“Do you want more bread, or are you finished?” I asked when it became clear she didn’t care that she wasn’t supposed to lick people. I hoped it was only a phase and that the licking was confined to her family.
“Finished,” she sang and jumped off the chair when she saw Talon walk into the kitchen.
He scooped her up as soon as she was in front of him, throwing her up into the air. I didn’t think I’d ever get used to seeing the tattooed bikers play with my kids. But to my surprise, most of them didn’t mind the children being in their space.
There were a few people in the kitchen, eating the eggs and bacon Sebastian had made for everyone earlier. Luca was sitting next to him, copying his every move. Sebastian took a sip of his coffee and Luca took a sip from his own cup filled with orange juice. When Sebastian leaned back in the booth, Luca dropped his cutlery and did the same. Seeing my kids so relaxed and having fun brought my emotions to the surface.
Sebastian had woken up with us this morning, helping me with the kids. Whenever we didn’t have little eyes watching, he’d pull me close and kiss me. He never missed an opportunity to tell me how much the night before meant to him.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt this happy and settled. What I thought would be a nightmare stay had so far turned into one of the best times I’d ever had.
“Whoa, buddy, no throwing that thing until I teach you how to,” Talon said, directing my attention from Sebastian to my son, who was currently wielding a knife in front of his body, narrowly missing Talon’s arm.
Lena had thankfully moved to sit on Grim’s lap a few minutes ago, keeping her far away from the lunatic throwing knives.
“Luca,” I called out, making my way over. “Knives are for cutting food, not people.”
Laughter rang out around the table, and I rolled my eyes. They better not tell my son that knives are handy for all sorts of things.
“And you’re not allowed to use knives yet,” I said and took the knife off him once I stood next to his chair.
“Sorry, Nora, my fault,” Talon chimed in. “I showed him how to throw up a knife and catch it by the handle.”
Of course he did. I mean, it was perfectly safe for a four-year old to learn how to throw knives. Not.
I put my hands on my hips and put on my best teacher’s voice. “He’s not old enough to even cut his own bread. For now, knife throwing is out of the question.”
“I’ll show him once he’s a few years older,” Talon said, winking at my son.
“I’ll be big next year,” Luca said, beaming at me.
My heart flipped in my chest at the thought that we’d be around long enough for him to be old enough to throw knives.
“That would still be a no to the knife throwing,” I said, raising a brow, waiting for another response that might encourage Luca.
His bottom lip curled outward, and he looked at me, his eyes pleading. “But, Mom, I’m a big boy,” he said, sticking out his leg from under the table. “Look how long my legs are.”
“I know you are. But not big enough for knives.”
I left Luca to pout while hopefully finishing his breakfast and sat back down in my chair. Lena was still busy climbing all over Grim, and I seized the child-free moment to take a bite of my eggs.
Sebastian, who was sitting next to me, leaned forward, looking at Talon. “He won’t need to learn how to throw knives. Once he’s old enough, I’ll show him how to shoot a gun. Less messy.”
Talon saluted him, his face splitting into a big grin.
I stopped chewing, staring at Sebastian’s profile.
There would be no shooting guns. Or wielding knives. They were delusional if they thought my child needed to learn any of those skills.
And did he say what I think he just said? Would he be around long enough? I didn’t want my son to know how to throw a knife or shoot a gun, but the thought of Sebastian still being around in a few years filled me with warmth.
A familiar hand settled on my thigh, wrapping my body in a warm blanket. Sebastian kissed my head, then looked across the table.
“Hey, Grim, you mind watching the kids for an hour?” he asked.
“Of course not,” Grim said between pretending to bite Lena’s fingers.
“Why didn’t you ask me? I’m a great babysitter,” Talon said, sticking out his bottom lip much like Luca had earlier.
Sebastian raised his brows at him. “You tried teaching Luca how to throw knives.”
“And? I wouldn’t have just left him to it. I’d have been there the whole time.”
I giggled, causing Sebastian to lean in, his lips brushing my ear. “Don’t encourage him.”
“I would never,” I said, turning so our lips were only inches apart. “Are you sure the kids are okay? I don’t like leaving them with strangers.”
Sebastian put his hand on my cheek and I leaned in. “I know this situation is unusual. But these guys are my brothers. I’d lay down my life for them and they’d do the same for me. The kids will be safe with them.”
I took in the sincerity in his gaze and nodded. I trusted him. As crazy as it seemed after such a short amount of time.
“I’m helping Grim, and there’s nothing you can do about it,” Talon said, then picked up Luca and flipped him upside down, holding on to his ankles.
Luca shrieked in delight, and I was worried his breakfast would make a reappearance.
“Let’s go. I’m teaching you how to ride a motorcycle,” Sebastian said, pulling me out of my chair.
“Bye, babies,”
