action.”
Chapter Forty-Five
“Make sure you keep an eye on your sister. Hannah’s an angel with a streak of mischief.” Emma put her hand over Cain’s where it was resting on her abdomen. “She inherited that from your mother. She’s always been a little hard to control too.”
The soft laugh from behind her tickled her ear as Hayden replied to her from his end.
“When are you coming to get us? It’s fun up here, but I miss you.”
“I’m not sure what Cain’s timetable is, but it should be soon. We miss you just as much.”
That was true, but during the three weeks she’d spent with just Cain, the last of the doubts between them had faded and they’d reconnected so strongly Emma was still amazed.
“Nothing’s wrong, is it, Hayden?”
“We’re fine, Mama. Stop worrying. I just didn’t want you to forget about us.”
Months before, the statement would’ve sent Emma into tears, but now she heard the teasing in his voice.
“The Caseys are mischievous, son, but forgetful they’re not,” she said right back. “Stay warm, and I’ll see you soon. I love you, baby.”
“I love you too, Mama.”
That she had come so far in that relationship too choked Emma up, and she had to pass the handset to Cain, though she kept the speaker on.
“How’s it going, buddy?”
“Bet I can milk a cow better than you.”
The greeting made Cain laugh. “I bet you can too, so I think I’ll pass on losing any money to you.”
“Tonight’s the big night, huh?”
“Don’t worry. When you get back I’ll take you for a walk-through, and I’ll make sure one of the men takes some pictures tonight so you can see how beautiful your mama looks.”
“I wish I was old enough already.” He laughed, cutting off any advice from Cain. “I know, I know—don’t rush it.”
“Damn right. How about we make you a deal? When you turn twenty-one, we’ll open a new place and you can go with a pretty girl on your arm.” Emma laughed, and Cain kissed her forehead.
“I forgot to ask. How did Mama like her surprise?”
“He knew you’d named the club after me?” Emma asked, coming up from Cain’s side so she could look at her.
“I may have let it slip when you were in the shower last week, but he agreed that it was a good idea. What, you think you’re the only one sneaking in extra phone calls during the day?”
Trying to appear innocent, Cain ignored the laughter coming from their son. “Kiss your sister for me, and tell Mook to keep his eyes open.”
“How about you do the same?”
“Will do, buddy. I love you and we’ll see you soon.”
He said good-bye to both of them again before he put Hannah on for a minute, then let Maddie talk.
“That one’s going to be a heartbreaker, Emma.”
“You mean you think they both won’t be?” Emma sat up after taking the handset back and turning off the speaker so Cain could answer a call on her cell phone. She watched as Cain grabbed a pen to write something down. “Are you doing okay with a house full of people, Maddie?”
“The kids are great, and I have to remind myself every so often that the men Cain left behind aren’t field hands. Mook may carry a gun, but he’s wonderful with Hannah and Hayden, and he helps Jerry when he can. Just a minute, I hear something.”
“Is anything wrong?”
Cain stopped talking and glanced at her quizzically.
“It’s just a visitor, but I can’t make out who it is yet. Oh.” Maddie exhaled loudly. “It’s just your father.”
“What’s going on, Maddie? You don’t usually hold your breath when you hear someone up the road.”
“I didn’t want to worry you, but your mother’s started coming by and asking a lot of questions about you. Since I’d never tell her the kids are here, it makes for some scrambles at times.”
Emma shook her head at Cain and smiled. “They’re fine, love. My father just got there.”
“What kind of questions is she asking, Maddie?”
“Just stuff like how often I talk to you and when you’re coming home. Nothing real specific that raises any red flags, and you know I won’t put up with her talking bad about you or Cain.”
“Why the sudden interest, do you think?”
“I have no idea. Just finish what you’re doing and leave the rest to Jerry and me. The kids will be waiting just
