Page 20 of Gator

“In time, honey. In time.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Inside the cafeteria, Alec and Tailor were enjoying their babysitting duties a bit too much. Alec had Wyatt on his shoulders, while Tailor had Pierre. The two little boys were ‘sword’ fighting with wooden swords, no doubt made by the two man-children.

“Dear God, are we sure those kids are safe with them?” whispered Dylan.

“Honey, there is nowhere they’re safer,” smirked Gator. “Besides, look at Monster and Beast. Even if the boys fell, which is highly unlikely, those two would be under them to break their fall.”

“This is truly remarkable,” said Dylan. “When George and Mama Irene came into town and interviewed me, I never dreamed this is what it would be like. I was just trying to make a life for myself and Joey. Mama Irene said that I had to come and work for them because I had a greater purpose. I don’t know what it is, but I’m here.” She smiled at the table as all eyes went to Gator. Even Ham picked up on the hint and knew the old woman had some kind of magic she was spreading.

The doors blew open with a rush of cold wind, and Patrick, Christopher, and Sadie walked in. There was no missing the fact that they were triplets. The boys were identical, with Sadie looking like the softer female version. All three had long blonde hair with hints of red inherited from their mother. They had enormous blue eyes and thick black lashes. All three were exceptionally tall, the boys six-feet-five. Sadie was five-feet-eleven, most of it legs.

The three stormed toward Luke, and he grinned, waiting for the inevitable fighting that would start.

“Can I help you?” he asked.

“Luke, tell my asshole brothers that they need to stay in a cottage on the main grounds. Not with me, and I do not need their permission to be out at the island mansion by myself,” said Sadie, staring at the man.

“Well, I…”

“Luke, if you want to keep your pretty teeth, you’ll tell our stubborn sister that a woman cannot stay out at the mansion by herself. We can stay with her while we’re home.”

“Well, now…”

“Luke, I swear to God if you do that, I’ll tell your mother you said women weren’t capable of being at the mansion alone.”

“Hey, wait a minute!” he frowned.

“I have a solution,” said Ham. “I’m new here and should be out there anyway. I’ll let Mama Irene know I don’t mind being out there. That way, I’ll be there, I can get used to the culture here, and Sadie can have her space from her brothers. I’ll just be a house sitter. That’s all.”

Sadie stared at the big, hulking man and back at her brothers. She didn’t know Ham. He seemed pleasant enough, but she’d already vowed not to marry any man who’d ever been in the military or who worked for the family business.

No thank you.

“I suppose that’s alright,” said Patrick. “Just remember, she’s our sister. If you touch her, I’ll fucking…”

“Patrick! Luke, tell him he cannot run my life! I’m a grown woman!”

“Where the fuck are your parents?” frowned Luke.

“Probably hiding if they’re smart,” smiled Riley. “Look, we’ve reached a decision, and it sounds like a good one. Ham is a good man and comes with Jak’s recommendation. I’m sure everything will be fine at the mansion.”

“Fine,” said Sadie. “I’m going to get my things and move out there.”

“We’ll help,” said Christopher. She turned to them both, flaming red.

“I do not need your help! I swear, every time…” Her voice faded away as they chased after her out the door.

“What is with them?” asked Gator. “I don’t remember them being quite so protective of her.”

“Something happened, and they’re not talking,” said Luke. “I figure, sooner or later, Wes and Virginia will tell us if they know.”

“Well, uh, I guess I’ll go move my things to this island mansion,” said Ham.

“Oh, no need,” said Mama Irene, smiling at the table. They all turned to see the little woman bundled in a warm coat. “I was rethinkin’ my decision of havin’ you at the garçonnière and thought the mansion would be good for you. I had Matthew help me move your things out there. Everything is set. Food in the fridge, pantry is stocked, you’re all good. Come with me, and we’ll meet Sadie at the dock and get them boys to leave her alone.”

“But, Mama Irene, how did you know I was going out there?” asked Ham.

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