Perched on a chair, Sirius supervised. Regan’s oversized fluffy cat was probably just waiting for the marbles to start rolling.

At a tap on the door, he looked up to see Kit on the deck. She’d been in town for her PT and counseling appointments.

Without rising, he waved her in and pointed at the kids. “Building isn’t done.”

Aric scrambled to his feet and ran over to hug her—a sight that never failed to make Hawk smile…and feel a bit of envy.

“Can I finish, Mama?”

“We’re almost at the end,” Regan called. “We want to see a marble go through.”

“I…” She glanced at Hawk.

He pointed her to the couch. Now he’d have to talk with her. It wasn’t as if he was unwilling, too much the reverse. She was easy to talk with. And far too fucking appealing.

Clicking a spinner piece into place, Aric let out a squeal of victory. Regan clapped her hands for him, and Kit let out a low laugh.

Jesus. Hawk frowned, realizing he had three people in his house, none of whom was a brother. The isolation of the Hermitage was coming to an end.

So was his, it seemed.

He tried to find anger or irritation, but what the hell, all he felt right now was an odd sense of contentment.

Hard to object to a pretty woman in his home.

Kit’s face was tender as she watched her son.

A while back, Regan had taken a picture of Kit and Aric. Aric had given him a copy, and Hawk had tucked it into his wallet. Because somehow, the girl had captured the soft look of love.

Hawk could vaguely remember his own mother having the same expression…before his father had taken notice of him, and his childhood had gone straight to hell. He and Aric had a lot in common.

He watched the boy for a minute. The kid was recovering.

Hawk had helped with that—and the knowledge was immensely satisfying. Far more than anything he’d felt in the military or the mercenaries.

Being back here with his brothers made him…happy. Having children around? Hell, it was amazing.

That was why he was ignoring the job offers from various merc units, security firms, and even old combat buddies. This was his life now, and he was damned glad of it.

A soft sound of pain drew his attention.

Brace off, Kit was wiggling her fingers

“New exercises?” he asked.

“Yes. I wanted to run through them once to make sure I remember what the therapist said to do.”

“You’re moving better.”

“I am.” She beamed. “As soon as I get a little more flexibility and strength, I can look for a job. Well, a job that isn’t too physical.”