The air was brisk with the damp scent of the lake and green growth. A pile of fur at the side of the road showed a moose calf had ended up being dinner for something—probably a hungry brown bear.

The young of any species was vulnerable.

His speed increased as anger…and determination…roused within him. The Hermitage had two young ones. Nothing—and no one—would harm them.

Or the women either. Especially not Kit.

But she was an adult, and despite what she’d been through, she wouldn’t stay hidden here where it was safe. She’d asked Caz and Gabe what jobs were available in town, ones that wouldn’t require a lot of lifting.

And each day, Aric was less dependent on having his mother or Hawk around. The boy might even join Regan at the summer school program.

It was good that the two were moving on with their lives.

It was good that Kit would soon be recovered enough to move to her own place.

Wasn’t it?

Heavens, but she’d slept hard.

Still yawning, Kit went in search of her boy. He wasn’t in Bull’s house.

Next choice would be over at Hawk’s. She heard Aric’s high giggles even as she climbed the deck steps.

When she knocked on the sliding glass door, Aric ran to let her in—and gave her a happy, little boy hug.

A sticky one. He smelled of maple syrup, and the house held an enticing, almost pastry-like aroma.

Hawk was seated at one of the long kitchen islands eating pancakes. That was what she’d smelled.

Disappointment swept through her that she hadn’t gotten up in time to have some. She kissed the top of Aric’s head. “Morning, honey bear. Morning, Hawk.”

Holding onto her legs, Aric leaned back so he could see her face. “Mama, I went up high. With Audrey. So high. We watched Hawk.”

Wasn’t it wonderful to hear his chatter? “Did you now?” She didn’t remember any climbable trees in the courtyard. Audrey wouldn’t take Aric anywhere unsafe, would she? “Where was this?”

“Up.”

Oh, that was helpful. Kit frowned at Hawk.

“Attic room. I was jogging.”

Kit smiled at Aric. “That sounds amazing.”

Except for the fact that she was creating work for everyone else. She’d just have to make sure she got up earlier. “I’m sorry I slept so late. It won’t happen again.”

Hawk snorted. “You’re allowed.”

“Sometimes I ride Hawk,” Aric said proudly. “In a kid-pack.”

“You run with Aric on your back?” she said slowly. “He’s not exactly light…”

“Lighter than combat gear.”

She had to shake her head at someone whose comparisons measured a child’s weight against battle stuff.