Branded as Trouble (Rough Riders #6)(39)

The door opened and Eliza launched herself at the first person through the doorway.


“Daddy!”


Kade dropped the overnight bag and scooped Eliza into his arms. “Whatcha doin’ up, girly? It’s past your bedtime.” He kissed her cheeks and her forehead and the crown of her head.


Lord. He was so wrapped around her finger it wasn’t funny.


“I miss you, Daddy.”


“Missed you too, princess. Let’s move outta the way so Mama can get in.”


The second Skylar came in Eliza wiggled to be let down and threw herself at Sky. “Mama!”


“Whoa.” She lifted Eliza and the little girl clung to her neck.


“It’s good to be missed.”


India hung back while Eliza chattered away at her amused parents.


“…an’ unka Cole an’ me frowed rocks.”


Kade looked at India. “Colt was here?”


“He came by to help out.”


“Did the girls give you enough trouble so you had to call in reinforcements?”


“Yes. My God, at one point I think we all were crying at the same time.”


Skylar laughed. “Not as easy as it looks, is it?”


“I never said it was, Sis.”


“Shannie and Peyton asleep?” Kade asked.


“I put them down about an hour ago.”


“We’ve got a couple hours before they’re up again,” Sky said.


“Thanks for pinch hitting, India. We really appreciate it.”


“So you guys had a good time?”


Kade grinned. “Oh yeah.”


Skylar blushed and handed Eliza to India. “Give your Auntie Indy a bye-bye kiss and Daddy will tuck you in.”


“Unka Cole kiss Innie bye-bye too.”


India whispered, “You are a traitor, Eliza Belle. See if you get cookies from me again.” Then she blew a raspberry on her neck.


Eliza giggled and held her arms out to Skylar. “Mama tuck me.”


“I’ll be up in a minute,” Kade said to Skylar’s back.


“Well, I’m pooped. I don’t know how you guys do it.”


“Take it day by day. Sometimes hour by hour.”


Almost word for word on how to deal with addiction, but India doubted Kade would appreciate the comparison.



“Twins were a surprise, that’s for damn sure. Not that I’m complainin’.” He smiled. “Much as I love our girls, I love spendin’ time alone with my wife, so thanks.”


“You guys deserve it.” She picked up her overnight bag. “And you’re welcome. See you later.”


“Huh-uh, not so fast. Tell me about this goodbye kiss Uncle Colt laid on you that impressed Eliza.”


Dammit. “It was no big deal.”


“So, it ain’t gonna bother Colt if I tell him you said that kiss wasn’t a big deal?”


India spun around. “Don’t say that to him.”


“Your words, not mine.”


“Fine. It was a big deal, okay? A very, very big deal. And while I’m confessing, you should know he spent the night here too.”


Kade’s eyes narrowed. “Were you two havin’ wild monkey sex while you were supposed to be watchin’ our kids?”