“What are those? It’s not your birthday, is it?”
“No. These are all for you.” He pulled out his phone as it buzzed. “It’s Kent. He says everyone wanted to replace some of what you lost in the fire. He forced them to leave all the gifts here because he thought you might be overwhelmed by their presence here when you got home.”
That was thoughtful. And kind. From Kent and all the Littles. She didn’t even know how many there were or their names, other than Abby.
But she was going to have to learn sometime. And they’d already shown that they were incredibly kind. She’d never ha
d someone do something like this for her. Not even on her birthday. And she didn’t even know them.
You’re going to need to be brave.
“Tell him they can come over.”
He eyed her. “You sure? They’re all very kind and caring, sometimes a bit bratty but I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed or pressured.”
“I don’t. I won’t.” She tried to brush her hand through her hair. “I probably look like a fright though. I haven’t had a shower in days. What if I stink? Is there a mirror somewhere?”
He walked over and crouched down beside her. Then he kissed her forehead. “You look beautiful as always. You don’t need to do anything. They’re going to love you the way you are. Remember, I would never allow anyone to harm you. In any way.”
She stared into his firm gaze.
“All right. I’ll tell them they can come over and give you their gifts but only for an hour. You need a nap.”
She sighed. He could go from sweet to bossy in two seconds flat.
But she kind of liked it.
However, she’d never tell him that.
28
“Oh, you poor thing,” Abby said, sitting next to her on the sofa and staring down at her bandaged hands.
She and Kent had arrived soon after Issy texted Kent back. They’d been the first to get there. And Abby was just as sweet as she’d imagined. They were followed quickly by Ellie and her husband, Bear. He was as quiet as his wife was bubbly. Then Zeke had pushed in his girlfriend, Eden who was in a wheelchair. She was also Kent’s sister.
Clint and Charlie, Kent’s brother and his fiancée, had come with them. Last had been Macca and Gigi, who had the most gorgeous accent.
Now all the men were in the kitchen area talking quietly while all the women had gathered around her.
“I’m all right. It doesn’t hurt too much. And they will probably heal up in another week or so.”
“But you can’t even open your presents,” Ellie said, sitting down on her other side. “I’ll have to help you.”
Eden rolled her eyes. “Like that’s a hardship. Ellie loves to open gifts.”
“Who doesn’t?” Gigi said with a smile.
“Ari says she wishes she could be here, but she and Bain had to go to New York to meet with her record label,” Abby told her.
“She’s amazing. She hasn’t lived here long, but she’s so kind and lovely,” Ellie told her.
The door opened and she turned her head to see a dark-haired woman bounce in, followed by a big, fierce-looking man.
“Sorry we’re late. I was finishing up some editing.”
Caley knew that voice. She’d spoken to her several times but never seen her in person.
“Daisy?” she asked.