Then Hawk looked at her and pointed to the end of the bench. “Sit there.”

Also seated in the middle, Audrey frowned. “But we want her near us.”

He shook his head and told Kit, “Your instincts want an escape route. For now.”

He’d been right. The knot inside her had relaxed when she sat at the end…because she could run away if needed. Or jump out and put Aric behind her.

How had he known? As big and tough as he was, he’d never had fears like hers.

Once settled, she’d had a wonderful time. She’d forgotten how enjoyable it was to eat and talk with pleasant people. Intelligent ones who had busy lives. Ones who could argue about almost anything without getting upset. They didn’t believe there was only one way to do things, and no one else should voice an opinion.

The women spoke up as often as the men—and so did Regan.

Although Kit would need to make her own way and couldn’t stay here long, the interactions of the Hermitage family were exactly what she and Aric needed to see.

Caring, consideration, and equality.

Aric was already changing. Returning to the young imp he’d been before.

She grinned. He’d played so hard he’d been half asleep when she put him to bed.

Rolling onto her side, she reached out to the narrow cot beside her bed. Just to touch him, to reassure herself he was alive and safe.

The bed was empty.

Her heart gave a horrible thump. Where could he be?

The bathroom? No. The door was open, the room dark.

Arm pressed to her sore ribs, she sat up and pushed to her feet.

Soft footsteps sounded in the hallway. A big man shadowed the doorway and made a snort of exasperation. “See? Your mom’s awake.” The deep rasping voice was familiar.

“Hawk.”

One big arm under Aric’s butt, he carried her son in and set him on the cot. Aric stared at him.

“This time, stay here,” Hawk said. How could such a stern, harsh voice be so gentle?

Aric shook his head, his lower lip poking out. Her son could be extremely stubborn.

“This time?” Kit asked.

“Second time tonight.”

A man had entered her bedroom while she was sleeping. Icy fear slid up her spine.

Hawk rubbed his cheek where a scar parted his beard, then sighed. “Boy, if I bunk in the living room, will you stay put?”

Aric eyed Hawk, then nodded slowly.

“On the sectional?” Kit asked.

“It’s big enough.” He ruffled Aric’s hair. “Go to sleep, kid. I’ll be close enough.”

As Aric lay down, Kit tucked him in. Even before she kissed his cheek, he was falling asleep.

When she turned, Hawk had already disappeared.