Page 32 of CADE & ANNA

“Have I told you today that I love you?”

“Actually, no,” he grinned. There was no judgment in his tone. “You’ve been a little preoccupied.”

She reached over and placed her hand on his leg. “Well, I love you and I’m sorry I’m being such a pain in the butt.”

“As long as you’re my pain in the butt, I’m all good.” His eyes began to glow and he added. “Do you think you could slide your hand a little higher?”

She laughed and slowly inched her fingers up his thigh, teasing him.

“Wicked woman,” Cade growled. “You wait until I’m holding you prisoner on the island.”

“I knew you had ulterior motives, and Dr. Marjorie was in cahoots with you.”

“Cahoots? Who uses that term anymore?”

“You know you’re full of hot air. I haven’t gotten you naked in weeks.”

“Come on, cher. Are we going to have this discussion again?”

They were laughing playfully when they reached the driveway. Cars and moving vans littered the area.

Anna frowned. “I forgot Lucas and Krystal were moving to Texas today.”

“I hate to see them go, but they’ll only be eight hours away by car. We can visit them after the baby’s born if you want to.”

“Okay. But for now, I want to at least say goodbye.”

Cade helped her from the car and held her hand as they crossed the yard.

Anna couldn’t believe her eyes. “Why is Thomas’s car packed?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t heard anything about him leaving.”

Before they reached the door, Emma and Isaac came out, followed by about a dozen people. It looked like the entire family had gathered.

“Cade! Anna!” Lucas hollered in welcome. “I was hoping you would be back before we left.”

“I’m glad we didn’t miss you,” Cade hollered back. “Why is Thomas’s car packed?”

Thomas walked out, hand in hand with Julia. “We’ve decided to help them move, and take a week or two off. After what happened, we both need a change of scenery. Plus, we haven’t taken a honeymoon. Once the bridal suite is set up, we plan to try it out.”

“We wanted to go now and get back before the baby is born,” Julia quickly added blushing a bright shade of red.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Anna nodded as she hugged Thomas and then Julia. “Cade and I just got banished to the island for a week of relaxation by my doctor. Cade needs to tie up some business calls and reschedule a few meetings, so in a couple days, we’ll be packing, too.

Thomas smacked his forehead. “The island. I didn’t think of that.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Lucas grinned as he closed and locked the large doors on the back of the moving van. “You would have come to Texas anyway. Your sense of curiosity wouldn’t have allowed you to do anything else.”

Julia nudged Thomas’s side. “You’ve got that right. He’s dying to see the ranch.”

“Hush, woman. Don’t give away my secrets.” Thomas laughed before kissing his new mate breathless.

One by one, the vehicles drove out of sight. Anna saw a tear roll down Emma’s cheek but didn’t say a word. She understood better than anyone what her mother-in-law was feeling.

Isaac tightened his arm around his mate. “Who’s ready for a barbecue?”

Anna looked at Cade meaningfully. “I’d love to.”

“Meet us on the back deck at three for sweet tea and cocktails,” Isaac shouted.

Cade finally smiled at his troublesome mate. “We’ll be there.”

A short while later Anna was getting antsy. “Are you ready to go over and get a bite to eat?” Anna asked cheerfully.

“Give me a minute to change clothes and I’m ready.”

Minutes later, Anna was chatting with Simon and Rose when Emma stepped beside her. “I made you some special snacks for your stay at the island and put in an order for groceries to be delivered.”

“Thank you, Emma. You didn’t need to do that.”

“Maybe not, but I wanted to.” She hugged Anna and then sucked in a breath as if she was going to say something bad and was preparing herself. “I’m not sure you heard, but Isaac and I are going to Texas in the morning to help Lucas.”

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