He nodded once. "I understand."
"No." She shook her head, her voice tightening as she fought to keep herself composed. "I don't think you do."
She looked at him for another moment before turning toward the villa. "You may be the father of my pups, but you are not walking back into my life as though the last several winters never happened."
He watched her turn away. "I know."
She didn't answer. She walked toward the nursery, and Brandon followed several steps behind her. When she reached the pups, she took Bryan's hand and lifted Charlotte into her arms.
"Come to my chamber."
Bryan looked over his shoulder at Brandon, clearly reluctant to leave him again. "But, Mother..."
Emma continued walking without stopping. "Come on."
Bryan hesitated for another moment before following her, glancing back at Brandon one last time as he disappeared through the villa doors with Emma and Charlotte.
