In A Ball Of Red (3/5)

[paulacas]

Title: In A Ball Of Red

Author: YanzaDracan

Word Count: 5,463/24,622

See Masterpost for the rest.

 

One the way to Carlson's camp, Kane watched the three men. Carlson and Morgan chatted openly like people of long acquaintance are want to do. He started to get a feel for the men and liked what he saw, but Sterling was a whole other kettle of fish. The man reminded him of the various and sundry grifters they'd met when he was traveling with Eliot. He decided to watch a while longer just to be certain.
 

They approached a herd of cattle and horses before they reached camp. Combined crews from the Twin C and Rocking M keeping them settled. Kane paused to look them over, but Chris had yelled for him so he rode on. Cowboys came to take charge of the horses as Jeff, Chris, and Jim stepped down. The cowboy that reached for Kane's buckskin was met with flattened ears and snapping teeth.
 

He tried not to laugh as the young man scampered out of the way.
 

"I'll take care of my boys if ya jist point me in the right direction. They're a tad particular 'bout who handles 'em." Kane drawled.
 

With a quick bob of his head, the cowboy headed toward a good sized creek. The familiar routine didn't take long to accomplish. As he tied the geldings to the picket line he admonished them to behave.
 

Back in camp proper, introductions were made all around. Chris introduced his wife Sandra. Kane bowed over her hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles.
 

His rough, "Pleasure, ma'am," brought a bright blush to her cheeks.
 

Carlson directed his attention to the right. "You've already met James. This is his charming sister-in-law, Tara Carlisle."
 

His expression never changed, but blue/grey eyes narrowed at the tall blonde. He bowed over her hand as well.
 

"Miss Tara." His growl sounded threatening, but only to Sterling and Tara.
 

Before any more could be said a man about his own age with wavy sun streaked hair that brushed his shoulders came from the direction of the chuck wagon.
 

"Steven!" Chris raised his voice to catch the young man's attention. "Steven, I'd like you to meet Kane. He's agreed to sign on to break and train our horses."
 

"Pleasure…" Whatever else Steven was going to say was lost when their hands joined.
 

Fire ran along his nerves as their hands joined and he looked into pale blue eyes.
 

"Is all mine." Kane purred low.
 

Color rose from Steven's collar to the roots of his hair at Kane's smoky reply. His mother's innocent question about dinner caused him to drop Kane's hand like he'd been stung before giving his attention to his mother.
 

The Carlsons walked in the direction of the chuck wagon while Morgan spoke with the cowboy that was caring for the horses. Kane turned his attention back to James and Tara.
 

"Horses or the cattle?" He asked quietly.
 

"Horses." Tara said bluntly. "And the son." She swished her skirts.
 

A slow nasty smile stretched across the rugged face. "Think ya just lost out on that one, sweetheart."
 

Sterling made a noise of protest, but was quieted by a glare from Tara.
 

"How did you know?" She didn't like making mistakes.
 

"Seen ya work before. Thought you were a solo act, though." Kane's grin was still all teeth.
 

"It's a trial run." Sterling glared back at the blonde woman.
 

"Think y'all'd do better where people don't have such long memories."
 

"What's your play, Kane?" Sterling's tone was nasty.
 

"No play, been outta the game a while now. Doesn't mean I forgot how to read the signs." Kane chided.
 

They kept an eye on the rest of the group. Chris yelled for them to come eat. Kane eyed the grifters.
 

"We'll make our excuses in the morning, to go back to the city." Sterling spat.
 

Kane nodded his agreement. Chris yelled again.
 

"Tell ya what-I'll take a look at the horses after supper, you tell me 'bout 'em, honestly, and if I like what I hear and see I'll take 'em off yer hands for a fair price."
 

The three started toward the chuck wagon.
 

"Why would you do that?" James asked suspiciously.
 

"As a favor to the horses, and we'll call it a reward for ya goin' without a fuss." Kane drawled and extended his hand.
 

Sterling looked at the long haired man, at Tara, who nodded, then back at Kane before taking his hand.
 

After dinner, James and Kane walked out to where six horses were tethered away from the others. Curious, Steven wandered along behind.
 

Physically the four mares and two geldings looked sound. Kane checked them over carefully then smiled when he noticed none of the horses were shod. *Indian ponies*, he thought with a grin. Taking a length of braided rawhide from where it wound around his waist, he looped it around the lower jaw of a stocky black and white paint before pulling her off the picket line.
 

Agilely swinging onto her bare back, Kane ran the mare through her paces, controlling her with his legs, knees and by shifting his weight. He brought the mare to a stop and slid easily off her back. He slid her halter back on and tied her with the others.
 

Looping the rawhide over his gun belt, Kane approaches the group that had gathered. Chris was grinning widely at the show of Kane's abilities while everyone else waited to see what was going to happen next.
 

Kane simply looked at Sterling.
 

"Fifty a head." The Englishman barked.
 

Kane chuckled low. "They're Indian ponies, Sterling. Ten."
 

"Thirty." James frowned. "How did you know?" He barked.
 

"Twenty and I'll pay you in coin." Kane smirked then dropped his voice. "No shoes."
 

"Done." Sterling held out his hand, which Kane took.
 

"Bill of Sale and we'll be square."
 

Sandra produced paper and pen. Sterling wrote out a bill of sale while Kane called River to him. He pulled off the dog's collar and worked his fingers into the braided leather. A few minutes later he handed the gaping Englishman six gold Double Eagles.
 

"You let your dog carry your money!?" He gasped.
 

"Would you think to look there?" Kane smirked.
 

The next morning Kane was stringing his horses together and tying them to his pack horse when Steven approached asking shyly if he could give him a hand. With a smile that melted hearts across most of Europe, Kane showed him what needed done.
 

By the time they herded the cattle into the holding pens outside of town and settled their horses at the livery, Kane knew Steven Carlson's life story. He'd told Steven about growing up in Oklahoma, and traveling with Buffalo Bill, but nothing about Eliot or his stint as a retrieval specialist.
 

After securing a room, Kane gathered his kit and a change of clothes and headed for the bath house. On the way he posted his latest packet to Evangeline Hardison.
 

He got back to the hotel in time to see Morgan and Chris headed toward the saloon. River cracked a blue eye from the chaise lounge as Kane repacked his saddle bags.
 

"You should be in the barn with the horses." Kane groused at his friend.
 

The dog gave an exasperated snort before closing his eyes and ignoring his human. Leaving his hair hang loose instead of fighting the curls into their usual braid, and headed back to the dining room.
 

Steven and Sandra had just sat down when Kane entered the room. The blond man stood and motioned for Kane to join them.
 

A relaxing evening spent with Steven and Sandra on the hotel veranda and Kane was ready to call it a night. He'd be leaving early with cowboys that were driving the cattle to the two ranches.
 

Sandra and Chris would be along after picking up their monthly supplies. Steven was riding back with Kane to help get him settled and show him around the ranch.
 

Kane watched Steven, and Morgan as they neared the Rocking M. Something had Morgan keyed up. While nothing showed on his face, his horse had picked up his mood and was dancing and bumping Steven's horse making the grey mare surly.
 

Steven smiled indulgently while Kane was about to knock the ranch owner in the dirt when Steven said just one word.
 

"Jeffrey."
 

Man and horse both stopped. Giving the younger man a sheepish look from under the brim of his hat, he visibly relaxed in his saddle. His horse relaxed and started to behave.
 

"Sorry."
 

At Kane's questioning look, Steve chuckled.
 

"You'll see when we get to the Rocking M."
 

They broke over the rise to see the Rocking M in the distance. Kane caught sight of two riders moving towards them. He looked around to verify everyone's position. He called River to heel-his tone causing the pack horse to move closer, bumping Kane's leg with his nose. The horses tied to his pack harness suddenly came alert.
 

Steven's eyes widened as Jeff's narrowed.
 

"Ya can relax, ol' son. It's just my partner and foreman, Jensen and my niece, Alona." Jeff assured him.
 

Kane appeared relaxed, but judging by his animals they were all ready if they were meeting trouble. The riders dropped from a lope to walk so as to not spook the cattle. A gust of wind caught the man's hat causing it to dangle down his back by the stampede cord.
 

"By all the Gods." Kane breathed out.
 

Steven smirked at Kane's reaction to Jeff's foreman.
 

"Now you know why Jeff's excited. He's been away from the ranch for a month."
 

Green/gold eyes met his. Sun kissed brown hair brushed his shoulders, and a face that made Kane wish he had his grandfather's talent for drawing. His brain finally processed what Steve said.
 

An arched eyebrow and narrowed eyes looked for the joke as his expense. Twinkling blue eyes met his.
 

"Jensen and Jeff?" He kept his voice low. Then he noticed Jeff's horse pressed against Jensen's, but also including the petite blonde.
 

"They get away with it?" Kane still sounded skeptical.
 

"Most of their hands been with them for years, and they're careful."
 

Kane locked eyes with Steven. "Are you careful, too, Steven?" His husky voice dropped to a purr and heat churned in eyes like a spring storm.
 

Steven shifted restlessly in his saddle causing his horse to sidle closer. Kane's buckskin started to take exception until he twitched the reins. Steve blushed a deep red under his tan, but the blue eyes that met Kane's were filled with wonder and not a little heat of their own.
 

Their little staring contest was interrupted by Jeff riding up with the others to make introductions.
 

"Y'all might as well take a break get some dinner while we sort out the cattle." Jensen drawled as he eyed Kane and Steven. "Jeff's sister-in-law, Sam's, a fair cook and you won't find the portions lackin'."
 

Jensen exchanged a look with Jeff, who rode out front with his niece, Alona, while he dropped back with Kane and Steven.
 

Using the excuse of his horses, Kane dropped back to let the men catch up. He found the dynamic of the men interesting in that Jeff deferred to Jensen though Jeff was older.
 

At the ranch, Kane pulled the bridle off the buckskin so it was easier for the gelding to drink before moving to the horses tied to the pack horse. They all stood patiently as he talked, crooned and finally led them around the trough to drink. As delicate as a cat, River perched on the edge of the trough until the pack horse gave him a nudge causing him to fall in the water. Kane swore in several languages as his dog found it amusing to shake the excess water on his owner.
 

Spotting a Spanish oak not too far from the house, he led his horses over to rest out of the noon day sun. He'd just settled back against the old tree, River stretched out at his side when he heard arguing. Steven stormed out the screen door in a high temper, Jensen two steps behind his body language pleading for understanding.
 

"I'm thirty-two years old, Jensen, and unlike this asylum you ride ramrod on, I do not need a wet nurse!"
 

"Steven. No one's trying to wet nurse ya. I just…"
 

"Don't even finish that thought, Ackles." Steven spun around to face the handsome foreman.
 

"Please, Steven…I'm sorry. Find Kane and git 'im in here before I'm sleepin' in the barn."
 

"This topic closed?" Steven glared.
 

"Absolutely." Jensen raised his hands in surrender.
 

Kane remained where he was as Steven stalked across the stable yard.
 

"Time for lunch."
 

"Trouble in paradise, Duchess?"
 

"Just well intentioned friends." Steven sighed heavily.
 

"Because I'm an itinerate horse breaker, Cherokee or something else."
 

"Stranger with a reputation...almost mystical way with animals," Steven waved his hand to indicate the dozing horses and dog, "and apparently people, too." He smiled softly.
 

Kane rose slowly so as to not disturb the animals. "If it eases your mind-I'm not a gold digger or seducer of innocents. As an added bonus I do a little doctorin' on the side." He brushed the dust off his pants before walking with a smiling Steven to the house.
 

The cattle were finally separated and everyone ready by the time Chris and Sandra arrived at the Rocking M. Together, they resumed their journey to the Twin C.
 

The workers at the Twin C were an eclectic combination of Anglo, Mexican and Native. Jim Bever was the Carlson's foreman. After staring at Kane for several minutes he stuck out his hand.
 

"Heard 'bout you. Lookin' forward to watchin' ya work, boy."
 

Kane returned the man's grin with one of his own. "It'll be an interesting experiment."
 

His quarters were a small cabin set close to the stables. After settling himself and his horses, Steven gave him a tour of the compound. When they got back to the cabin, Steven seemed reluctant to leave until Kane asked him to ride with him in the morning to show him the rest of the herd.
 

Kane sat on his cabin's porch, feet propped on the rail, River on his back, feet in the air, dreaming his doggie dreams. A cup of coffee was cooling in his hand as he enjoyed watching the ranch settle into another night. Various herbs hung drying from the rafters. A small smile graced his face as he remembered back a couple weeks, River bringing a whimpering little girl with skinned hands and knees to the porch just as he finished his supper.
 

It didn't take long before people would stop by in the evenings, and Kane was once again using the medical skills learned at his grandfather's knee.
 

Steven expressed his concern that Kane was spreading himself too thin, working with the horses during the day and working as a healer in the evenings, but Kane shrugged off his concern and never turned anyone away.
 

The men's relationship continued to deepen. Steven spent many evenings with Kane, keeping him company as he treated their workers' various complaints. When Steven discovered Kane played guitar, the men were often found with their heads together bent over their instruments, lost in their music.
 

Sandra and Chris worried silently for their son. They knew of his proclivity toward men, and hoped when Kane became aware of Steven's nature that he would not hurt him.
 

Knowing Chris would never say anything to Steven or Kane, Sandra waited until Chris and Steven had taken an overnight trip to the Rocking M to deliver a string of horses before inviting Kane to her join her for supper.
 

She kept things light until they retired to the patio. Kane savored the smooth bite of his cigar and the Carlsons' aged brandy. He knew Sandra had something on her mind, and guessed it had something to do with Steven, so he enjoyed the expensive cigar and excellent brandy while waiting for her to speak her piece.
 

"Mr. Kane…Kane…is Kane the only name you have?" She sounded exasperated.
 

"No, but only family uses my other name." Kane offered quietly.
 

With a little huff she continued.
 

"You've been spending a lot of time with my son."
 

Kane now knew the topic of their conversation. He was about to be warned or warned off, he wasn't sure which, yet. Unblinking blue/grey eyes continued to watch Sandra intently.
Sandra thought-their eyes eerily the same when they were staring you down.
 

*Damn man's as bad as his dog.*

"I don't wish to see him hurt."
 

Kane silently sipped his brandy.
 

"Steven's not like most men. He listens more to his heart than his head, and it tends to land him in trouble likely as not, and I'm trying to make sure he's not getting himself in too deep with you."
 

"Would it be a bad thing if he was in too deep with me?"
 

"You're a practical man…so…Yes. Your kind never stays."
 

Kane started to bristle. "My kind?" His tone was snide.
 

"Yes. Horse breakers… traveling men all of you. You never stay past the job. You, sir, have an incredible reputation for it." Sandra rose off the chaise to pace the patio.
 

"I see." He said quietly.
 

He set the crystal snifter carefully on the table before turning to the gate that led into the yard.
 

"Thank you for a lovely dinner, Mrs. Carlson. I would suggest that you have this conversation with Steven…perhaps find out his point of view on the matter." He paused before opening the gate. "By the by…Steven calls me by my given name."
 

Sandra stared dumbfounded after the dark haired man.
 

When her husband and son got home the next day, Sandra was quiet, lost in thought. When she cracked Steven's bedroom door on her way to bed, she was shocked when pale eyes met hers over Steven's bare shoulder.
 

Evangeline Hardison stared at the familiar handwriting on the thick envelope the postman just handed her. She called out to her eldest, Rachel, to watch the desk as she settled in her office.
 

The longer she read, the brighter her expression became. She often despaired for Christian-that he would ever find a place where he could make a home. Likening him to the tumbleweeds he often described, rolling whichever way the wind took them, but now it appeared he'd found someone able to stop his search long enough to put down roots.
 

Evangeline carefully refolded the letter and placed it in the cedar casket with all the others she'd received. She hoped one day to meet the infamous Eliot Spencer. If she did, she had a few choice words to give him along with his twin's letters.
 

After making her rounds and checking with Cook over the lunch and dinner menus, she shooed Rachel off to make sure the dining room was ready for the lunch crowd.
 

During the afternoon lull, Evangeline took the opportunity to catch up on her ledgers. Pleased with the numbers, she closed the safe door and was about to retire to her rooms when she heard the clatter of coaches in the courtyard.
 

Stepping onto the porch, she recognized the coaches from the livery by the docks, one loaded with baggage, the other with people.
 

A middle aged man with dark wavy hair was handing a beautiful brunette down from the coach. Evangeline's hand flew to her chest and her breath caught at the sight of the man that came down the steps of the coach behind the brunette.
 

Dark hair flowing below broad shoulders, rugged visage, eyes changeable as the New Orleans sky and dressed as fine as any Creole dandy was Eliot Spencer. He turned to give his hand to a pretty blonde that looked to be midway through her pregnancy. Instead of taking the proffered hand, she launched herself toward the man on the ground trusting that he would always catch her. Wrapping her legs around the trim waist she gave him a smacking kiss before he set her gently on her feet, and giving her a quick kiss on the forehead.
 

"One of these days you're gonna have to quit doin' that, sweetheart, the babies might not like it." He scolded gently.
 

"Don't care." She stated flatly before moving to Eliot's side.
 

They all stood staring at the door of the coach.
 

"Hardison, don't make me drag you out of there." Eliot growled.
 

Evangeline moved to the edge of the porch. A dark head popped out of the coach.
 

"What if…I mean she might not…you know I don't…" The young black man gave an undignified squawk as Eliot snatched him out of the coach.
 

"How old are you?" Eliot growled. "This is your mama, darlin', just git your ass over here-beggin your pardon, ma'am."
 

The long haired man turned, not surprised to see the petite black woman standing at his elbow.
 

"Alec?" She asked softly, reaching a hand out to touch his face.
 

"Nana." Was said with a soft sob as he gathered her in his arms.
 

The two men helped the drivers unload the luggage while Alec and his Nana held on to each other. They probably would have stayed in the courtyard all afternoon if not for Parker.
 

"Does that mean we can't have him back?" She asked Sophie loudly.
 

"No, dear. She's just glad to see him." A soft English accent answered.
 

"But he belongs to me and Eliot now." She sounded like she was pouting.
 

"Mrs. Hardison will give him back, Parker. She just wants to borrow him for a bit."
 

Evangeline gave an unladylike yell bringing half a dozen children of various ages running to the courtyard. Orders were barked, luggage disappeared, and she led the group into the lobby.
 

Sophia moved over the freshly laid tea service while Parker started poking through things like a curious kitten. Nate poured two fingers of whiskey in a tumbler, and Eliot settled where he could watch the entire room after accepting a cup of tea from Sophia.
 

Evangeline pulled Alec down beside her on the settee.
 

"Introduce me to your friends, Alec." She prompted.
 

He gestured toward the thin man with wavy brown hair and blue eyes. "Nathan Ford."
 

Then to the beautiful dark-haired woman. "Sophia Devereaux…Ford."
 

His face softened when he looked over to where Parker had curled against Eliot. "Parker and Eliot Spencer."
 

Evangeline's expression was soft and hopeful when she looked at Parker.
 

"How far along are you, dear?"
 

Parker frowned at the question, but before she could answer, Alec interrupted.
 

"Three months." He grinned widely.
 

Evangeline's eyes widened. Her head turned sharply toward Eliot when he spoke.
 

"Twins." He said simply.
 

"Yours?" She watched them from the corner of her eye as she faced Alec.
 

Both men shrugged, unconcerned, but watched her expression closely. "Maybe."
 

"Will you be staying until the birth?" Her expression turned sly.
 

"No." Nathan interjected. "There's someone we need to find who can assist with the births."
 

"Nana." Alec pulled her attention back. "Did a man who looks like Eliot come through here about 5 years ago…maybe gave you a letter?"
 

"A lot of people have come through here in five years, Alec. Wouldn't still be here if they didn't." Evangeline scolded.
 

"Miz. Hardison, please," Eliot expression was earnest, pleading.
 

"There was a young man, heartbroken that he was separated from his family." Amber colored eyes glared at Eliot.
 

Eliot ducked his head, Parker moved until she was practically in his lap. Alec left the settee to move to Eliot and Parker.
 

"Nana!" Alec tone was strident. "We didn't ask him to leave."
 

"Did you give him reason to stay?"
 

Alec sputtered, but Eliot put a hand on his.
 

"Miz Hardison-Christian is the only person I trust to deliver our babies. I know enough to know Parker can't deliver them on her own."
 

She stared hard at the trio. "How do these other two figure in all this?"
 

"They're part of our family." Parker snapped.
 

With a nod, Evangeline stood. "Y'all wait here. I have to fetch something from my office."
 

"Nana…" Alec started.
 

"Hush, Alec. Y'all had your say, now it's my turn. As soon as I get back, we'll talk some more. Joshua will show you where your rooms are if you want to freshen up." In a swirl of skirts and petticoats she moved away from the group.
 

A boy of eleven or twelve with café au lait skin waited for them to decide. Sophia stood to follow.
 

"I'm going to get out of this hat and jacket then be right back down. Don't let her start without me."
 

Parker unceremoniously jumped to her feet. "I gotta pee." She announced.
 

Joshua's eyes got wide at the blunt nature of Parker's statement. Alec shooed him up the stairs.
 

"I still remember where it is." He told the boy. Joshua nodded then left with Sophia.
 

When everyone returned, Evangeline and Eliot were at silent loggerheads. Nathan looked amused at the retrieval specialist being held at bay by Hardison's Nana.
 

"What a beautiful casket." Sophia remarked. "Cedar isn't it?"
 

"Does it have treasure?" Parker's eyes lit with excitement.
 

"Yes it has treasure. Treasure worth more than all your money." Evangeline still stared at Eliot.
 

"Oooh, can we see it? We have a lot of money."
 

"Most of it probably misgotten, too." She muttered under her breath.
 

"Nana!" Alec sounded horrified.
 

"You denyin' it, boy."
 

"We're retired, Madame." Nathan added to the mix.
 

"Temporarily, maybe." She eyed Parker's thickening waistline.
 

"We're helpin' people, too." Alec insisted.
 

She rolled her eyes at her son. "This casket holds pieces of a man's heart and soul. I expect you to treat the way it deserves." She walked over and handed the casket to Eliot.
 

Callused fingers moved reverently over the simple box. The expression in his blue/grey eyes made her breath catch.
 

"There's hasn't been a day go by I haven't wished for him beside me." He breathed out softly.
 

Alec and Parker crowded closer as Eliot opened the casket. Inside lay every missive Evangeline had ever received from Christian Kane.
 

"I received one just today. I had barely finished reading it when y'all pulled into the courtyard. I suspect you should take those to your suite to read. Supper is at eight, but I can have Cook make you up a tray to tide you over 'til then.
 

"That would be most kind." Sophia added when the three moved off toward the stairs without acknowledging them.
 

The casket sat like an elephant in the room until everyone was comfortable and Rachel had delivered several platters of food and beverages.
 

Eliot took out the first letter and carefully unfolded it and began to read.
 

Nathan and Sophia sat transfixed as Eliot's gravel voice painted pictures with his brother's words.
 

Christian probably never realized how much of himself he revealed in his letters. In the first letter he told Evangeline he hoped one day Eliot would bring Alec to New Orleans and she could pass on his letters.
 

During the fifth letter Eliot read, the tone changed. Christian had stopped in the middle of the letter he'd started to Eliot. The next line simply said, Dear Nana.
 

The pages dropped to the floor as Eliot stood and walked out the balcony doors. Alec and Parker exchanged a look. She went after Eliot while Alec picked up the letter. Sophia leaned heavily into Nathan, the older couple feeling helpless to aid any of them.
 

"Dear Nana," Alec's voice only cracked a little, "when I began this missive I was headed to Tahlequah, the place of our birth. The shaman of our tribe still lives though he has seen many years. He arranged for me to participate in a sweat lodge so that I might clear the darkness from my spirit.
 

Much was revealed to me during that time. I will not burden you with those that would hold no meaning but to Eliot or me, suffice to say that to find a degree of happiness as Eliot has found I must begin to tear down the wall I built around my heart when I left Paris.
 

I began this letter anew to correspond with the woman who showed me great kindness though I be a stranger. My journey will now take me to the south so these letters may be few for a time. Your friend, Christian Kane."
 

Alec placed the letter on the table and went to where Parker stood wrapped around a stoic Eliot.
 

"He hates me." Eliot forced out around the lump in his throat.
 

"On the contrary." Sophia injected.
 

Three sets of eyes turned to the grifter.
 

"What!?"
 

"All your lives you were each other's everything." Eliot nodded his agreement. "Then we became friends, but you were still each other's everything plus two."
 

Her audience was getting restless, but she refused to be rushed.
 

"When you met Parker and Hardison your world shifted. Christian was no longer your everything, but you were still his. You unknowingly broke his heart."
 

Eliot dipped his head. "So rather than stand on the outside looking in, he left trying to figure out how to survive with no one to cover his back."
 

"Precisely." Sophia agreed. "He had to grieve. He didn't want to mar your happiness. You had Parker and Alec to get you through." She stopped and took a breath. "He had to change his focus to survive.
 

"Why don't we go to dinner before we delve into the rest of the past five years?" Nathan rubbed his hands together.
 

If Evangeline was surprised to see the group in the dining room, she didn't let on. Everyone was looking a bit shell shocked so she seated them near the French doors to enjoy the evening breeze off the river and a little extra privacy.
 

Relaxed and well fed, Parker began to yawn widely and leaning first into Eliot and then Alec. The babies were placing a heavy strain on her physical resources-she never slept so much in her life. They agreed to put their search on hold until after breakfast.
 

Nathan and Sophia decided to sample New Orleans night life, Alec went to spend time with his Nana and meet his new siblings while Eliot settled beside Parker with a fresh pot of tea, a lap secretary, his spectacles, and Christian's letters.
 

By the time Alec returned he'd made good progress through the letters. He never knew his twin was such a wordsmith. Alec made short work of his bedtime ablutions before sliding in behind Parker. The blonde grumbled, but didn't wake.
 

"So where are we?" Alec asked softly.
 

"New Year's three years ago." Eliot pinched the bridge of his nose. "He spent Christmas here because he was tired of talking to his horses." His expression was sheepish when he looked over at Alec. "Your Nana must think I'm the worst brother, ever." He said softly.
 

"We talked about it. She understands. It's just that she knows Christian, she doesn't know you. Christian only ever said good things about you, but Nana hates seein' anyone alone and hurtin', so she sorta adopted him-same as he adopted her." He gave a slight shrug. "Now put that up so we can get some sleep. You know how Parker gets in the morning."
 

Eliot's chuckle was raunchy. "Hmmm. Better enjoy it while we can. A month from now will be a different story." He left the bed long enough to shut down all the gas lights and secure their room since Nathan and Sophia were still out.
 

When both men woke the next morning with a groan, Parker was proving what made her a world class thief. She had stolen both their breath and their senses. By the time she was finished with them, all that was heard from the bottom of the pile was a weakly protesting Alec.
 

Before Eliot and Alec got sorted out, Parker was in running her bath giving verbal jabs at men still sprawled across the bed.
 

"She's killin' us, you know." Alec panted.
 

"But what a way to go." Eliot rolled off the bed and headed to the bathroom. "She's gonna need every bit of that energy when the twins come."
 

"Is that our revenge?" Alec dragged himself upright.
 

"We're all gonna need her energy then." Eliot cautioned. "I remember what a handful Christian and I were. Not sure how grandfather managed us and his practice."
 

"This is an awfully BIG bathtub." Parker yelled across the suite.
 

"Not polite to keep a lady waiting." Eliot grinned then left Alec still struggling out of the bed.
 

"Awww, not fair at all." Alec groaned as he followed his grinning partner.