“You don’t want to.”

He still had moments when the image of driving rain, thundering earth, and wicked winds flashed into his mind. And the panic that came with the flash that he wouldn’t be quick enough, strong enough, smart enough to save what mattered to him.

“Anyway, I’m working on the plans for rebuilding, got a contractor lined up. It’s mostly just time and money.”

“I’m sure you’ll be comfortable at Templeton House until you’ve rebuilt.”

“It’s hard not to be. I met Laura’s kids today. Beautiful kids. The older one’s reserving judgment on me, but Kayla—” He chuckled. “She just moves right in.”

“They’re wonderful girls. Laura’s done a terrific job there.”

“She hasn’t changed much.”

“More than you might think. The divorce was hard on her. Terribly hard. But she’s got that strong Templeton core. You never met Peter Ridgeway, did you?”

“Nope.”

“Trust me,” Margo said and drank deeply. “He’s a bastard.”

“Sugar, you hate him, I’ll hate him, too.”

Laughing, she took his hand. “It’s good to have you back, Michael.”

“Moving in on my wife already, Fury?” Josh came in, an owl-eyed baby on his hip. “My kid and I’ll fight you for her.”

“I think he could take me.” Curious, Michael set his beer aside and walked over to study J. T. The baby studied him right back, then reached out and grabbed a handful of Michael’s hair. “Come here, slugger.”

Even as Margo opened her mouth, dozens of maternal warnings on her tongue, Michael nipped J. T. neatly out of Josh’s arms and settled him on his own hip. The natural move made Margo’s eyes blink in surprise, then narrow with speculation.

Enjoying the stranger, J. T. gurgled.

“Great job, Harvard.” Michael gave J. T. a quick nuzzle. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” Josh grinned at his wife. “I had a little help.”

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Laura did bring home a fuzzy little kitten. In fact, she brought home two. And a pair of lean, sharp-eyed toms. And a big-footed puppy with a spotted coat and an eager tongue.

The small zoo in her car caused her a bit of trouble but gave her a great deal of pleasure. She drove home with cats meowing bitterly in their boxes, kittens sleeping on the car mat, and an adoring puppy sprawled in her lap.

“Wait until the girls get a load of you.” Already in love, she stroked the puppy’s head. “And I guess if they fight over you, I’ll just have to go back and pick up a brother or sister for you.”