Page 44 of Coming Home

“Like he’s one to talk. They’ve known for three days, Thomas. How many did it take you?” Lily teased.

“You’re feeling all kinds of sassy today, slugger. Keep it up and I’m going to have to take you home and put you in your place,” he said, pulling Lily into his arms and kissing her.

She threw her head back and laughed. “Was that supposed to be a threat or a promise?”

He shook his head, smacked her on the butt, and left the room.

“Hmmm, having mating males around always makes him a little wild. Do me a favor and let those hormones fly a little longer, Shelbs. Hold off on sealing your bond a few more days at least.”

Maddie and I both looked at each other. “Ew!”

“Unless you want to hear stories about Liam, I suggest you keep that shit to yourself, Lil,” Maddie threatened.

We were all laughing when Ben walked in. He stopped at the doorway and started to turn and walk back out.

I walked over and wrapped my arms around his waist letting him know we were okay, more than okay, really.

“Coffee’s hot and ready, much like your mate,” Lily said.

I blushed and shot her a look.

“Just how I like both,” he mumbled with a grin as I smacked him on the chest. He leaned down to kiss me before moving over to fix his coffee.

There was such a weight lifted from my shoulders after sharing Annabelle with her father. It was so surreal, and despite it all, he was still here. I didn’t understand why, but I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Mom walked in and startled. “Ben, I didn’t realize you were having a sleepover, too,” she said slyly, waggling her eyebrows up and down behind his back as Lily and Maddie hooted.

“Sorry, Cora. I’ll try not to make a habit of it,” Ben said sheepishly.

“Make a habit of what?” Dad asked as he walked into the kitchen, too.

“Sleeping over,” Mom informed him.

“Oh.” Dad shrugged. “You’re always welcome here, Ben. This is Shelby’s home, too.” Dad put his arm around my shoulders and gave me a squeeze.

“This is getting way too weird,” I grumbled.

“Thanks for watching after the boys last night, Maddie,” Ben said.

“It was no problem. Shelby called to arrange everything, and the boys were ecstatic,” she said.

Ben gave me a weird look. “You did that?”

I shrugged. Ben had been emotionally and physically drained when he crashed. Not that I blamed him one bit. I had dropped a Hiroshima-sized bomb on him last night. Taking care of the twins was the least I could do.

“What time are you hitting the road?” I asked him.

Ben looked at his watch. “Probably should have already left,” he admitted. “How much time do you need to get ready?”

I blinked in surprise. “Um, not long,” I said.

I knew he was taking the twins to visit with their parents. The doctors Thomas had lined up for them wanted to keep Marnie in the hospital, too, at least for post-surgery observations. They were the same team that had helped Lizzy and Cole after a terrible accident that had nearly cost them both their lives. I knew they were human, but they also knew all about shifters and the unique concerns with fully mated pairs. I had been told not to question it.

“Where are you headed?” Dad asked.

“To the hospital to visit Mom and Dad. I got a couple texts yesterday saying the surgery went well,” Ben said.

“Oh, that’s wonderful news. Send them both our love,” Mom said.

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