Page 114 of Betrayed

Blake stayed in my lap, quietly observing the entire time. It wasn’t long before she dozed off.

My poor girl was exhausted. When she woke up with a start, I calmed her back down. When she whispered she had to pee, I reluctantly let go, though I insisted on walking her to the bathroom.

It was then I noticed Ashley, and the wicked grin on her face.

As soon as Blake shut the door, Ashley said, “I never thought I’d see the day.”

“Hey, Ashley.” I looked back at the bathroom door.

“Cupid’s arrow found you.” She laughed. “Seriously, dude, I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks. She’s…” My words trailed off.

“She must be pretty damn special if she’s taken you off the market,” she said.

“She is.” I felt Blake’s presence before I heard her say, “Andrew?”

I reached back for Blake’s hand.

Ashley’s eyebrows shot up, but she held her tongue. Thank God, because, like me, Ashley’s default sense of humor was sarcasm, and I didn’t think it’d go over well.

Without guilt, I introduced them. “Blake, this is my friend Ashley. Ashley, this is Blake.”

Blake eyed Ashley up and down before extending her hand. “Hi.”

“Hi Blake. You’re a very lucky woman,” Ashley said. “I can’t wait to get to know you better.”

Blake visibly relaxed. “Thank you,” she answered while squeezing my hand.

“Later Janerek. Blake, I hope to see you at one of our girls’ nights,” Ashley said before joining Emily and Jamie.

It warmed my heart, knowing they’d accepted Blake into the fold without hesitation.

A wave of panic washed over me.What am I doing?What if I end up like my dad?

Mary interrupted my thoughts before they spiraled, informing Blake and me it was our turn to get checked out.

“I’m fine, really, Mrs. Sheppard,” Blake said.

“Humor me. I’ll feel better when I’ve seen with my own two eyes that everyone is okay.” Mary’s request was a lot like one of John’s, in that it wasn’t.

“Best to comply. She won’t take no for an answer.” I nudged Blake towards the couch.

“That’s right. This mother hen needs to know her chicks are uninjured.”

I thanked God for the family I’d found at SSI. I wasn’t one of Mary’s cubs, but she never failed to include me in her mothering.

It didn’t take long for Mary to confirm we weren’t physically hurt, so she used her time with us to support Blake, telling me to add her number to Blake’s phone, in case she needed anything.

“Thank you, Mrs. Sheppard.”

“None of that, you’re family now, so call me Mary.”

Tears filled Blake’s eyes as she thanked Mary again. I blinked a few times and turned away to hide the evidence of my own emotions.

And looked right at John.

He smiled and lifted his head in acknowledgement. He was no stranger to the effect Mary had on people.

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