Chapter 11
Eleven
Friday
Jenna rubbed the back of her neck. The brutal workout this morning with Kane and Carter had exhausted her.
Knowing that being fit was a priority for them and for all of her team, watching them spar after lifting weights and doing chin-ups made her realize it wasn’t only dedication but a way of life for them.
She’d completed the workout Kane had designed for her and then practiced a few moves with Carter, who gave no measure, and then Kane.
Coming up against two brick walls made her feel soft, but knowing she could fight back if necessary pushed her on, no matter how much it hurt.
Working out and then tending the horses had become their regular routine, but she had spent a little longer in the shower, allowing the hot water to soothe her sore muscles.
Breakfast at the Kane residence was always loud and she tried to block out the chatter and stared at the message on her phone from Rio.
She chewed on a piece of toast, before sipping her coffee and looking at Kane across the table.
“Rio spoke to the women who went to the self-defense class last night. They all knew Jan, and she often went with them to have coffee after the class. A couple of times they all went to the pizzeria, but she isn’t close friends with any of them.
In fact, they mentioned she was very much a loner, having spent most of her time caring for her grandmother and working from home.
He mentioned one of the women, by the name of Kerry Floyd, had confided in him that Jan believed once she had the protection dog, she would have more courage to go out on her own.
Apparently, Kerry has a dog and offered to walk with her in the park. ”
“I guess we should go and have a word with Kerry today.” Kane used a wipe to clean the egg from Jackson’s face.
“If they chatted recently, maybe Jan mentioned having a problem with someone.” He went on to wipe the baby’s fingers and then handed him a sippy cup.
He looked at Tauri. “Have you had enough to eat this morning? I have more pancakes.”
“I’d like more pancakes.” Tauri rubbed his belly. “I have room for more and it’s a long time until break at school.”
“Then you better eat the extra bacon as well.” Kane peered over the table at Duke. “I’ll find something else for Duke.”
Jenna closed her phone and leaned back in her chair. “I thought Ty and Jo would be over for breakfast. Did Ty mention anything to you this morning?”
“Yeah, they have a few things to tie up from their last case and they need to check in with their director to let them know they are staying here for a few days until the storms pass.” Kane added more food to his son’s plate.
“Daddy, daddy, daddy.” Jackson held out his hand. “Me too, me too, me too.”
“Okay.” Kane handed him a strip of bacon. “Eat slowly and don’t push it all into your mouth at once or you’ll choke.”
Smiling, Jenna looked at her sons. They were growing so fast. Before she knew it, they would be at college.
She planned to make every day precious. “Don’t forget to chew, Jackson.
” She ruffled the little boy’s dark curls and wished the weekend would be free, but likely the case would take up all of their time.
She finished eating her breakfast and stood to clear the table.
As she added plates to the dishwasher, she glanced at Kane.
In honest truth, she hadn’t expected him to be so hands-on with the boys.
It was as if overnight he had become the dad every kid wished for.
The moment Tauri walked into their lives, the tough combat warrior had vanished in the home environment to become a firm but loving father.
He had endless patience and was never too busy when they needed him.
She turned away from the table and swung Jackson up into her arms. “Come on, time to get washed up before Nanny Raya comes to get you.” She looked at Tauri and smiled.
“If the weather isn’t too bad, Atohi might come by today. ”
“Yes, he told me.” Tauri used the wipes on the table to clean his hands and mouth. “He will try and teach Jackson more of our language. He says a young mind is open to learning.” He frowned. “Nanny Raya is hoping he will bring Tashina.”
“Tashina?” Kane looked at Jenna and raised one eyebrow. “I don’t think so. He wouldn’t invite a stranger here without telling us first. Who is she?”
“Nanny Raya says Atohi met her when he and some of his friends went to Canada.” Tauri frowned.
“Her grandmother lives on the res and she is visiting with some of her friends for a time.” He rolled his eyes.
“Girls spoil everything.” He looked at Jenna.
“Not you, Mommy. At school, they’re always angry. ”
Jenna heaved Jackson onto one hip. He weighed a ton.
“I don’t think you need to worry. Atohi never mentioned her when he called.
” She sighed and kissed him on the forehead.
“I’ll get Jackson cleaned up and then we’ll need to go to work.
I’m sure you’ll have fun today. Raya has great plans for the spring break. ”
After finishing cleaning Jackson and allowing him to scamper off, she turned as Kane walked into the bathroom. He had a silly grin on his face. “What?”
“Do you figure Tashina is the one?” Kane leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms. “He did mention visiting Canada after his mother insisted it was time he found a wife. He had dated a few of the women in town lately.”
Jenna smiled. “Well, he is a fine-looking man and I’m sure he has women falling at his feet. I hope he has found someone special. He is such a kind and thoughtful person. He’d make a good husband.” She glanced at her watch. “We need to go.”
“Raya is here.” Kane turned and headed back to the kitchen.
Once the boys had vanished through the door into Raya’s apartment, both chatting loudly, Jenna grabbed their weapons from the gun safe and they headed for the door. She peered outside into the overcast morning. “At least it’s not raining yet.”