Chapter 6
six
Emma
I’m starving, exhausted, and more than a little freaked out.
When I woke up this morning, I didn’t have any of this on my bingo card; now I’ve filled it up to overflowing.
A panic attack is just waiting to rear its ugly head.
I know the symptoms. I force myself to take a deep breath—in and out, slowly—then another.
Losing it right now won’t help me at all.
“What’s wrong, Emma?”
I turn away from the passenger window to find Asher watching me. “Shouldn’t you be watching the road?”
“I am. But you’re almost hyperventilating. I’m going to pull over.”
“No, please don’t. Let’s just keep going. I’ll be okay. I’m just a little freaked out, okay, maybe a lot freaked out. Today has been… a lot.”
“I know, baby, and it’s all my fault. I promise I’ll make it up to you. Everything will work out.”
His right hand covers my clenched fists, and he rubs his thumb in slow circles on my skin. I concentrate on the feeling, and the anxiety eases a little. I believe him when he says he’ll help. I’m sure his brothers will too, to avoid a lawsuit if nothing else. Not that I’d sue them.
“Better?”
“Yes, thank you.” I don’t mention that he called me baby. No one’s ever called me that or even worked this hard to make me feel seen since I lost my parents. I didn’t realize how much I missed being touched.
Between spending so much time healing and working on my thesis, I’ve pretty much withdrawn from the world.
Other than my advisor, I don’t think I’ve spoken to anyone in months.
I never really had friends, and after my dating disaster my first year of college, there haven’t been any others.
It’s always been about my studies, working toward my future.
My doctorate in conservation biology was supposed to be my dream come true.
But somehow, since losing my parents, it’s seemed hollow.
Dad would chastise me for thinking this way.
I have my whole life ahead of me, but after being around Asher for the last few hours, I realize just how lonely I’ve been.
Going back home after all of this is going to wreck me.
Who am I kidding? Leaving Asher is going to be the issue.
Somehow, even though we just met, I feel closer to him than anyone I can remember.
And when he lowers his voice and orders me around, my insides melt into goo.
I don’t even realize Asher has parked until he speaks. “Ready to meet the rest of the family, Raindrop?”
After taking one last deep breath in, I let it out. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Don’t worry, I’m the only one who bites.” Then he winks as he climbs out of the truck.
Oh. My. God. Kill me now. Could he get any hotter? Wait, universe, please, please don’t answer that question. You’ve already proven you don’t have a sense of humor today.
As he comes around to my side, I stare out the window at the huge, two-story log home. It looks like something out of an architectural magazine. I can’t believe they don’t live here. Why build cabins when they could live in this gorgeous home?
Not that I don’t love Asher’s cabin. It’s perfect, exactly what I hope to live in someday. I can’t believe he built it himself, either. I wonder if all the brothers did the same thing.
“C’mon, time to face the family,” Asher says as he lifts me from the car.
“What about my crutches?”
“Did you forget already? No walking or standing for two days, right?”
I was hoping he’d give me some leeway on that, but I should have known better. “Yeah, yeah. So what, you’re just going to carry me everywhere? What if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night?”
“Then you’ll wake me up.”
“How’s that supposed to happen? I just lie in bed and shout for you?”
Asher grins, and tingles run down my spine. Uh oh, that looks kind of evil. But he doesn't answer before the front door opens.
“It’s about time you two got here. We were about to send a search party.”
I know it’s one of the twins, from my research about their family, but I don’t know which one.
“I’m Aaric. You must be Emma. Andrew and Adrian were just telling us all about you. Welcome to the Gallant Homestead.”
“Umm, thanks. Nice to meet you, too.” It feels awkward since I’m cradled in Asher’s arms, but no one else seems to notice.
“Everyone’s in the kitchen. We’ve been waiting for you to get back. Andrew called the doc, so we knew you were on your way.” Aaric winks at me, then grins at his brother. “We were afraid you’d take her directly to your place.”
Asher grunts. “I told Andrew we’d be here.”
“Yeah, but we know you too well. If you can avoid people, you do.”
Listening to their easy banter, I wonder what it must have been like to grow up with such a large family. You’d never be lonely, that’s for sure.
What I see of the home is beautiful, although clearly still being finished. I know about the fire that killed their parents, but I figured they’d rebuilt long before now, since it was ten years ago.
Then we step into the kitchen. It’s huge. Even with all the brothers either standing at the island or cooking, it doesn’t feel crowded. Then I see a short, red-haired woman steps out from behind the other twin—Adam—and gives me a huge smile.
“Hi, I’m Rebekah, Adam’s wife. I’m sorry you got hurt, but it will be nice to have another woman to talk to.”
Asher sets me on a chair at the island and then pulls another over and puts my foot up on it. It looks huge all wrapped up under the sock, but it feels better. “Thank you, Ash.”
“You’re very welcome, Raindrop.”
“Raindrop?” Adam asks.
“What of it. You call Rebekah Firecracker.”
I look over at the grinning Rebekah, and I can see why that name stuck. She’s beautiful and has all that gorgeous red hair. I wonder if she has a temper to match.
“Yeah, but…”
When Asher growls, Adam shuts his mouth and gives him a look, one I don’t understand. It’s like they all communicate without talking.
“How are you feeling, Emma? Doc said it’s just a bad sprain. Do you need anything?”
When my stomach growls again, I know my cheeks turn beet red, I can feel the heat. “Umm, dinner?”
The brothers grin. “Coming right up,” Adrian answers.
Andrew sets several wine glasses down. “Red or white?”
Before I can answer, Asher cuts me off.
“She’ll have water. If she’s going to take pain meds later, she doesn’t need the alcohol.”
“You know, Ashbear, I can speak for myself. My ankle is injured, not my ability to speak.” I am sorely tempted to stick out my tongue. I don’t know where that urge comes from. Thankfully, it stays in my mouth.
“Sassy. I like her,” Aaric says as he places an enormous bowl of spaghetti and meatballs on the island.
“We usually eat in here,” Asher explains. “We don’t have the dining room finished yet.” Then he leans in, next to my ear, so only I can hear him. “Feeling brave, little Raindrop? Remember, you’re going to be going back to my cabin after this, and we’ll be all alone.”
His warm breath tickles my ear and sends a shiver down my spine. Good gravy. I shouldn’t like that idea so much.
Asher makes a plate and puts it in front of me. A glass of water is set right next to it. I’m not used to being waited on, but I guess this will be my new normal for a few days.
“Thank you so much for inviting me.”
“You’re welcome here anytime,” Andrew replies.
Conversation flows easily among all the brothers, mixed with a lot of teasing. Asher even joins in, which surprises me. Rebekah fits right in with all of them. I wonder what that would be like.
“Are you still hungry?” Asher asks and pulls me out of my head. I’ve been going there too much lately.
I didn’t even realize I’d finished. “No, I’m good. If I eat anymore, you won’t be able to lift me into the truck.”
Asher chuckles. “You’re as light as a feather. I think my pack weighs more than you do.”
“We have dessert,” Rebekah announces. “I made brownies. Chocolate is the best.”
My mouth waters. “It sure is.” I haven’t had a brownie since… Nope, not going there. “I’d love one. As long as my jailor says it’s okay.”
I turn to Asher and bat my eyelashes. I know I’m asking for trouble, but I’m feeling brave around his family.
“I would never dream of denying a woman chocolate. Maybe you can wrap up a couple for us to take home, too, Rebekah?”
“We already packed food for you to take back. I figured you’d be busy helping Emma for the next few days. And as much as I was looking forward to having you in the cooking rotation now that you’re home, she’s your priority,” Andrew says.
It would be obvious that he’s the oldest, even if I didn’t know it from my communication with him. You can feel the love, even with all the teasing. It feels like home.
“Thanks, Andrew, I appreciate it. Sorry I was gone for so long.”
“We knew you needed to get away. Are you better now?” Andrew’s concern is clear in his voice.
“Yeah, I think I am,” Asher answers, his voice serious. But then he smiles. A wide, toothy grin that takes my breath away.
I think it surprises his family, too, because the room grows quiet for a moment. I makes me wonder what they mean, but it’s not my place to ask. As much as I feel welcome, I’m not part of this family and never will be.