Page 64 of SEAL's Angel
“If anyone can get through to him, it’ll be you. You’re just as stubborn as he is. Actually, I think you’re worse,” Rafe teased. Then ducked as Dawn threw a balled-up napkin at him.
“Now I know why Cindy and Chase are the way they are.” Meghan grinned. “Rafe, go shower before we all pass out, and I’ll make you second breakfast. Or is it third by now?”
“Second, spitfire.” He waggled his eyebrows. “You could join me?”
“Oh no, I can’t. We’ll scar those kids for life if they hear us in there,” Meghan said.
Dawn smirked as she took a drink. “Maybe, maybe not. But I’m sorry we’re affecting your love life.”
Meghan winked. “Oh trust me, you’re not at all.”
“I was thinking. Jake’s house is empty. Maybe we should move in there. He’d offered to let us stay with him when we were coming to visit. What do you think?” Dawn asked.
“That’s actually not a bad idea,” Rafe said. “But I like having you and the kids here.”
“Me, too,” Meghan added.
“Well, it’s not like we’ll be far away. And then Cindy and Chase can have their own rooms again. I don’t know how much longer peace will reign with them having to share.”
“I supposed if Jake lets me talk to him, I could ask? Or I could just do it and beg for forgiveness later?” Dawn grinned.
“You’re an evil woman.” Rafe chuckled.
“Yeah, well, I learned everything I know from you, big brother.”
They were still trading barbs when Cindy and Chase came into the kitchen.
“I’m hungry,” Chase said.
“Can we have a snack or something?” Cindy added.
They’d obviously planned it. She remembered doing things like that with Rafe.
“Sure, want some kale salad?” Meghan asked and winked at Dawn.
“Eww, that’s gross.” Cindy screwed up her face and stuck her tongue out.
“Actually, I’m going to whip up some French toast for your uncle when he gets out of the shower. How about some of that?” Meghan offered.
“Yes, please. Hurry up, Uncle Rafe, we’re hungry,” Cindy told him.
Her daughter had Rafe wrapped around her little finger. She and Meghan had been discussing it yesterday, and Meghan confessed that she couldn’t wait until they had a child of their own. But first, they’d need to get married. They’d started planning for next summer, hoping Jake would be well enough to act as Rafe’s best man.
While watching everyone in the over-crowded kitchen, the decision to move into Jake’s home seemed like the best option for all of them. There was a lot more room, and as much as she loved staying with Rafe and Meghan, it was crimping their style. Plus, they spoiled Chase and Cindy. She needed to find them a new normal. One that was closer to the life they’d lived in Colorado.
“How’s your reading homework coming along?” Dawn asked the kids as they got into a tug-of-war using Wilbrr. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
They stopped pulling on the stuffed penguin and looked up at Dawn with a look of surprise.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought. Go work on it. Aunt Meghan will call you when the French toast is ready, and no more fighting or you’ll be grounded.”
“Okay, Mom,” Chase said and released the penguin.
“We’ll be good, Mommy.” Cindy cradled Wilbrr close as she left the kitchen.
“You’ve got that down. Holy fuck, and I thought my sister was good,” Meghan commented.
“My mom was amazing and never let us get away with anything while always making sure we felt loved. I try to follow her example.”
