by McBain, Mara
“It’s okay, buddy. Porch!”
Trudging on, he continued to pray. Daddy had woken him up. He had to be looking down on them.
“Trey!”
Gen’s voice cut through the wind. It was beautiful. He didn’t have the breath to bellow an answer, but Brute barked and tugged more insistently on the scarf, trying to urge him on. Gen yelled again. He shifted Nate higher on his shoulder and hurried his step as much as he could.
“Almost there,” he panted.
Nate didn’t answer. Grimacing, Trey plowed through another drift. The scarf went slack. His heart pounded as he waited for Brutus to lunge forward again. The dog circled him, nosing at the back of his thigh. He took a blind step and hit his shin on the porch. Cole suddenly appeared in front of him, taking Nate’s limp body off his shoulder. Trey struggled up the couple of steps to the porch, the glow of light finally cutting through the white. Genevieve grabbed his arm, pulling him through the doorway. Limbs leaden, he tripped over the threshold. His boots slid on the foyer’s wet floor and he hit his knees. Gen and Brute pressed worriedly to him. The door closed behind them and his shoulders slumped in relief.
Chapter Five
“Let’s get both of them in by the fire,” Adrienne said briskly, lifting his right arm to drape it over her shoulders.
Somewhere he found the strength to smile and shake his head at the absurdity of the petite woman moving his bulk. She smacked his arm and he chuckled before Cole came back and nudged her aside to help him stand. Gen pushed under his other arm, hugging his waist as they moved to the living room. He staggered and groaned as he sank down in a chair by the fire.
“We need to get the wet clothes off them,” Gen said, already tugging at his heavy coat. “Adrienne, help Cole with Nate, please.”
Nate mumbled a protest, staring at the strange woman pulling at his clothes.
“Relax. Lucky for you I’m very good at undressing men,” Adri teased.
Cole shot her a look and Gen choked. Trey just shook his head. Adrienne had the good grace to blush, but smiled saucily.
“That didn’t come out exactly right.”
“There is more than one way to take that?” Cole asked, arching an eyebrow at her.
Adrienne wisely kept her mouth shut; concentrating on stripping Nate’s wet icy clothing away. Still shaking her head at her friend, Gen knelt at Trey’s feet and tugged at his snowy boots. Her hands slipped and she tumbled backward, landing on her bottom.
“Go grab me the jack, darlin’.”
She blushed and scurried to the kitchen without a word. He patted his leg, calling Brute to him. Untying the scarf, he rubbed the dog’s head.
“I owe you,” he said. The beast seemed to smile at him, tongue lolling out.
The boot jack clattered at his feet and Gen set a steaming carafe of coffee on the side table with a stack of cups. Pushing himself up, Trey levered off his boots and kicked them aside. Gen nudged him back down in the chair, tugging off his shirt and rubbing at his wet skin with a fire-warmed towel.
“Pants next, big man,” she muttered and reached for his buttons.
“There’s nothing under these jeans, darlin’,” he warned with a tired smile. Pins and needles were starting to burn his skin. That was a good sign.
“Then it’s a good thing Adri is so familiar with the male physique,” Gen said, pushing his hands away.
“These are the 1930s, Trey. I promise not to swoon and I’m fairly sure the rest of them have seen what you have.”
“I wasn’t too worried about your sensibilities, Adri, but my beautiful wife has a possessive streak,” he drawled.
“I, for one, don’t want to see it,” Nate said weakly.
“Then close your eyes. I’m cold and wet because of your dumb ass.”
The surge of annoyance helped chase some of the exhaustion sapping his muscles and he levered himself to his feet.
“What in the hell were you doing out there?” Cole asked, yanking Nate’s boots off.
“Merry Christmas to you too.”
“Don’t give me your shit. I agree with Trey for once. You’re a dumbass. Did you forget what a blizzard was, city boy?”
“I was tired of sitting at the train station. It let up. I thought I could make it from town.”
“Well you almost thought wrong!” Trey snapped, shielding his modesty with a quilt, while Gen toweled him off.
“I’ll get you some clothes,” Gen said and started to turn for the stairs. Trey caught her arm.
“Put some warm, dry clothes on before you come back down.” He shook his head when she opened her mouth. “Did that sound like a request, woman?”
Her mouth snapped shut and she nodded before rushing for the stairs. He watched after her in regret. She was holding it together, but the strain was clear on her face.
“Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“Well, you sure as hell did that.”
“Can’t all this brotherly love wait until he’s feeling a little better?”
Trey’s head whipped around and he pinned the songbird with a glare. “His lips are flapping, he ain’t dying.”
Adrienne’s lips set in a line of disapproval as she carefully toweled Nate off and helped Cole wrap him in warmed quilts. Trey was glad to see the boy was starting to shake again. Their mama had always said it was a bad sign when they stopped shivering. Tightening the blanket around his waist, Trey walked into the office. He shook off the chill, missing the fire’s comfort as he groped in his desk drawer for the bottle of whiskey. Making his way back to his chair, he added a generous dollop to his coffee and handed the bottle to Cole.
“Take a drink, dumbass. Maybe it will help warm you up,” Cole muttered after splashing some in Nate’s coffee.
Gen reappeared in warm pajamas and a robe, slippers on her feet. Handing him dry clothes, she passed some to the others before picking up a damp towel and mopping at the puddles on the floor.
“Everyone is going to be okay, darling,’” he said, catching her arm again and pulling her close.
She nodded, but the arms that tightened around his waist told a different story. She clung to him.
“Why don’t you go get changed. I’ve got him,” Cole said to Adrienne.
She hesitated, looking down at Nate. Trey’s eyes narrowed as she stroked his youngest brother’s cheek. He saw Cole’s jaw tighten.
“I’ll be right back, handsome.”
“I’ll be right here,” Nate said, offering her a little smile through the chattering of his teeth.
“Unless I throw your ass back out in a snowdrift,” Cole muttered.
Adrienne gave him an exasperated look as she stood and grabbed up the clothes Gen had brought down.
“Don’t be childish.”
Cole opened his mouth, a hot retort obviously on his tongue, but snapped it back shut. He watched Adrienne leave the room and then looked back down at their little brother.
“Rein in the dimples, pretty boy, before I rearrange those classic good looks.”
Trey rolled his eyes and pulled Gen closer in his lap to mutter against her temple, “Look out, darlin’, we’re about to have a battle of the egos. Hide the mirrors.”
“What did I do?” Nate asked.
“You mean besides panicking the big guy, rolling our asses out of bed before the crack of dawn, and nearly killing yourself with stupidity?” Cole asked, sarcasm dripping from his normally easy going tone.
“Lord, you’re starting to sound as much like Daddy as Trey does. I said I was sorry,” Nate said sulkily.
“Actually you haven’t, but do you have any idea what Daddy would’ve done if you’d pulled something that stupid?” Trey asked.
“I made it. What’re you getting so bent out of shape about. I’m tougher than I look. I’m still a McCade in case you’ve forgotten.”
“You just don’t get it, boy. If Gen hadn’t insisted on letting Brute in the house you m
ight’ve died. Even if I had heard you,” Trey stopped and shook his head.
Gen’s arms tightened around him. “You both could’ve died,” she whispered.
“That didn’t happen. You’re stuck with me.”
“It was so hard to just stand there and hold the light. When Cole came back without you…” Gen swallowed audibly and pressed her nose against the side of his neck.
“Your sweet wife showed a bit of that temper redheads are famous for,” Cole said with a big grin. “She pretty much told me to get my ass back out there and not to come back without you.”
“Yeah, well my little firebrand has taken a shine to me,” Trey said with a chuckle, and kissed the top of Gen’s head.
“Who is he and what has he done with Trey?” Nate asked in a loud stage whisper.
Cole laughed but Adrienne’s return distracted him from any answer he might have had. The look on Nate’s face wasn’t any less poleaxed. Trey sighed. There was something about the green silk kimono robe that prodded the imagination, no matter how much it covered. The petite brunette pulled a padded footstool over to perch near Nate’s head. Cole crouched next to her, as if warning Nate away. It didn’t work.
“I think I’m in love,” Nate said softly.
Adrienne laughed and stroked his cheek again, her hand coming to rest on his forehead to check for a fever. “I think you better ease up on the Irish coffee, handsome.”
Trey snorted at the goofy grin on the boy’s face and shook his head. The glower Cole was giving the younger man warned this was going to get ugly if he didn’t step in. Tilting Gen back from his chest, he brushed strands of copper off her face and gave her a gentle kiss.
“Since we’re all up, why don’t you ladies see what you can rustle up for breakfast? Cole and I can keep an eye on the dumbass.”
Gen tilted her head, leaning her cheek into the palm of his hand and he found himself humbled by the pure love that shone from her face.
“I’ll always come back to you,” he said, his voice sounding hoarse in the quiet. “You can’t get rid of me that easily, woman,” he added, trying to lighten the moment.
Her face lit in a smile and she cupped his cheeks to give him a slow kiss. “Then I’m a lucky woman.”
Trey grinned and lifted her to her feet. “I’m the lucky one, darlin’.”
Adrienne stood and leaned over Cole’s shoulder, pressing her cheek to his. “Aren’t they adorable?” she whispered loudly.
“Not as adorable as you,” Cole answered easily.
Adrienne squeezed his shoulders and kissed his cheek with a laugh before straightening and following Gen to the kitchen.
“She called me handsome,” Nate said with a goofy grin.
“She also told you to back off on the sauce,” Cole said dryly.
“Who is she?”
“Genevieve’s friend from New York.”
“She’s an angel.”
Trey snorted and stood to pick up the bottle of whiskey. “No more of this for you.”
Cole laughed and tugged the quilt higher around their shivering brother. “You’re lucky you almost froze to death. If you were healthy, I’d have to kick your ass for ogling my woman.”
“Your woman? She stripped off my clothes and called me handsome.”
“I saw her Nurse Nightingale routine. We were all worried about you. Don’t read too much into that.”
“Does this mean you aren’t worried about me anymore?” Nate teased.
“Keep flirting with my woman and I’ll throw you back out in the snow.”
“What if she flirts with me?”
“Don’t worry about her. You worry about me, little brother.”
“You sound like Daddy and Trey,” Nate grumbled.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“And on that comment I’m cutting you both off,” Trey said dryly.
Walking through the foyer with a fresh cup of coffee, Cole was drawn to the window. He leaned against the jamb, staring out at the swirling wall of white. Standing on the porch searching the dark for any sign of his brothers had been agonizing. In those long minutes, he hadn’t needed Gen’s anger to make him regret his decision to return to the house. A grimace creased his face. Truth be told, he idolized Trey as much as Gen did. When his big brother had yelled that he had it, to go back to the house, Cole hadn’t even thought to question it. Trey was large and in charge. Everything about him inspired confidence he would get the job done. Cole sighed. Even so, he’d never been so happy to see anyone in his life as when Trey had stumbled up to the porch with Nate over his shoulder.
Adrienne’s laughter cut through the air. Cole pulled his stare from the window and glanced into the living room. What could the runt be telling her that was so hilarious? With their heads pressed together, the quiet murmur of their voices wasn’t carrying. Pushing away from the jamb, he strolled back into the family room to glare pointedly at their little brother. It was one thing to have to be jealous of Trey saving the day, but there was no way Nate should be rewarded for his stupidity. He was milking his misadventure for all it was worth, and Adrienne was proving to be a dedicated nursemaid. Nate yawned and Adrienne leaned forward to fluff his pillow and tug a blanket closer.
“Why don’t we give Nate a chance to catch a nap? We can go in the dining room and play some cards?” Genevieve suggested.
Trey looked as surprised by the suggestion as anyone. He met Cole’s eye. Nodding his agreement, Cole walked over to offer his hand to Adrienne.
“Don’t look so shocked. I’m not suggesting high stakes poker. I just thought it would be a way to pass the time,” Gen said, a slight blush staining her cheeks.
“It sounds good, baby,” Trey said, standing up with her in his arms. “I haven’t played cards since Daddy was sick. If you’ll bring up some cider, it will just take me a couple of minutes to pop us some corn.”
“I’m really not that tired,” Nate protested as Trey and Gen left the room.
Cole helped Adrienne smoothly to her feet. “Take a nap, runt. Maybe you can sit at the big kids table next time,” he said with a wink.
Adrienne laughed and wrapped her hands around his bicep as he led her into the dining room. She stretched as he pulled a chair out for her. He turned to light the oil lamps.
“I’m glad Gen suggested this. I needed a break,” she said with a guilty giggle. Her eyes darted to the doorway. “I’m trying to help her out, let her cuddle with the big man. The rescue this morning really shook her up. I think she thought she’d lost the big lug.”
Some of the tension eased from Cole’s shoulders and he reached out to rub the back of her neck. “That’s nice of you. I guess Gen and Trey share that trait. They both feel like they need to take care of the world.”
Adri nodded, head lolling back with a little look of pleasure as he massaged tired muscles. She seemed lost in thought for several minutes and he was about to ask if he’d put her to sleep when she spoke again.
“Even back in New York, penniless and starving, she was always trying to look out for others. It used to make me so angry, sad, and proud all at the same time to see her hand food or money she’d worked so hard for to someone else because she thought they needed it worse. That’s just who she is,” she said, casting another glance at the doorway.
“Maybe that’s why they’re so good together. Neither one of them knows how to put themselves first, and this way they take care of each other,” Cole said with a grin.
“Oh, well said, cowboy,” Adrienne whispered, a radiant smile spreading across her face. “Who said Nate was the smart one?”
Cole snorted and rolled his eyes. “That was probably Nate.”
Adrienne smacked his arm gently and took the seat he held out for her as Gen came back with a jug of cider and glasses. A couple of minutes later, Trey plunked a bowl of popcorn in the middle of the table before retrieving a deck of cards from the cabinet. Easy laughter floated around the table as they went over the rules and dealt the
cards. Cole looked around. Despite the weather and the close calls, Trey was relaxed and smiling. Gen was so good for him. This was nice. Adrienne caught his eye and winked. He grinned; he could get used to this. Picking up his cards, he leaned back in his chair and followed his big brother’s lead, pushing aside worries about the howling wind and faulty tangle of wires, and just enjoying the teasing and stories of childhood adventures.
Adrienne shivered as she stepped out of the bathroom. She was thankful for the warm water the men had carried upstairs so they could wash up, but now she was chilled. She hurried down the hall toward her room. Slipping inside, she blew out the candle and dove onto the bed, bouncing and wiggling under the blankets. The sheets were cool against her skin and she shuddered, pulling the quilt up to her nose and praying the bed would hurry and warm.
She closed her eyes. They’d finished the night gathered back in front of the fireplace. They’d warmed spiced cider over the flames and continued the jokes and stories that had flowed while they’d played cards. She snuggled deeper into the mattress, remembering the heat of Cole’s body when she’d leaned back against his chest. The position had been comfortable and she’d been surprised by the feeling of security.
She shook her head at the silly thoughts. It wasn’t like she hadn’t shared a man’s body heat before. Funny, sitting there among family and friends had felt intimate, but comfortable. Another shiver ran through her, and she glanced toward the window at a high-pitched sound. She held her breath. Though it had eased up, the wind still rattled the panes. Biting her lip, she closed her eyes. Concentrating on slowing the pound of her heart, she tried to shrug off her ridiculous fears. She felt like a little girl again, jumping in bed and wondering what lurked in the dark. She snorted at herself and shook her head.
Her eyes flew open as someone screamed outside the window. Her heart pounded. Tossing aside the blankets, she scrambled for the door. The hallway was silent as she scurried down the hall, her eyes darting back and forth, probing every shadow and corner. She hesitated outside Cole’s door, her fist raised. Another scream broke the night and she fumbled for the door handle.
