Page 121 of Protect Home
I want more than anything for her to turn her lifearound and start showing up for her family. Because once my son is born, he and Tenley come first.
They are my family, and their protection is in my hands. A job I don’t take lightly.
“Thanks, Mom.” I pull her in for a hug and kiss Tatum’s head softly, his snoozing growing louder by the second. The kid can sleep anywhere.
“Speaking of Tenley. Where is she?”
“She’s on a girls’ trip in Tybee. I actually drove here from the rental the girls are staying at for the weekend.”
“Oh, honey. I’m sorry.”
I wave her off. “No worries. I left her a note before I left. I should probably call and check on her.”
“Go ahead. I’m gonna grab a coffee from the cafeteria.”
I leave Mom to it, finding a seat on a nearby chair. Tapping Tenley’s name, the phone rings just once before her frantic voice picks up. “August. God. Are you okay? How’s Levi? I’ve been so worried.”
I love that she’s worried about me. About my brother. Means she cares.
It’s just another step toward herloving me.
“Levi is okay. Thank fuck for that. Little dude about gave me a heart attack.”
“I bet. That must have been so scary.”
“I’m sorry I had to rush out before you woke up?—”
“August,” Tenley says sharply. “Don’t ever apologize for being there for your family. I’m just glad you could make it there to see him.”
“Yeah. I really wanted to wake up with you, though. Spend some time with you.”
“We can still do that.”
“That’s okay. You enjoy the last day of your trip, andwe’ll plan something when you get back. Let me take you out on that date I worked so hard getting you to agree on.”
“Or…you could take me to breakfast…today,” she says, mischievousness in her tone.
“As much as I’d like that, I’m all the way?—”
“Turn around, bat boy.”
My head swings to the door, meeting the prettiest eyes of crystal sea glass and a smile filled with endless love. “Oh, sweet mama…”
“Hi.”
I grin and stand to my feet. “Get over here and kiss me.”
That’s the only direction she needs before her feet take her to me—in the warmth of my arms where she belongs. “I got here as soon as I could.”
I bring her lips to mine. “You’re here. That’s what matters.”
“I’m so glad he’s okay.”
“It’s a concussion,” I tell her, kissing her over and over again. “He’ll need to rest, but back to himself in no time.”
“August.” Tenley’s eyes lift to mine, and I can physically feel the love in them.
“Yeah, Mama?”
