“I have plenty of help, so feel free.”
“All right.” She pushed in her chair, then stood behind it. “Have you ever considered teaching self-defense classes for women?” Rushing on, she added, “There are a lot of women in the neighborhood who would benefit.”
And a lot of women, Yvette thought with a grin, who would sign up just to be with the fighters.
First surprised, and then thoughtful, Cannon nodded. “Actually, that’s a terrific idea.”
“I’d be happy to come in and help you get started.”
“Yeah, sure, we could use some direction.” His grin went lopsided. “I’m guessing the moves a woman needs to know might differ some from what I do in a competition.”
Margaret held up her fist. “Smaller hands, smaller bone structure. Most women won’t be able to punch their way out of an attack. But there are ways.”
With a feigned wince of pain, Cannon put a hand over his crotch. “Bet I know what you’re thinking, too.”
She laughed. “There’s always that. But other strikes are effective, too. I can demonstrate and you guys can follow through. How’s that sound?”
Agreeing, he said, “Let me know when you’re ready.”
“You’re in town for a while?”
Yvette wondered that herself. So far Cannon hadn’t said how long he planned to stick around, though she now knew he’d have another fight coming up.
She frowned when he nodded without clarifying just how long “a while” might be.
There was a squeal in the hallway and a second later, a very naked baby came charging around the corner.
Running after her with a towel, his T-shirt and part of his jeans soaked, Dash called, “Bethany Marie Riske.”
A cat that Yvette hadn’t noticed darted up the hall behind them but scooted under the couch when he realized they had company.
“My puppy cat,” Margaret explained. “He’s old, blind and he still tries to keep up with Bethany.”
“Loves her,” Dash said, and he scowled down at his daughter.
She wrinkled her nose, crossed her arms and scowled back.
Grinning, his mood lightened, Cannon scooped her up. “Button, what are you doing streaking around the house?”
“Come take a bath wif me.”
“Uh, no. Sorry.” He kissed the end of her nose and handed her over to Dash, who wrapped the big fluffy towel around her.
“Little girls shouldn’t run off before getting dressed,” Dash scolded her. Then he kissed her cheek and her ear and in seconds she was giggling.
Holding her under his arm like a football, he headed back down the hall. Bethany giggled hysterically, and the cat emerged to follow.
Margaret shook her head, but she smiled, too. “Don’t leave before she gets her nightgown on. She’ll be disappointed if she doesn’t get to tell you goodbye.”
It took only another two minutes before Bethany, now wearing a long yellow nightgown and dragging a blanket, returned. She crawled up Cannon again, laid her head on his shoulder and looked ready to call it a night.
Slowly, so she wouldn’t scare her, Yvette reached out to smooth one corkscrew curl.
“You ready for bed, Button?” Cannon asked softly.
“Mama’s gonna read to me.”
“Yes, Mama is,” Margaret said, and she took her daughter, hugging her close. “Tell Cannon and Yvette goodbye, sweetie.”
Around a big yawn, she said, “’Bye, Cannon and ’Vette.”
Margaret touched Yvette’s arm. “We’ll talk again soon. Be careful, okay?”
“Thank you.”
Cannon encased Margaret and Bethany both in a hug. “Thanks, Lieutenant.”
She patted his chest. “Anytime. You know that.” Then, more softly, “Read some of those messages, okay?”
After she walked away, Dash asked, “Get everything squared away?”
“Yes, thank you,” Yvette said. “And again, I’m sorry for bothering—”
“No bother,” he interrupted. “Margo thrives on this stuff. She’s especially sensitive about jackasses bugging women.”
“You’re a lucky man,” Cannon told him.
“And I know it.” He walked them to the door, but then stopped Yvette from leaving with a touch to her arm. “Call anytime, okay? I promise you, Margaret would prefer to get woken up than to find out later that something happened. I don’t know if she told you, but she feels like we all have a bond, given what we went through together.”
Yvette couldn’t fathom what she’d done to deserve such wonderful people. They’d all been brave, even heroic, and she’d been...a complete wuss.
Being honest, she said, “This is not how I wanted anyone to see me when I came back.”
Dash shook his head. “Know what I see? A woman who should have cracked under the pressure and instead is smart enough to handle things the right way.”
“The right way being getting your wife involved?”
Dash grinned. “She’s good at what she does.”
“Very good.” Cannon put an arm around her, drawing her into his side. “She’s a hell of an ally to have.”
“We all need them,” Dash agreed. “Both of you, watch your backs, okay? And if you need anything, let us know.”
It wasn’t until they were in her car and out of the driveway that Cannon spoke. “You can rely on all of them.”