“He did mention that Maddie and Jerry agreed to take over the farm,” Emma said. “With the help from their new silent partner, Jerry’s planning to put together a bigger herd for the coming season.” A crowd was making its way up the main corridor, meaning a flight had just deplaned. “With any luck we can talk him into staying with us during the winter months. What do you think?”
“That we need to get the house finished so he’ll know we have a place for him.” Cain jutted her chin in the direction of the security stand and the first guy through it. “Go tell him hello.”
Ross stopped halfway to them and put his bag down so he could pick up Hannah, who was running toward him at her usual rapid pace. It was the reception he’d been hoping for, and only got better when Hayden was right behind her.
“You both have gotten so big,” he told them after giving both a kiss.
“I missed you, Grandpa,” Hannah said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed.
“Hello, Daddy,” Emma told him. Cain was next to her and took Hannah from him.
With his hands free, Ross didn’t hesitate to put his arms around Emma and hang on until a lump formed in his throat. “You have a beautiful family, sweetheart,” he managed to say, and Emma simply nodded against his shoulder.
“Let’s get out of here and go catch up,” Cain said as she patted Ross on the back. “If you’re not too tired, the kids want to treat you to dinner at their favorite place.”
It didn’t take long to get to Jacquimo’s on Oak Street. The restaurant started by a merchant-marine cook was in an old shotgun house, and the kids loved it because they got to walk through the kitchen to get to the dining area out back. None of the plates or utensils matched, the drinks were served in Mason jars, and the wait staff looked rather Bohemian, but they made the best fried chicken in the city.
Ross barely had to speak as Hannah and Hayden filled in what they’d been doing since he’d seen them last. By the time they reached coffee and dessert, Hannah was asleep on Cain’s lap.
When they got home, Ross watched Emma and Cain work together to put Hannah to bed and smiled as he remembered how Barney Kyle had described Cain. This gentle soul didn’t resemble the rabid beast in Kyle’s stories at all.
“Looks like Hannah’s forgotten your mom,” Ross told Emma.
“Thank God for that. You want to call it a night or join Cain downstairs?” Emma pointed in the direction Cain had headed. “I put a pair of Cain’s sweats and some T-shirts on your bed to sleep in. Hopefully they’ll find your bags by tomorrow.”
“What, she doesn’t own pajamas?” he asked, then laughed.
Emma blushed but laughed along with him. “There’s a spare toothbrush in there too.”
“Sorry, I couldn’t resist, and I can go to bed if you want. You look tired.” He combed Emma’s hair back, an old habit he’d developed from the time she was a baby.
“Cain’s just finishing up some stuff, and I’m going to bed, don’t worry.” Emma kissed him on the cheek. “I know you like talking to her, and when the kids are wound up like that it’s hard to cut in. I’m happy you’re here, Daddy.”
“You might get sick of having me around now that I’m retired.”
“We’ll see about that.” Emma kissed him again and headed for their bedroom.
Ross found his way to the study and stood outside until Cain finished her phone call. “Staying up past nine might take some getting used to.”
“We’ll citify you in no time,” she said, then laughed. “And I hope you do come to like it here. Emma’s been redecorating our place and your rooms are ready.”
“I told you I’d sign for you on that casino thing, no need to butter me up. The last thing you need is some old codger hanging around.”
“I’ll have plenty of time to convince you otherwise, but for tonight how about a drink and a comfortable bed?”
They talked close to an hour over a couple of glasses of aged whiskey before Cain walked him to his room. “Give a yell if you need anything.”
Cain stopped at the children’s rooms to check on them before joining Emma. When she opened their door, a candle burning on the nightstand gave off just enough light for Cain to tell Emma was naked. With a flick of her fingers she locked the door and started stripping off pieces of clothing, leaving a trail to the bed.
“We’ll talk about my father later, okay?”
“Want to talk about something else?”
“Actually I don’t want to talk at all,” Emma said, as she encouraged Cain to cover her with her body. “Just touch me.”
Later she’d have to ask Emma what she’d been thinking about while she’d been downstairs with Ross, because when she put her fingers on Emma she was wet. From that first touch Emma spread her legs wider and lifted her hips to meet her touch.
“Go inside, baby, please,” Emma whispered in her ear.
As Cain slowly gave Emma what she wanted, she dragged her nails from the small of her back upward. As quick as a summer rainstorm, Cain was soaked. She tried to go slower, but Emma wasn’t having any of it. Emma set the pace with her hips, and Cain merely smiled and complied. Emma’s orgasm didn’t stop her, and she pressed Cain closer. That near, Cain could hear her breathing deepen and quicken.
“You ambushed me,” Cain said when Emma was done.
“Not yet, but that was in my plan.”
