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“Leon is always hungry.” She smiles up at me and I kiss her lightly.

Then I think better of it, and I give her another, longer kiss, parting her lips, curling our tongues together. She tastes like sunshine and fresh orange juice, and forever, and when I pull back, the light in her eyes fills me with so much gratitude.

“Let me go now. I’ve got to make breakfast.” She smiles, and that little dimple appears below her mouth.

I step back, admiring that ass as she turns to dig in the refrigerator. “Maybe you should get something from the pantry.”

She straightens fast, pink flushing her cheeks. “Taron! Shh!” She looks over her shoulder. “Sawyer’s right in the living room.”

As much as I know she loves being here, I’m beginning to see some drawbacks to living with her brothers.

“When does my baby get home?”

“You’re not enjoying your break?” Noel arches an eyebrow at me over her shoulder as she breaks eggs into the bowl.

“No.” I exhale a chuckle. “I miss her.”

I’ve gotten used to her sweet little voice calling me every two seconds, holding her on my hip, and hearing her thoughts about everything. She’s a ch

atterbox, and I love it.

“Ask and you shall receive.” Noel smiles at me, and I hear commotion in the other room.

Sawyer greets them coming through the door, and two little girls run into the kitchen, both in pink and purple glitter tutus, and start dancing around.

“Daddy! Look what Mrs. Tamara got us!” She twirls, jumping and kicking her leg behind her.

Her friend Beverly “Boo,” a little girl with dark hair cut in a bob at her ears, does the same. Mindy’s sister enters, carrying a small bag and placing it on the counter.

“They were up past midnight watching movies. I couldn’t get them to sleep.” She steps over and Noel kisses her cheek.

“Don’t worry about it. They’ve got til Monday to get straight.”

“They talked nonstop about ice skating. Bill said he’d check to see if the coliseum is doing anything. I’ll let you know.”

Tamara corrals Beverly and the girls hug and kiss goodbye before they head out the back door. Dove skips over and holds her arms up to me. I lift her onto my hip so she can wave to her bestie until they’re out of sight. Then she wiggles out of my arms and dances into the living room to watch her favorite show.

Noel has her back to me. Hot biscuits are on a plate, and she quickly cuts little pats of butter and slips them into each one. I put my hands on her waist and lean down to kiss the back of her neck, just below her ear, inhaling the scent of her, coconut, peaches, a touch of rose… I’m feeling happy, like I’m finally home, surrounded by my people.

I slide my hand forward to cup her breast, and she inhales sharply. “Taron.”

She drops the knife on the counter, turning in my arms.

Looking down, I smile, sliding my thumb along her chin. “Sorry.”

“You’re not sorry.” Her lips press into a smile, and she blinks up. Our eyes meet, and it’s electric.

“You’re right. I’m not. I’d like to take you into that pantry and…” I want to slip my hand down her pants, but she slides her fingers around my wrists.

“I think we need to slow it down a little.”

I don’t care for this. “Any particular reason?”

She shrugs, picking up the knife again. “I don’t want Dove to think we’re together until… unless we’re sure.”

“I’m sure.” My stomach is tight, but I gentle my voice. “You’re not?”

She blinks quickly, putting the last pat of butter in the last biscuit. “I’m not not sure… I guess I just want to be completely sure.”