Page 43 of The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

“You and Leonie can and you will.”

Jesse says, “That’s a great idea. Pack up.”

Hands on my hips, I say, “Excuse me, boys, I won’t be told what to do.”

“There’s no power here. The pole is hung up in the tree that hangs over your roof?—”

“It’s a new roof.”

“It’s an old tree,” Maddock counters.

“We’re fine here.”

“Not with a baby and not without power or water.” Maddock’s jaw is set.

“I have some extra jugs.”

“Honey, this is Hurricane Hogan we’re talking about.”

“That’s not its name.”

Jesse intervenes, “Honest to goodness. I think it’s a good idea to go over to the chateau. That place has stood this long.”

“Are we really going to bring your judgment into this?”

“If you’re talking about jumping off Picklecrick’s Dam, that was fifteen years ago and a dare.”

“It was during a lightning storm. Also, that just goes to show you, I can handle myself in a little weather.”

“You were the one who jumped first,” Jesse mutters.

I jut my chin. It can’t be helped that I was a feral teenager. Leonie wiggles in my arms, bucking slightly as if she just now sees Maddock and wants him to hold her.

“I’d take her, but I’m all wet.”

“What happened to your baby allergy?”

“I took an antihistamine.”

I snort. “Well, I’m allergic to you.”

“I have a whole box in the truck. Works like a charm.” The corner of his lip jerks with a grin.

Jesse sputters with laughter. “Yep. Officer’s orders. You three are definitely shacking up over at the chateau. Pack up, Honey. This building is officially condemned until further notice.”

“You can’t do that.”

“Just did. Now, off with you before this place collapses on us.”

“It’s not going to?—”

The creaking sound of dead wood about to give way comes from outside. My gut twists.

Maddock grabs a blanket from the sofa and arranges it so he can take Leonie without getting her sopping wet. I hurry tothe bedroom and pack a couple of bags, making sure to bring plenty of diapers. His shirt sits folded on top of my bureau and I consider taking it to return to him, but then I leave it ... and accidentally forget a pair of pajamas. He probably has another T-shirt I can borrow.

I go still in the doorway as my thoughts catch up with me. “Whoa, Honey. Easy does it.”

Jesse gives me a look as he packs up all the identifiable baby stuff, including the rocking chair Thelma gave me.

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