Savannah turned to face Cooper with worry in her eyes. She fisted his shirt and tugged on it. “Come get me in a few minutes?”

He smiled down at her as he reached up and tucked her hair behind her ears. “I will. Go check on everyone.”

She groaned, turned and headed to the stairs, then paused. “Lancaster, let’s go. C’mon, your girl is first.”

He didn’t speak, just nodded and followed after her.

Mona stood and kissed Kessler’s cheek. “Your son has not eaten, so I’m going to bring him something before I go back to bed. See you up there in a few minutes?”

Kessler glanced down to Hunter who was still holding on to Emersyn but then he nodded. “He’ll only want something small that’ll take him work to eat, like an orange he has to peel or something.”

Mona chuckled. “I know. It has to keep him busy and give him something to do or it’ll just rot.” She winked, then hurried into the kitchen.

And then it was just me, Deacon’s projection, and the Bishop family . . . and they were all now staring at Cooper with laser-sharp focus.

Cooper’s face fell. “What?”

Emersyn narrowed those golden eyes. “Were you holding hands with Savannah?”

“Yes.” He cursed and shrugged. “We’re just . . . until ya know . . .”

They nodded.

Kessler stretched his arms. “Are you sure that’s a smart idea?”

Cooper grimaced. “Couldn’t be any worse than I feel now. Or felt yesterday, before we decided to be together.”

Hunter sighed and got to his feet. He walked over and wrapped his eldest son in a hug for a moment before stepping back. He pressed his big palm to Coop’s chest. “A little slice of happiness in the trenches goes a long way. Forgive yourself for something that is not your fault.”

“You have time,” Bentley said softly beside me.

Kessler threw his hands up. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. That’s all.”

Emersyn shuddered. “He’s never fully gonna be okay, but maybe letting yourselves love while you can will help you both find peace in the end.”

Cooper nodded. “I hope so.”

“Maybe see if that pillow talk can give you any ideas for becoming more of a nightmare,” Deacon said from the couch with a cocky grin. “Ya know?”

Hunter just shook his head and chuckled. “I’m going down to Devon—and yes, there’s still a bed down there, and that is where I will remain. Wake me if you need me or . . . or if Tegan’s condition changes.”

They all nodded.

Mona emerged from the kitchen with a bowl full of fresh fruit. “Come on, Kess. Let’s go share some breakfast with your son and check in on his mental stability.”

Kessler groaned and followed her to the door. “He’s not going to be okay⁠—”