Sabre put her back in her chair and gave her back her toys and teething ring. She happily chewed on it as she seemed to watch us like a hawk.
Everyone dished up a plate and sat down at the table.
“Damn, this is good,” Ghost said after his first bite.
“Hell yeah, it is,” agreed Sabre.
Jasmine’s cheeks flushed a pretty shade of pink. “It’s nothing special, just something my mom used to make.”
“Well, it beats my cooking or prison food any day,” he said without thinking and shoved in another bite. Ghost never talked about his time in prison, though we all knew why he’d gone at eighteen. We also knew that was where he met Shank, then became part of the Royal Bastards after he got out. Other than that, it wasn’t anything he wanted to talk about, and we respected the man’s privacy.
The rest of the meal was eaten in comfortable silence as everyone enjoyed their food. Sabre and Ghost both got up for seconds, and Jasmine stood. She tried to take my plate, but I rested a hand on her forearm. When I experienced nothing but the warmth of her skin and the love that burned in my chest, I was amazed. Each and every time, I was utterly amazed.
“I’ve got it. Leave yours with mine. I’ll take care of it.”
Love shone in her eyes as she leaned down to press a soft kiss to my lips. Instinctually, my mouth parted and invited her in. She gave a light, slow swoop of her tongue against mine before she withdrew and gave a big sigh. “Thank you for being you,” she murmured against my cheek.
“It’s me who’s been blessed,” I said as my hand cupped her hip and I stared into her topaz-colored gaze.
Her lush lips curled into a soft smile. “I think it goes both ways. I’m going to give Ehria her bath.”
I stole one last kiss, then released her.
Ehria got excited when Jasmine reached for her. My heart was full to bursting at the sight. Not that I didn’t still worry, but I’d been so blessed with both of the females in my life. I’d do anything to keep them safe.
“Say goodnight to Daddy, Uncle Ghost, and Uncle Sabre,” Jasmine said as she made Ehria wave at my brothers when they sat back at the table.
They each kissed her cheek. Ghost pointed a finger at her that she promptly curled her fingers around.
“Remember, no more of that puking business,” he sternly said, then yelped when she bit his finger.
“She just cut her first tooth,” Jasmine replied proudly. “Be careful!”
“Goddang, that thing was sharp!” Ghost said with eyes wide as he cradled his finger to his chest.
“Who are you telling?” Jasmine said as she unconsciously covered her nipple.
My lips pulled between my teeth, I tried not to laugh at the motion. I pushed back my chair and stood. Then I plucked my daughter from Jasmine’s hands to give her some love before I handed her back to Jasmine. True to my word, I cleaned up after the meal, then sat at the table with the guys.
Once I heard the bath water running on the other side of the house, I ran a hand through my hair and sighed.
“Everything okay?” Ghost asked as he raised his glass to his mouth.
“I don’t know.”
“What do you mean, you don’t know?” asked Sabre in confusion.
“Something weird happened today.”
“Like?” Ghost prompted.
“Like something is up with Ehria. I don’t know what it is yet, and Voodoo was just here but couldn’t get anything off her either.”
“Well, what happened, exactly? Is she okay? Does she need to go to the doctor?” Ghost asked as he and Sabre intently waited for my reply.
“It might be nothing, but her eyes…” I shook my head after I trailed off. “It was odd. They rippled a silver color.”
“Well, maybe her eyes are changing color,” Ghost said with a shrug.