Thunder is grinning at his plate.
I can hear it in his voice. I can hear Thunder grinning even with my back to the room.
I scrub the pan harder.
The brothers clear out around seven.
Banshee says something to Spur about the western fence and the two of them head out together.
Blight goes off to do whatever Blight does at night, which I've decided not to ask about.
Blaze and Thunder take the prospects out to the kennel because Diesel needs to be put away for the night and somebodypromisedNash he could help.
Nash kisses my cheek before he runs out with Thunder.
"Mama, can I help with the dogs?"
"Stay where Thunder can see you."
"He's gonna let me hold the leash for Diesel."
"Then you’d better hold it tight."
Nash flies out the screen door, and Thunder gives me a small nod over his shoulder that meansI got himand the door bangs shut behind them.
The bunkhouse goes quiet.
I'm wiping down the kitchen island when I realize Rogue hasn't moved.
He's still at the head of the table. Brisket gone. Coffee cup empty. White hat back on his head, which he must've put on when I wasn't looking.
He's just sitting there. Watching me.
"You need somethin' else, Rogue?"
"No."
"Coffee?"
"I'm good."
"Pie?"
"No."
I keep wiping the island. He keeps sitting there.
The screen door bangs open and Marlena comes in with Cal on her hip and a tupperware container in her free hand.
The air in the room shifts just enough that I exhale without meaning to.
"Hadley, I'm returnin' this 'fore you start huntin' me for it." She holds up the tupperware. "I washed it twice. Cal got into the cornbread one and I'm not sure it's ever gonna be the same."
"You can keep it if you need it."
"I don't need it. I just needed an excuse to come see you."
She glances at Rogue at the head of the table. Rogue tips his hat to her without standing up.