Texas Lullaby (Texas Montgomery Mavericks Book 7) Read Online Free PDF Page B

took Lydia’s hand and led her into the small living room area of the suite. They both collapsed on the sofa.
    “I was getting worried about you,” he said
    “Afraid I’d run off and leave you with the kids?” she asked with a smile.
    “Nope. I’ve seen you with them. You’re a natural mother.”
    Her face flushed. “No, I’m not. I’ll never be able to replace Meredith.”
    “Then don’t try. Just be you, and they’ll love you.”
    She shrugged. “Thank you for taking care of them this afternoon. Without them underfoot, the packing went pretty fast.”
    He put his arm around her. “How are you doing? It’s been a hell of a couple of days.”
    “Not so good. I miss my sister.” She twisted on the seat until she was facing him. “I can’t believe she’s gone.” Her eyes grew shiny with tears. “I can’t do this,” she whispered.
    “Yes, you can. You’re strong and brave. Your sister knew you would love her kids as much as she did. She trusted you.”
    Tears rolled down her face. “I want to curl up in a corner and stay there until this nightmare is over.”
    “I know,” he said and pulled her snuggly against him. “I know.” He kissed the top of her head. “Just take it a day at a time. And if that’s too much, an hour at a time. You’ll come out on the other side, just like they will. You’ll see.”
    She sniffed and settled her head on his chest. His shirt grew wet with her tears, but that was okay. She could lean on him. He loved her.
    He could give her the support she needed…for now.

Chapter Three
    Late the next day, an exhausted Lydia, Jason, three kids and one very large dog pulled into the drive at Lydia’s house. Never had her own place looked so good. Except, now that she studied her cozy little abode, how in the world would she, Annie, Ellery, Levi and one very large, very hairy dog fit into her two-bedroom, one-bath home? At least the backyard was fenced for Jasper. Thank goodness for small wins.
    “Are Momma and Daddy here?” Ellery asked.
    The question was a direct hit to Lydia’s solar plexus. She drew in a deep breath and turned around in the passenger seat until she could see the girls.
    “No. Remember I told you that your momma and daddy had gone to heaven to live with the angels?”
    Ellery looked at her mulishly. “I don’t want them to go live in heaven. I want them to live with us.” Her bottom lip stuck out in a pout.
    “Me too,” Annie said, her mouth striking the same pose.
    Me three , Lydia thought. “I know, sweetheart.”
    Both girls started crying, which woke Levi and got him on a crying jag.
    She cut her gaze to Jason, who was watching her. He lifted one eyebrow in question and she shrugged.
    This was too hard. How was she ever going to do this?
    She forced herself to open the passenger door. “Come on. Let’s go inside and get ready for bed.”
    “I don’t wanna go to bed,” Ellery wailed.
    “Me neither,” Annie echoed.
    Drawing in a deep breath, Lydia climbed out of the car. Jason did the same on the other side.
    “Can you get Levi? I’ll get the girls.”
    “No,” Ellery said obstinately. “I want Uncle Jason. I don’t want you.”
    “Me too,” Annie said.
    “I’ve got them, Lydia. You get Levi and the dog.”
    By the time she got Jasper leashed up and Levi unbuckled from his seat, Jason and the girls had disappeared into her house.
    As Jasper pulled her toward the porch, she tightened her hold on Levi and let her mind run through their sleeping options. For tonight, the girls could sleep either with her in her bed or she’d have to make a pallet of blankets on the floor. The second bedroom was where she kept her recliner, a desk and a desktop computer, not to mention the stacks of medical journals she swore she would read one day. She’d need to get a couple of twin beds for there. That solved the future sleeping arrangements for the girls, but where was she going to put Levi? She needed another bedroom. And probably another