When they got closer, she saw Hannah following Hayden to the side of the house, and she smiled at his promise to help her build a snowman. From the sounds right inside the back door, Abigail’s three were ready to join them but didn’t have coats on. Mothers were mothers no matter what was going on, and they walked in on Abigail and Fin trying to get everyone buttoned up.

“Victoria, step outside without a hat, and you’re staying inside all day,” Abigail said in a voice that left no doubt she was serious. “All day inside doing homework.”

Cain picked up the pink unicorn hat on the table and put it on the little girl. “Hurry or your buddy Hannah will get all the good snow.”

“Thanks, pal,” Fin said when the comment sent Victoria into a motivated panic.

“No problem.” She headed upstairs to change. Emma was dressed and putting on makeup when she closed the door. “Ready, lass?”

“Yes, so hurry.”

They’d said their good-byes to the kids, so Lou drove them to the pickup point and the waiting helicopter she’d hired. Lou and Sabana were spending the night in Chicago with them for a date night with a little business mixed in. The helicopter was the fastest way to the commercial airport since she didn’t care if Shelby and company knew where they were going.

“I can’t remember the last time we went out overnight,” Emma said. The road was bumpy, so Lou took it slow.

“That means I’m doing a lousy job in the spouse department.” She looked at Emma and smiled at how beautiful she was.

“No, you’re not, and I’ve enjoyed sticking close to home and enjoying the kids. It’s nice to have you all to myself, though, and that I don’t feel totally frumpy is a bonus.”

“Anyone who calls you frumpy is in for a beating.” She kissed Emma as Lou came to a stop. “Are you sure you don’t mind a little business first?”

“Not at all. I’m looking forward to meeting this guy. He sounds a little different but interesting, given your description.”

She carried Emma to the helicopter to keep her heels from sinking into the mud, and it took them thirty minutes to get to the airport. It was strange to not have anyone standing around trying to appear inconspicuous while watching them, so they’d shaken the feds for now. That was a rare treat, and she planned to take advantage of the small window.

After the short flight they walked out to a couple of waiting cars and the extra guys she’d flown in from home to make Lou more at ease. The trip into the city was faster than she expected, considering Chicago traffic, and a glance at her watch told her their guest would already be waiting in their suite at the Ritz-Carlton.