Page 11 of His Treasured Mate

I shook my head even knowing she couldn’t see it.

“I love you. You know that?”

“Of course I know that. Just like I know you're going to make arrangements for us to leave tomorrow.”

I sighed. She was right.

“I shouldn't be away that long. Neither of us should. The reunion isn't for another two weeks,” I reminded her.

“But I need to be there.”

With a sigh of resignation, I nodded. “I'll make the arrangements."

Lily

Chapter 3

We didn't leave right away like I thought we would, but it wasn't Thomas's fault. That night a massive storm rolled over Collier.

I hadn't been sleeping well, which wasn't uncommon for my third trimester. After tossing and turning for hours in a mix of baby discomfort and excitement to go home to San Marco and see my family, I was just falling asleep when a large crack of thunder sounded followed by a scream.

It took me a moment to recognize footsteps on the baby monitor as I jolted awake just as a flash of light lit the room.

“Shh. It's okay. Just a storm,” I heard my oldest whisper to my youngest.

“I want Mama.”

“Come on. I'll take you to her.”

I grabbed the video monitor and watched as Cammie carefully picked up Lilah, soothing her once more as she carried her off the scream.

My heart swelled with emotion and tears pricked my eyes.

Thomas sat up quickly and looked around the room.

“What's wrong?”

“Nothing,” I sniffed, dabbing at my eyes.

“Slugger, I know when you're upset. I can feel your emotions as strongly as if they were my own. What is wrong?”

Cammie quietly opened the door and tiptoed inside.

“Oh, you're awake.”

I held out my arms and she brought Lilah to me.

“I'm scared Mama.”

“I know sweetie, but it's just a storm.”

I scooted over closer to my mate and invited Cammie to join us. She climbed onto the bed and pulled the covers up to her neck.

“The storm woke me,” she admitted.

My firstborn hated storms. It was part of the reason I was so emotional. She'd set her own fears aside to console her little sister and make her feel safe.

I couldn't help but wonder how I'd gotten so lucky with these girls of mine.