The source? Killian laying flat on his back in the playroom, gently tossing our son into the air. He squeals and laughs, his little arms and legs flailing before he lands safely back in his father’s hands. The smile on Killian’s face has been there from the moment Cole was born, and it’s never left.
Hidden at work, sure, but I still see it in his eyes.
Killian’s hair flops out across the floor, his legs are bent at the knee and Cole is dressed in an adorable little dungaree one piece. His face scrunches up bright as he’s lightly tossed up once more and he comes back down in a fit of vibrant giggles that pulls fiercely at the motherly love nestled in my chest.
“Good morning,” I smile, leaning gingerly on the doorframe as Killian tosses and catches Cole once more before he tilts his head back to look at me.
“Look!” Killian exclaims with a wide smile. “Mommy’s awake!”
Cole’s dark eyes, a mirror of my own, lock onto me and he yells excitedly as his mop of dark hair falls over his eyes when Killian stands. His little hands clap together and he reaches out to me, something that pulls at my gut, and the desire to bundle up my family into my arms and never let go rises.
Cole, unable to reach me yet, immediately grasps the lapels of Killian’s suit, crumpling the fabric in his tiny fists as my husband approaches.
A suit. He must be seeing Sienna and Dante today.
“Morning,” Killian purrs low as he reaches me. With Cole balanced in one arm, he gently takes my chin in his free hand and pulls me in for a deep kiss, one I accept gladly as tingles shoot through my body.
“Want me to take him?” I ask as we part and Cole tugs at Killian’s suit jacket, bouncing slightly in his arms.
“No, I got him,” Killian reassures me, “besides, you worked sohardlast night that you deserve the rest.”
Heat flushes my cheeks as Killian winks and a low scoff rises from my throat.
“Is that what that was?” I shoot right back. “I was able to get out of bed so clearly someone is slipping.”
Killian snaps his teeth lightly at me, a good natured laugh rumbling in his chest as he lightly jiggles Cole against his shoulder.
“Well I’ll shoot for limbless next time, shall I?” he remarks. Pecking his cheek, I also press a kiss to Cole’s chubby cheek before turning and leading the way downstairs.
I’d say more but delicate ears are so close.
Archer’s already in the kitchen nursing a cup of coffee when we arrive. He’s dressed as smartly as Killian and he turns on his stool immediately when we enter.
“Boss,” Archer greets, his smile melting immediately at the sight of Cole. Archer has become a staple in this household and I’ll have it no other way. I greet him with a smile, weaving around him with a touch to the shoulder and head for the fruit bowl. Fruit salad for breakfast feels like the best way to go, especially since each moment I’m awake, further aches in my body let themselves be known.
“Anything interesting?” Killian asks, indicating to the tablet in front of Archer as he deposits Cole into his highchair. Archer’s nose wrinkles and he shakes his head, holding the tablet out for Killian to go over.
“The Mayor announced a crackdown on drugs but one of our sources within the police department tells us they’re looking in completely the wrong place,” Archer replies, turning back to his coffee. “And a general from the Cartel wants to set up a meet. They’re in need of weapons though it’s unclear as to why. Cain thinks there’s turmoil between them and the Yakuza but it’s unconfirmed.”
“Hm,” Killian grunts softly as he reads through the information on the tablet.
Pressing a kiss to the top of Cole’s head as I pass, I step around the counter and gather up a couple of pieces of fruit, setting them on the board for chopping. Knife in hand, the bananas and apples don’t stand a chance.
This is my favorite kind of morning. Warmth in the kitchen, Cole happy and bubbling away, the talk of business starting with positive news. Our world, as stressful as it can be, has been quiet ever since Feliks dealt with the last of the Russian loyalists and peace has never been sweeter.
“Do you have plans today?” Killian asks, setting the tablet aside back near Archer and pouring himself a cup of coffee in his travel mug. He pauses, then shakes the mug at Archer, quietly offering him the same. Archer nods, draining his current mug in the process.
“Cole and Emilia have a playdate while Sienna and I meet with Feliks to discuss our investment in their new Burlesque clubs,” I reply, “last we spoke he was more than happy for me to lead so I’m looking forward to getting my teeth into that.”
“Burlesque huh?” Killian smirks at me over the top of his mug, drowning his cheekiness in a large drink as he passes Archer his own travel mug. Archer chuckles, taking his cue to bow out of the conversation and get the car started as Killian approaches me once more.
“Yes,” I remark easily, knife pausing over the fruit as he steps closer. “Burlesque is much classier than brothels and safer for the girls too. Not only will it be ahugeincrease in revenue for the Russians, but with the building lots I plan on investing in, we’ll have staple safe houses across the city. Besides, girls who are taken care of and paid well can turn a pretty trick for the information youcan’tget from breaking fingers.”
“I trust you’ll make it amazing,” Killian purrs softly, pressing a lingering kiss to my cheek. “I’m proud of you. You’ve taken the best of all of us and are creating something unique.”
“Well, I learned from the best,” I tease, pressing a gentle kiss to his jaw.
“Me?”