Page 10 of Fate

Chase moves over to his wife and places a hand over hers. “Baby, you bothokay?”

She nods silently.

“Go on to bed. I’ll make sure Kathleen is comfortable and meet you in five, okay?”

“’K,” she says sleepily. “Love you, Kat. Good night.”

“Me too. Good night,” I say, watching her leave, her long silk robe trailing behind her. The woman looks like a nineteen fifties Hollywood film star in her lush off-white dressinggown.

“You’ve got one classy broad there. She always sleep wearing satin andsilk?”

Chase grins. “Unless she’s naked and under me, yes.”

I crinkle my nose and make a gag sound. “Dude, she’s my best friend.”

“And I’m certain you know far more about our sex life than you should. She is not shy. Now, back to the nightmares. When did they come back? And don’t bullshit me.” His tone is hard and biting.

“Come back?” I huff with a laugh. “Chase, they never left. Some nights are worse than others. Tonight, I relived the fire in its entirety.” I ran my hand down the knotted, bumpy tissue of my right arm. “Can still vaguely feel the burn of the flame.”

He sucks in a harsh breath. “Dr. Madison tomorrow?”

“Fine. Yeah. Whatever.”

Chase comes over to me and rests his hand on top of my head. He messes up my hair like a big brother would. “We’ll get throughthis.”

I want to laugh at the absurdity of his optimism, but I don’t have the energy. Lethargy is setting in, and I need to sleep. Even with the nightmare, I sleep better here than I do at my place alone. Something about being in a home where I’m loved makes it easier to slumber peacefully. Well, except for the pesky recurring dreams.

“Thanks, Chase.”

“Anytime, Kathleen. Anytime. You are always welcome here.” He turns to walk back out of theroom.

“I know,” I whisper.

He stops and leans against the doorjamb. His golden bare chest is on display, looking mighty fine. Reminds me of Carson. If I squint a little, I can almost imagine Carson’s wheat-colored layers and the enticing patch of blond curls, which trail down his stomach to one of my favorite parts ofhim.

“Do you?” Chase asks softly. “Do you know how much we welcome you in our home, our lives, our hearts?”

I grin. “You getting all mushy on me, Davis?” I use his last name whenever I want to make light of something.

“Guess so. Just want you to realize how much you matter to this family. And that is what you are. Family.”

“Believe me, I know.” If I didn’t love them and the rest of the girls so much, I’d have left a long timeago.

“Good. I’ll have Bentley make your favorite tomorrow. Crepes.”

“And cookies?” Ijoke.

“Of course.” He grins wickedly.

“That’s your favorite, Chase. But I love a good crepe.”

“Huh.” He blinks a few times and rubs at his chin. “You know, you’re right. It is.” He winks and then taps the door before closingit.

I shake my head. That damn man. Always poking his nose in my business.

You love it, Kat. At least you know he cares. And having him as close as you do is the closest you’re ever going to get to having Carson again.

I roll over, tuck the extra pillow against my chest, and think of the man I lost. The raw emotions the dream brought back and the sweet and gentle nature of Gillian and Chase bring on tears. They slide down my face and wet the pillow below.

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