Page 35

Calla

Billy’s hands look really painful, but I don’t think they need stitches. Clyde and Doc were the only ones who didn’t get hurt on the hike, but it doesn’t mean they don’t still need me to make sure they’re okay.

Both of them stayed so strong for the rest of us, taking care of us all and making sure we all made it back in one piece.

I’m ashamed of myself for being the reason that Jesse and Billy were injured. If not for me, then they’d be fine. If I didn’t need all of them as fiercely as I do, then I’d be tempted to walk away to save them from any further pain.

I suspect that even if I tried to do that then I’d have a fight on my hands—from all four of them.

They’re my boys, and I should have been the one taking care of them. Instead, I messed up and got two of them hurt in the process.

I sigh, weighed down by the guilt of putting them in danger because of my stupid pride and fear.

“Hey,” Jesse says from behind me. “What’s wrong?”

“You and Billy got hurt because of me,” I admit.

“Don’t be silly, it could’ve happened to anyone.”

“But it happened because I was too scared to admit the truth.”

“That’s true, but you can’t beat yourself up over it. We knew the risks involved when we started, and we all made it back in one piece.”

“But…” I begin.

“Stop. We took all those safety precautions for exactly that reason. Any of us could have slipped or fallen, and we’d be in the exact same place we are now.

We all look out for each other, and that includes you.

I’m just glad we managed to save you, that’s all I care about right now.

You’re here, and so are we. So what if some of us are a little less intact than we were at the start. ”

His words cut deep into me, and I realize that he’s right. It doesn’t make the pain go away, but it’s helped me feel a little better.

“I’m supposed to be the responsible adult, taking care of all of you.”

“We all make mistakes sometimes. We have to accept it and move on from them.”

I’m so proud of him right now. He could have—and probably should have—been so angry with me, but all he’s concerned about is that we’re all here safe, and I guess that’s all that really matters.

I smile at him, and he pulls me into his arms, wrapping them tightly around me.

He’s not wearing the bandages now, and up close I can see the deep grazes running along them.

Jesse sighs when I lightly trace the outline of them. “I’ll be fine. I heal up surprisingly quickly.”

I bite my lip anxiously, and he groans before closing in for a kiss.

I gasp in his mouth as he cups the back of my head and deepens it, thrusting his tongue between my lips to tangle with mine.

“Food first, brother,” Doc says, cutting through the moment.

Jesse laughs. “I can’t help myself sometimes, especially when she bites those pretty lips of hers.”

Doc ’s eyes darken slightly, and the way he looks at me makes my whole body tingle, and I blush as they both eye me hungrily.

“Food first,” I agree, giggling at the slight disappointment that crosses both of their faces.

“It’s here!” Clyde calls out, and we all trail into the room.

He’s moved the cart of food over to the table and is unloading it. I go over and help him, leaving Jesse and Doc standing by the door, whispering quietly to each other.

I have a feeling they’re planning something, and knowing them, it involves me. After the last idea the boys cooked up for me, I’m not sure whether to be nervous or excited about whatever they’ re discussing.

I notice Billy has joined them, too, and I turn to Clyde. “I can take care of this,” I tell him, knowing he’s probably burning with curiosity and intrigue.

He nods and walks away, and I smile to myself as I leave them to it while I finish setting the food on the table.

Doc disappears for a moment as the other three boys come over and start digging in. I just ordered one of the set menus, not really paying attention to what was on it, but none of us are particularly fussy when it comes to food, so I knew we’d eat whatever the resort provided.

Eventually, Doc returns with a slight grin on his face, and my heart jolts a little as I wonder what they’ve got planned.

There’s a knock at the door just as we finish eating, and Doc jumps up to go answer it before I can even move from my seat.

I look between each of my boys, and I quiver with anticipation at the hungry expressions on each of their faces, all of which are directed at me.