stomach grumbles. We’re down to a quarter pound of bacon, and the chickens only gave us three eggs yesterday. Papa wanted them scrambled for his breakfast. Mark and Elijah were given the bacon because men need more protein than women. They do harder work around the house, so the heel of the last loaf of bread was enough for me. At least there was enough butter left to smother on the stale bread.
“I’ll get the post digger out. We might need to move the hole,” Mark pipes up.
“Go on. Elijah and I will meet you out front,” Papa says. He’s well fed and happy this morning.
“Nicolette,” Elijah says from beside me. I’ve been quiet. My backside still hurts, and the hardwood chair pressing against the welts only makes it worse. I don’t complain, though. It’s my own fault for rushing with my chores the other night.
I bring my eyes up to his.
“You need to get some exercise today,” he says with his firm voice. The one he uses when Papa and Mark are listening. “Why don’t you take a walk out to the back and bring some flowers to Mama and Grandma.”
Even though they weren’t good women and needed to be put down, they still deserve our respect. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.
“That’s a good idea. It’s good for you to learn the lessons they didn’t. Tending to them will help you remember what happens to wicked women,” Papa says approvingly. “We still love them because they are family, but we need to learn the lessons they didn’t.”
“Yes, Papa.” I force a smile onto my lips. I was eleven when Papa took Mama to the far corner of the property to put her down. “I’ll need the rake so I can clear away the dead leaves, if that’s okay with you.”
He thinks for a second, then nods. “We’ll need it out front first, but then we’ll bring it out to you. Do your inside chores first, then go on out there.” He reaches over the table and pats my hand. “Now, give us kisses so we can get to work.”
I scoot out from the table. Sending my men off to work with love is the way I show them I appreciate all the work they do for me.
Starting with Mark, I stand by his chair and wait for him to stand up. His hands frame my face, and he tilts my head back before his lips press against mine. His lips vibrate with his soft moan. When he breaks the kiss, he smiles down at me.
“I love you, Nicolette.” He kisses the tip of my nose and releases me.
“I love you too.” I match his grin. Mark can be playful, and today he’s relaxed. It’s easy to be around him when he’s at ease.
Mark turns me to face Elijah, who’s already up and waiting his turn. He brushes the dark hair from my eyes and kisses me warmly. It’s a long kiss, filled with tenderness. When he pulls back, he winks. Elijah’s good to me. The best, really.
“Be a good woman today, Nicolette.” He reaches behind me and pinches my backside through my thin dress. I wince, but don’t comment on the pain. It’s a reminder of what awaits me if I mess up again.
“I will. Thank you for the reminder.” I kiss his chin, and he chuckles.
“Go on, boys.” Papa gets up from his chair, and the boys file out of the kitchen.
Papa comes to me, his lips already wet and parted. Grabbing my face with one hand, he crushes my mouth beneath his demanding kiss. His tongue lashes against mine, and his fingers dig into my cheeks. It’s hard not to pull away, but I hold steady, accepting the love he gives me. My insides churn, but I don’t fight him.
He lets me go and licks his lips again. “Almost as sweet as your mama,” he teases. “I’ll make a run to the store tomorrow. Make me a list.” He pats my cheek.
“I will. Thank you, Papa.” I swallow back the bile that rises every time the taste of him lingers on my tongue. “I love you. You do so much for us.”
His smile widens, and he gives me an appreciative nod. “It’s because I love you all. I’m glad you learned your lesson from yesterday. Is your ass still hurting?” he asks, his brow has furrowed.
“Only a little,” I assure him, though I’m not positive it’s the right answer.
“Okay then.” He runs his thumb over my