anxious and you need a break, this is what we'll do, all right?" I tucked her hair behind her ears.

She nodded, closing her eyes while she pressed her forehead against mine.

We hung there for a few minutes while I rubbed her back, and finally she said, "Okay. Let's go."

"Good Kitten." I nipped her cheek and she smiled.

We headed downstairs to a flurry of people and movement. Sali fixed breakfast with Maggie while Harper sat at the table with Olivia who spontaneously stood up to run circles around the kitchen. Her huge chocolate Labrador chased after her while she squealed out his name.

Sali spun around with perfect cadence, and scooped Olivia up like a sack of potatoes dangling over her arm while she stirred eggs with the other.

"No more running, Ols. I mean it."

The dog barked at Sali, looking up at her with wide playful eyes and a wagging tail.

"You too, Brex. Sit," she commanded, and the dog sat without fuss.

Maggie took the spatula from Sali and tended to the eggs. Harper watched them all with a sleepy expression, her chin rested on her hand.

"Where are the guys?" I asked when we landed at the table beside Harper.

"Both off to work early. Katie will be home soon for the contractors next door," Harper answered almost robotically.

"Oh, lookie," said Sali. "Auntie Nora is here. Go get her." She set Olivia down, and she immediately raced over to Nora.

"Wanna play tea party wif me?" Olivia asked her, taking Nora's hand right away.

"Sure." Nora's smile broadened and Olivia led her over to the tiny table set beside the kitchen playset adjacent to the table.

They sat down in the tiny chairs while Olivia chattered away nonstop. I settled myself beside Harper and watched them. Harper smiled, her eyes twinkling as she looked on, her hand on her small round belly that seemed to grow almost every day lately.

Sali clapped me on the shoulder when she brought a plate of bacon to the table. I smirked up at her and she nodded toward Nora, a wicked smirk playing on her lips. "How's the attic space?"

"Actually, awesome."

She dropped down to sit beside me. "It's a big space."

"This house is stupid-big."