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44
Camilla
My gaze took in the number of dishes placed on a table by the patio of the inner courtyard. There were mountains of sandwiches along with jugs of mimosas and sweet iced tea. Droplets of water beaded the glass pitchers, reminding me of the sweltering heat of the day.
Two months passed since that horrible night that could’ve taken away everything from me. Standing under the bright summer sunshine, I said a silent prayer, thanking God for the blessings he’d showered on me.
Shrieks of excitement reached my ears, drawing my attention to the young girl in a red sundress who was running around in the field. Irene finally admitted it was too hot and gave up on her princess gowns.
She was more like a little imp than a princess as she laughed, shouted and ran crazily as she played a game of tag with Noah, Corey and Caleb. They gave chase to her but indulged her by allowing her to escape their long, big arms.
I watched Noah closely.
He was much better now but his doctor told me he still needed to take things easy to allow his shoulder to heal properly. Corey and Caleb brought out a blue flying saucer to teach Irene to play but I put a damper on their plans by confiscating it.
Noah was still recovering from the injury Bill Beckett inflicted on him. Corey and Caleb muttered things like “overprotective” and “dramatic” but I ignored them both.
I did feel protective of Noah. Other than being shot, he sustained several injuries, consisting of broken ribs and fingers. I still couldn’t believe he’d come to rescue me despite the unimaginable agony in his body.
Corey and Caleb were spared the guilt I felt. Noah got hurt because of me and I’d never forget the fact as long as I lived.
“You okay, kiddo?” said a familiar voice from behind me.
Turning around, I smiled at Brian. He was dressed in shorts and a thin white linen shirt. Ridiculously large sunglasses covered his eyes and most of his face. My father looked like he was ready to enjoy summer.
“I’m fine but you look like you’re headed to the beach,” I said, still grinning.
“It’s too hot for the beach,” he said, glancing up at the clear blue sky.
“I can’t believe they’re playing in the sun like that,” I said, looking in the distance where my partners were playing with Irene. They didn’t seem bothered by the heat one bit.
Noah jogged toward us. Dressed in a basketball jersey and shorts, he looked completely relaxed and at ease. His face shone with sweat and there was a healthy color to his cheeks.
“Can I get some iced tea?” he asked with a dazzling smile.
My heart fluttered at the sight of that pure smile. Noah was like a completely different person when he played with Irene.
“Sure! What about the others?”
Noah glanced toward his brothers. “They’re okay but Irene’s getting hungry. She’s trying to get Corey and Caleb to compete with her in a raspberry eating competition.”
I snorted. Pouring a glass of a pale pink iced tea, I handed it to him.
“Thanks, love,” said Noah, pecking my lips. He smiled again, sending me into a mesmerized daze.
I stood there, staring at his back as he ran back to play with Irene. Before I could gain back my composure, Caleb came up to the table.
Without a word, he captured my lips in a kiss. His fingers wrapped around the back of my neck, kissing my mouth thoroughly.
“You looked like you were caught in a dream,” he whispered, looking into my eyes.
“Uhhh...”
He chuckled. “You’re still so sweet, Milla.” His lips pressed against the side of my neck.
Pure pleasure zinged through me.
He winked, pecked my lips and ran back to join his brothers and Irene.
