Page 210 of Broken Bonds

He kisses me. “I promise.”

Chapter Seventy-Nine

Mal

Deeply Dredging

I awaken with Todd at 5:30. He tries to get me to stay in bed, but there’s no way in hell I’m going back to sleep. I pull on a pair of sweatpants, slung low on my hips under my baby bump, one of Todd’s T-shirts, and his robe, and head to the kitchen to start the coffee and make breakfast for him.

My cooking has improved over the past ten weeks. Not that it was bad, it was just limited in scope.

Maybe Mom can help me learn more now that she’s here.

I hear a bedroom door open. I think it’s Todd, but when I sense someone in the kitchen doorway, I turn, and it’s Mom.

I don’t know who starts crying first, but when Todd makes it to the kitchen, we’re standing there, holding each other and still crying.

And the coffee still isn’t made.

He joins us, wrapping those gorgeously enormous arms around us. “Are these good tears?” he asks.

“I don’t know about Mom, but they are for me.”

She laughs and steps back, wiping her face. “I was terrified I’d dreamed this all. Until I opened my eyes and realized it was real.” She hugs Todd again, long and hard. “I can’t thank you enough, and I can’t wait to get to know you.”

I use that moment to start the coffee.

“Sorry things are so chaotic,” he says. “And I apologize in advance that I won’t be around as much as I’d like. Between the cattle and pack logistics, my time is limited.”

Something hits me wrong and I turn, a chill washing through me. “You’re not going with Jax and them, are you?”

He smiles. “No, baby, I’m not. But since I’m staying behind, I may be needed here to step in.”

Mom scowls. “They won’t attack here, will they?”

“Unlikely,” Todd says. “It’s a precaution. And I have to ask you to remain here, on the property, until we say so.”

She bitterly laughs. “If you think I’m letting Mal out of my sight, think again.” When I start to pull out a skillet, Mom gently shoos me out of the way. “What are you doing?” She takes it away from me. “Get the ingredients for me and I’ll cook breakfast. You sit.”

Todd grins at me. “Okay, then. Looks like I’ll have help making you take it easy.”

I stick my tongue out at him as I collect items from the fridge. “I need to run down to the office and process payroll today.”

“I’ll leave the ATV up here for you. Use it—do not walk.”

I tip him a two-fingered salute and park my butt at the table while Todd pitches in and produces whatever Mom asks for.

We finish eating and I shoo him out the door with a kiss. Mom won’t let me help her do the dishes and insists that I sit at the table.

It’s…

Well, I’ll admit I’d usually chafe at being treated like I’m fragile, but today I don’t mind it.

“Do you know what you’re having yet?” she asks, her back turned to me as she rinses out the skillet and prepares to load the dishwasher.

“We’re not telling many people this—and please don’t say anything to Todd’s mom yet—but we’re having a girl.” I tell her a condensed version of Alizée’s premonition.

She turns, smiling. “A little girl?”