Emma pressed against Cain’s back in the shower, kissing her shoulder. “I didn’t leave a bruise, did I?” Cain turned and showed her the slight blue mark under her eye. “Jesus, honey, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you that hard, but—”

The smile on Cain’s face telegraphed that she didn’t have to ask for forgiveness. “But you saw some woman about to kiss me, and you lost it even though we asked her to.” Cain kissed her until she put her hands around her neck. “Do you think I would’ve acted any differently if it had been you?”

“No matter what happens, you’d never hit me. That’s something I know for sure.” She tightened her hold on Cain’s neck and gazed at her, wanting the morning alone, but they’d have a houseful of people in an hour. “It’s not something I’ve ever worried about.”

“I’m sure there are plenty of people who warned you to run as fast as you could out of here, but you’re right. Whoever was trying to kiss you, though, might’ve had a problem,” Cain said, bringing her hand up to touch Emma’s cheek. “You didn’t do anything I didn’t ask you to do, so stop beating yourself up.”

“Do you know what my life would’ve been if I hadn’t gone with you? Had I not had the courage to choose you?” She lowered her head and rested it on Cain’s chest. “I’d be empty without you, so don’t ever tell me about what other people would have warned me about. None of that matters. You are my life, and you’ve made me a very happy woman.”

“That’s who you are to me, my love. You’re mine, and I’m going to love you for as long as I have breath. I’m going to love you even if you give me a black eye.” She smiled and kissed the tip of Emma’s nose.

“That’s not funny,” she said, kissing Cain’s neck. “It’s not,” she said when Cain laughed.

“It is, and I think you’re going to have to call Josh and tell him you haven’t taken a hit out on my life. That, and I’m sure he’s fired that girl by now.” Cain soaped a sponge and ran it down Emma’s back. “Forget all that and get ready to have some fun.”

“Are you ready for this many people and kids?” She turned so Cain could reach the front.

“The question is, are you? There’s going to be a lot of Casey family running around.”

“I happen to be a card-carrying member of the Casey family, so that doesn’t scare me.”