Page 46 of Bria and the Tiger

Chapter Seven

“Kat? I’m here.” Bria took off her jacket and hung it in the closet before walking to the kitchen. “You would not believe what happened on my date on Friday. The guy was a total – oh, hey Bishop.”

She smiled at the grizzly shifter. He was sitting at the table next to Kat. Lila was in his arms and she was sucking on her fist and staring up at him.

“Hey, Bria. How are you?”

“I’m good.”

She sat down across from him as Kat stood. “You want some tea, honey?”

“I can get it,” Bria said.

“Sit and relax.” Kat grabbed a mug and popped a teabag into it.

“Is Ava here?” Bria asked.

Bishop shook his head. “She’s at home having a nap. Lila was up most of the night with a bit of a fever.”

“Poor baby.” Bria reached out and stroked Lila’s leg. “She’s feeling better?”

“Yeah.” He bent his head and kissed the baby’s forehead. She smiled around her fist and Bishop nuzzled her cheek before making a low growl to her. Lila kicked her feet in excitement, and dropped her hand. Her smile widened until Bria could see all of her gums.

She laughed. “Lila sure loves her daddy, huh?”

“She does.” Kat handed her the mug of tea before kissing Lila’s head. “She loves her Auntie Kat too. Isn’t that right, Lila?”

She purred to the baby and Lila’s eyes widened at the sound before she smiled again.

“I should get going,” Bishop said. “Lila will be hungry soon and I’m interrupting your visit with Bria.”

“You’re not,” Kat said. “You’re welcome to drop by anytime, honey. You know that.”

“Hey, Stripes.” Ronin strolled into the kitchen. “What’s happening?”

“Hi, Ronin.”

“You heading out?” Kat asked.

“I am. But first...” Ronin held his hands out for the baby.

Bishop hesitated, and Ronin laughed. “Don’t hog the baby, big guy.”

“Don’t drop her.” Bishop handed Lila over.

“Your daddy needs to have a little faith in Uncle Ronin, doesn’t he?” Ronin kissed Lila’s cheek before cradling her in one arm and taking a selfie.

“What are you doing?” Kat asked as Ronin handed Lila back to Bishop.

“Texting this picture to your mom.”

“Ronin, don’t you dare.”

Bria laughed, and Ronin grinned at her. “You think I should send Eleanor the picture, right?”

“Yep.”

“Bria, don’t encourage him,” Kat said.

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