Read Online A Place to Call Home by Christina James - Free Book Online

their tasks.
     
    Mac’s jaw dropped. Where were their arguments? Where was the free-for-all that should have ensued until he, being superior in strength and height, separated them?
     
    Hannah turned back to the stove, flipping pancakes without skipping a beat. “Oh, and, Aidan?” she said without turning around.
     
    “Yeah?” he asked, looking shyly at the back of her head.
     
    “I think you owe your brother an apology and if you think you don’t want to give him one, well, then that’s your choice. But I promise you these blueberry pancakes will be worth the agony of apologizing.”
     
    Did she just suggest his oldest and most stubborn boy apologize, say he was sorry, to his younger brother, admitting a wrongdoing and being humble? Silence filled the room for a long moment, and Mac held his breath.
     
    “Of course, if you choose not to apologize, Aidan, you can go sit in the parlor while the rest of us eat,” she said, her voice dripping with honey.
     
    Aidan mulled the options over, his cheeks reddening.
     
    Would his oldest son let his pride rule and sit out breakfast just to remain “cool” to the younger boys? Mac would have bet money on it.
     
    “Sorry, Ry,” Aidan muttered just loud enough to be heard. His sour face evidenced his embarrassment.
     
    Mac stared in amazement.
     
    “Okay,” Ryan said, his mouth remaining open.
     
    Luke giggled.
     
    “Luke?” Hannah called, turning to face them with a huge platter brimming with pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, and toast in her hands.
     
    “Yes?” Luke said quietly, his smirk suddenly gone.
     
    “Now, you’re not laughing at your brother for apologizing, are you?” Her voice sounded the softest it had been so far.
     
    “No,” Luke said shyly.
     
    “Good, because it takes a big man to admit when he’s made a mistake and own up to it. By apologizing for his momentary lapse in judgment, Aidan just proved he was man enough to take responsibility for his actions. And that is very commendable.”
     
    Son of a bitch, she was good. Mac grinned his best shit-eating grin. Did she even realize she was a natural mother? Hell, the boys’ own mother didn’t even know how to be one.
     
    Aidan stood taller, his expression relaxing, her soothing words obviously easing his embarrassment.
     
    “Now all of you take a seat. I’ll yell for your father.”
     
    Hannah turned and Mac quickly stepped from the doorway, keeping her in his sights. She stared a moment then met his smile with a huge one of her own.
     
    “I’m right here,” Mac announced entering the room. “Wow. Doesn’t this smell good, guys?” He sat across from Hannah.
     
    “Can we dig in?” Ryan asked.
     
    Hannah looked around the table and caught Mac’s eyes. “Do you say grace or anything?”
     
    “No. Should we?” Mac asked.
     
    “I don’t. I just thought if it’s something you did as a family...”
     
    “Nah, let’s dig in,” Ryan said and grabbed for the food.
     
    Quickly, everyone filled their plates and ate.
     
    “Oh, I forgot the coffee.” Hannah started to rise.
     
    “I’ve got it.” Mac stood and walked to the counter. “It’s the least I could do for such a fantastic feast.”
     
    Her slender body wrapped in his T-shirt drove him insane with the need to touch her. If they had some privacy, he would give in to his urge to talk her out of it.
     
    “Man, this is awesome,” Luke said. “Can we have this every day?”
     
    When he placed her coffee cup down in front of her, Mac’s gaze met Hannah’s. That damn perfume wafted through the air, teasing his nose…and his dick. Did she carry it with her or something?
     
    “Sorry, buddy, there’s no way I’d ever cook this good. It’ll be back to cereal after today, so eat up and enjoy while you can.”
     
    “Aw, man. Can’t Hannah come live with us?” Luke asked innocently.
     
    Mac almost spewed coffee through his nose and mouth.
     
    “Can you, Hannah? Then you can make us