As much as I didn’t want to worry that her being late meant nothing, or that Killian stopping them from coming here was just a precaution, I knew better. So did Natty, which was why I used our code word.
I watched as she slipped her hand under the counter, where I knew she had a knife. Her eyes flicked up to the door at my back and mine moved over to the one that led outside. The knife with the thick black blade moved to the front pocket of her apron.
I tried to think through logistics and safety for those of us in this room. Wes was currently on his way to the club, but Killian had likely already texted him and told him to turn around and come back for us. If he had, he’d likely told Silas as well.
“Mommy, look, I made a snowflake.” Ellie smiled at me from where she was standing. Her dark hair was falling out of the braid I had pulled behind her back. Ford was currently shaping a Christmas tree, but I didn’t miss the small frown on his face or the way his dark brows furrowed. He looked so much like Wes sometimes that it took my breath away.
The look on his face had me curious if he also knew our little code word that we’d decided to use throughout the years.
Rook flicked a pensive gaze to Ford, and the two seemed to communicate something without saying anything, all while Ellie continued to murmur about her cookie.
The sound of motorcycles echoing down Main Street reverberated outside, which had everyone but Ellie freezing in place. Ford dropped his dough; Rook carefully set his aside, and I stood up slowly, thinking of the gun in my purse.
“I can’t wait to decorate this one.” Ellie talked quietly, as Ryle moved to stand next to her. His blue eyes remained on his mother, who gave him a little nod. The scent of cinnamon permeated the air as light Christmas music played from the small speaker in the corner of the room. This was supposed to be a fun treat for the kids…it was just days before Christmas and the kids were so excited. Even Ford, with his complaining, had this day circled on the calendar above his desk.
The song switched over to a classic about chestnuts roasting over thefire, which had me taking in a deep calming breath, about to explain that we’d need to leave. But right as I opened my mouth, the kitchen door burst open.