She opened her mouth to say something, but Tate put a finger over his lips, motioning for them to go outside.

On the porch, Tate double-checked to make sure the door was closed before doubling over.

“You know that cut Greer to the soul about his signs, right?”

Her lips twitched. “Matthew did mention how serious he takes his signs.”

“No one touches his signs.” Dustin snickered, having to brace his weight against Tate. “Then you threatened to take his food away. Jesus … I bet, when we go back in, he begs us to take him back to the hospital.”

Alanna curled her arm though Matthew’s, happy their spirits had been lifted and they didn’t seem so dire as they had been. Maybe a small part of Matthew’s gift was rubbing off on her.

“No, he won’t. He’s gotta prove who’s greater …” Holly gurgled with laughter, wiping her tears away. “Him or Alexander.”

Her expression grew serious. “Thank you for coming by. You gave Greer something to worry about more than his recuperation. Before you came, he was worried if he would be able to talk again. Now I think he’s more worried about whether I’ll ever let him eat steak again. The only thing Greer loves more than talking is eating.”

Alanna shot Matthew a teasing glance. “I thought on his wavelength.”

“We should be going.” Matthew gave her a broad grin then looked toward the sky. A brewing storm cloud was moving closer.

Telling the Porters good evening and promising to return tomorrow, they hurried to the truck, wanting to get the baby inside before it started raining.

Heading back to the Coleman’s side of the mountain, Alanna turned to stare at Matthew’s profile as he drove, thinking about how much she loved him and the family who she had grown to adore. She had the family she never dreamed was possible.

She turned her head on the headrest. “Let’s stop by Silas’ before going home.”

“Alanna, you should be in bed, resting.”

“I want to check in with Silas. I know how close he and Greer are. We won’t stay long.”

Matthew made the turn into the long driveway, and as they pulled in, they saw Ezra sitting in the grass, staring up at the darkening sky. It had become a familiar sight over the eleven months since she had lived here.

She waited for Matthew to open her door and help her down. Then, standing by the front of the truck, she looked up at the clouds, which were growing darker by the minute.

She heard Matthew coming to her side after getting Greer out of the truck.

“I used to hate clouds when I saw them in the sky. I felt as if they had it out for me, just waiting to weather one storm after another alone.”

Matthew hooked an arm around her shoulders. “You don’t feel that way anymore?”