Page 105 of Where We Call Home

I’d never seen him like that before—pure, unfiltered fear in his eyes. Every word he spoke was laced heavy with concern. The way he moved, the way he carried me, it was like the world around him didn’t exist. In that moment, I knew there was nothing he wouldn’t do to keep me safe and to protect the baby.

And that’s what I think I needed to know. Before this, there had been doubt, small but persistent, about letting someone into my baby’s life.

Would they truly have her best interests at heart? Would they leave when things got hard? Would they love her as much as she deserved to be loved?

After all, she wasn’t even his. Rhodes had no obligation, no expectation to stay or to care for her, yet he had already attached himself. The way he cared for me, the way his hands would instinctively cradle my belly like he was holding something precious. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Rhodes not only cared deeply for me but for her, too.

I stretched out, my body sore from too much stillness. My muscles needed movement, a reminder they still served a purpose. For the first time today, hunger pricked at me. Lately, I'd felt off. I had no energy, no motivation to eat properly, let alone consume a balanced meal. Not ideal, but my body wasn’t interested in cooperating.

Before I could rise, the front door creaked open, the hinges groaning like they were in desperate need of some TLC. My head snapped toward the noise just as the unmistakable beat ofMy Humpsblasted through the house.

“What the—?” I scanned the room, heart racing. No one was in sight as the door stood wide open with the absurd song echoed loudly.

“Hello?” I called, sitting up straighter, equal parts curious and alarmed.

Then I saw Boone. He shimmied into the room, perfectly in sync with the song’s beat, his body moving in hilariously awkward rolls and exaggerated hip sways. My jaw dropped, and laughter bubbled out of me as I clapped in delight. Boone’s grin stretched wide as he danced his way toward me, stopping in front of the couch to drop low and shake his ass.

“Are you serious right now?” I managed between fits of laughter, wiping at the tears pricking my eyes.

Without breaking rhythm, Boone handed me a hot chocolate from the farmstand, complete with a festive bow. Before I could ask what on earth was happening, movement at the door caught my attention again.

This time, it was Mac, andhewas dancing toMy Humps, a sight Ineverthought I’d see.

If Boone’s moves were endearingly awkward, Mac’s were like a poorly rehearsed male stripper audition. He spun, pumped his arms, and threw in a chest pop that looked like it belonged onJersey Shore. I lost it, laughter overtaking me until my sides hurt.

“What the hell are you guys doing?” I yelled over the obnoxiously loud bass, my cheeks aching from smiling so much.

Mac sauntered toward me with exaggerated seduction, placing a finger over my lips to silence me. Then, still in character, he handed me a takeout box and winked before retreating to stand beside Boone.

I stared at them in disbelief, my expression a mix of amusement and shock. It was like the Chippendales dancers had invaded the living room.

Just when I thought the ridiculousness had peaked, the door thudded shut behind me.

Enter Rhodes.

As the final verse of the song blared, Rhodes rolled his hips, his hand resting behind his back like a cowboy in a dance-off. Unlike the others, his moves had an irresistible swagger, his brawny frame teasing me with every sway and roll. My mouth went dry as my eyes trailed down his body, lingering on the way his jeans clung to his hips. I bit my lip, thoroughly entranced.

Suddenly, my appetite roared back to life.

Rhodes approached, his movements deliberate and confident, until he stood directly in front of me. He dipped low, rolling his hips in a slow circle that had me gripping the couch cushion for stability. Then, with a flourish, he produced a bouquet of flowers from behind his back and offered them to me.

I gasped, my bottom lip trembling as I took the familiar bouquet—the same flowers he’d brought on our first dinner together. The laughter faded, replaced by an ache in my chest as I blinked back the happy tears threatening to spill.

Rhodes stepped back, blowing me a kiss before all three men lined up in front of me. As if they’d rehearsed this minutes before, they launched into a coordinated routine. Body rolls, waves, and spins—they moved in perfect sync until Mac fumbled the body wave, earning a round of groans and laughter. Boone ended the routine with an overly dramatic move, dropping to the floor to hump the air like his life depended on it.

The music cut off, leaving the guys panting and a bit sweaty from their impromptu performance.

“Well,” I said, shaking my head, “that’s one hell of a way to deliver food.”

“Did we seriously miss it?” A familiar female voice called from the front door. I turned to see Aspen and Penny stepping inside.

Penny let out a dramatic groan, stomping her foot. “We told you doofuses towait! Ugh!”

Boone shrugged, utterly unapologetic. “We couldn’t help it. Mac was nervous and wanted to ‘get it over with.’”

“I wasn’t nervous, you asshole,” Mac shot back, dropping onto the couch by my feet with a huff. “I just wanted to get it over with, because unlike some people, I’m not much of a dancer.”

“I could tell,” I teased, giving him a soft smile. “But hey, you gave it your all.”

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