“It just makes me sick to see her the way she is now. She’s so sweet. Sees the best in everyone. And now she’s full of shame for something that was done to her.”
“She’ll get it back. She’ll come here. We’ll surround her with love and support and she’ll get her confidence back. I don’t know that you’ve ever heard the details of how my mom met my dads, but she was abused by her first husband. She knows what it’s like. She’ll take Lauren in and mother her senseless, and my dads will kick the ass of anyone who comes near her.”
Max smiled. “She loves your family. I think she’s awed by them.”
“You have to go get her, Max,” Callie urged. “Soon.”
He pulled her to him and stroked his hand down her back. “I will, dolcezza. I will. But first, I’m going to get you well again. I’m not leaving you when you’re so sick.”
CHAPTER 3
WARM lips nuzzled her neck, sending chill bumps dancing down her spine. Holly Colter smiled and turned into her husband’s arms.
“Good morning,” Adam murmured just before he captured her lips in a long, tender kiss.
She sighed because this never got old. It was the way he’d greeted her every morning for more than thirty years. She returned his kiss hungrily even as she melted more firmly into his strong embrace.
“I love you.”
He pulled away and smiled. “Love you too, baby.”
They both turned when they heard the back door into the kitchen open. Ethan and Ryan came in, stomping snow from their boots. Her heart melted as their gazes found hers, as if they’d looked immediately for her.
“Is it still snowing?” she asked.
Ethan nodded. “Not too bad. Just steady. Supposed to quit by this afternoon.”
She broke away from Adam and closed the distance between them. Ryan caught her first, pulling her into his arms. His face was cold, his lips colder, but as soon as their mouths met, heat surged through her veins.
He slipped his hand into her hair and curled his fingers around the strands, holding her in place as he devoured her lips.
As soon as he relinquished his hold on her, Ethan tugged her toward him. He kissed her but dropped his mouth down to nuzzle at her neck.
“Are the roads clear?” she asked as Ethan tucked her into his side.
Adam frowned. “I think so. Why do you ask?”
Holly rolled her eyes because she knew what was coming. But she barged ahead anyway. Her men hadn’t changed one iota over the years. She didn’t love them any less but it didn’t mean she paid them any mind when they started in with their worrying.
“I’m going to see Lily. Thought I’d call Callie and see if she wanted to ride over with me.”
“Max is back,” Ryan said. “I saw his SUV before we came in. Doubt we’ll see Callie for at least a day.”
Holly chuckled softly. She was glad Max was back home. Callie had missed him fiercely. She was always glad when her family was where they belonged. Home. On their mountain. Right where she could see them and talk to them anytime she wanted.
“Guess I’ll be going to Lily’s by myself then.”
Adam’s frown grew bigger and he shook his head. “You know one of us will drive you over.”
“Not necessary,” she said lightly. “Lily and I have women stuff to do and you’ll just get in the way.”
Ryan scowled but he didn’t argue.
“Take the SUV and make sure it’s in four-wheel drive,” Ethan said.
Holly sighed. “At what point will I be able to get into a vehicle to drive myself into town without the three of you worrying?”
Adam sent her a quelling stare. “Try never? We’ll always worry when you aren’t with us, baby. That ain’t going to change. And it’s not like you’re taking a drive down some city street or the interstate. The drive down the mountain is dangerous even in great weather. It’s snowing and the roads are wet and messy.”
She broke from Ethan, went over to Adam, and stood up on tiptoe to brush her lips over his. “I’ll be fine. Do any of you need anything from town?”
They all shook their heads.
“Call one of us when you get there,” Ethan said.
She sent him an exasperated look.