Page 48 of Roam

“So you’re saying the next time Grant comes to bed that I should protect your package?”

He wrapped his arms around her and Matthew. “Yes, like maybe put a pillow down by my waist would be greatly appreciated,” he said, yawning.

Sprite glanced at the clock. Matthew had slept over six hours. It was just past five in the morning. Sprite usually got up between six and seven, depending on what time she needed to be at work. At this point, there really wasn’t a reason to go back to sleep.

“So I thought I’d fix some coffee and just stay up.”

Roam nodded against her head. “Sounds good. How about we go out and sit on the front porch swing and watch the sunrise while he takes his bottle?”

“I can’t go outside in this.”

“Well, you can because no one cares here but you can grab a robe if you want.”

Sprite nodded and handed off Matthew to Roam. She walked quietly in their room to not disturb Grant. She didn’t need to worry because he was breathing deeply. She slipped into her robe and then hurried upstairs to check on the rest of the kids before she went outside. Blake was sleeping soundly. Oakley was cuddled up to Blake and snoring lightly. She peeked in on the twins.

After seeing everyone asleep, she felt comfortable joining Roam on the front porch. The front door was open with the screen door closed. She walked outside. Even though it was early, it hadn’t cooled down much overnight. It was going to be another hot day.

She settled beside Roam. He slid the arm that wasn’t holding Matthew around her. Matthew was asleep in his arms. The empty bottle was on the floor of the porch.

“That didn’t take him long.”

“Nope, he sucks it down pretty fast. I worry it’s because he didn’t get enough to eat before.”

Her chest ached at the thought of someone denying a baby food.

“Oakley always had food, but she still sucked down her bottle like she’d been starving for days. When Blake was little, we’d have to wake her up because she’d fall asleep before she finished. I think kids are all different. I wouldn’t worry about it because there is nothing you could have done. And we’ll make sure he has a fantastic family and life.”

Roam sighed deeply and kissed her forehead. She adored how affectionate he was with her and the kids. Each of the men and women she’d met here showed love to the kids. It was just a way of life here. She was fortunate she’d found him. She leaned her head against Roam just enjoying the early morning.

Roam tilted his head. “Do you hear that?”

Sprite listened. “I think that’s my cell phone.”

She jumped up and ran into the house. Grant was walking toward her.

“Now this is making noise. I’s tired,” he grumbled, holding up her phone.

“Thanks, Grant,” she took the phone and looked at the display. Thank goodness.

“Liam?” she asked.

“Sprite, it’s good to hear your voice.”

It’s good to hear her voice. Was he kidding? How about sorry?

“Where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you for the last couple months.”

The relief of finally hearing from him had tears trickling down her cheeks.

“Sorry. Mission ran longer. Until I came in, we weren’t allowed outside contact. I got your first message about Mackenzie but didn’t listen to the rest before I called.”

Sprite walked out to the porch where Roam was waiting for her and sat down. “Liam, I’m putting you on speaker. I want my man to hear everything.”

“Your man? What the heck has been happening? Who is he? Is he after the money?” Liam’s outrage came through loud and clear despite the poor connection.

“So one, yes, my man. I met him at a tattoo convention and fell for him immediately. I’d lost my job and Roam owns a tattoo studio. He and Rascal offered me a package that included a place to live and really inexpensive daycare. He’s former military. And two, I don’t know what money you’re talking about. When Mackenzie dropped Blake off, she barely had a suitcase.”

Sprite knew her voice was a little harsh, but her brother wasn’t going to jump all up in her business when he hadn’t been around. She’d done the best she could. And it had all worked out in the end because she found the man she loved and a family she’d dreamed of.

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