“Yes.”
“Is Corbin coming tonight?”
“I hope so. He was trying to get off work and back to Cambridge early enough. It’s a long drive.”
“It is. That’s why Rebecca and Melinda both built homes on your grandfather’s land at the edge of the reservation. Now they only have to drive about twenty miles in either direction to get to Sojourn or Cambridge.”
“Melinda told me about that. In fact, the land is several acres. Miles and Melinda have already offered to divide it up among the rest of us too, which is very kind of them. My grandfather never knew of the existence of the three of us born after my mother left the reservation.”
“What are your brothers’ names? I forgot.” Carlie turned on the oven as she spoke.
“Sawyer’s the oldest—twenty-seven. Cooper is the baby—twenty-three.”
“Are they cute?” Sharon wiggled her eyebrows from where she’d perched on the counter.
Laurie laughed. “It doesn’t matter because you’ll probably never meet them.”
She narrowed her gaze. “Why?”
“The minute they catch wind that I mated with your bother and Corbin, they will leave my brother’s house and never return.” She laughed harder. “They aren’t remotely fond of the idea of mating right now, and certainly not with another member of your family. No offense of course. It just gives them the willies.”
Sharon tipped her head back and giggled. “Don’t blame them. But what if Logan and I hang around in limbo because we’re destined to mate with them? Doesn’t it seem crazy for three of you to mate with three of us? And there happens to be five on each side? Insanity.”
“Could be a coincidence,” Carlie said.
Laurie blew out a breath. “Believe me, I should not have been surprised when I met Zach. It seemed like a foregone conclusion. Nevertheless, I was stunned when he walked up to me. What the heck is Nature up to?”
Sharon shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’m in no hurry to mate, so feel free to keep your brothers a few hours away for now.”
All three women laughed again as the back door opened once more.
A large man who looked like an older version of his four sons walked in. His smile was broad as he approached with his hand out. “Welcome. I’m Adam.”
“So nice to meet you.” Laurie shook his hand.
He clasped hers with both of his, but released her as the back door opened again.
Zach strolled in. He came straight to Laurie and wrapped his arms around her, brushing his father out of the way. “Missed you.” He kissed her soundly, his hand sliding into the back of her hair.
“It’s been like eight hours,” she whispered as she broke the kiss and licked her lips. Instantly her body went on alert. Even his scent as he stepped inside distracted her. His kiss made her head spin and her pussy clench with need.
He growled, setting his forehead against hers and tugging her hair so she tipped back farther. With a quick final peck to her nose, he released her.
“Yeah, keep your brothers away from me for now,” Sharon teased. “I don’t have time for this intensity.”
Carlie swatted at her as she slid the biscuits into the oven. “Stop it. Payback is coming.” She turned toward Laurie. “You haven’t met Corbin’s parents yet, right?”
“No.” She shook her head. “We haven’t even discussed it, actually.” She cringed. She should have thought of that and hoped she hadn’t hurt his feelings.
“It’s only been a day, baby,” Zach said as he wandered toward the refrigerator and then grabbed a bottle of water. “Don’t worry. We’ll fit it all in. How did the job hunt go?”
She sat up straighter. “Excellent. I think. I went to several places, left a few resumes. One place interviewed me. They said they were close to hiring and seemed really interested.”
“Good.” He beamed as he leaned against the island across from her. “I mean if that’s what you want.”
“You’re welcome to join us at the resort,” Carlie said. “We could always use people. If that’s something you’re interested in. No pressure.”
“Thank you. I’ll keep it in mind. What I love most is teaching preschool.”
Well, after your son and my other mate, she thought to herself.
»»•««
Just as dinner landed on the table and they all sat, Corbin showed up. He greeted Laurie with the same passion as Zach had and stared into her eyes for several seconds, communicating, “How long do we have to make nice with the family, exactly?” His teasing grin made her blush.