Page 85 of Kian

“I know she is. We had a tough patch for a little while, but we worked through it.”

“Yeah, been there too.” Killian got up from his seat. “I have to go to Spring City now. See you later.”

Kian nodded and returned to sorting through his cases. He was eager for the upcoming weekend and meeting Gretchen’s parents. He just hoped they would like him.

The next day, Kian and Gretchen got into his truck and drove to his parents’ house.

“Wow, what a beautiful place,” Gretchen said.

Kian nodded, admiring the small house surrounded by fifteen acres of land. Across from the house was a large barn where he parked his truck.

“The trailer is in there, so we’ll park here.”

“Sounds good.” Gretchen opened her door and stepped out. Kian followed suit.

He took her hand and led her across the yard to the house. His parents appeared on the porch as the door opened.

Kian noticed tears in his mother’s eyes as she walked down the steps and embraced Gretchen in a hug. Both women cried while holding onto each other. Then his mother pulled back to look at Gretchen.

“Thank you for saving our son.”

Gretchen wiped away her tears. “You’re very welcome.”

“Gretchen, this is my mother, Aileen Doyle. Mom, this is Gretchen Casteel.”

Kian turned to see his father stepping out onto the porch again.

“Bring her inside, son.”

“Yes, sir.”

Kian put his arms around both women and led them into the house. His father greeted them with a hug as well.

“We can’t express how grateful we are that you saved our boy.”

Gretchen hugged him back. “It was my pleasure.”

“Gretchen, this is my father Connor Doyle. Dad, this is Gretchen Casteel.”

“What a lovely young lass,” Connor said.

“Thank you, Mr. Doyle.”

“Oh, none of that now. Call us Connor and Aileen.”

“Okay, I will.” Gretchen smiled and then blushed when Kian winked at her.

“I smell something delicious, Mom.”

“Fried chicken. I hope that’s alright with you, Gretchen?”

“I absolutely love fried chicken, and it smells amazing.”

****

As they sat at the dinner table, conversation and laughter filled the room. Gretchen adored Kian’s parents and was pleasantly surprised to learn that they appreciated her talents as an artist. She promised to paint a picture for them as a gift.

After dinner, Aileen and Gretchen cleaned up while Kian and his father retreated to the living room. As they dried dishes together, Aileen thanked Gretchen for helping save Kian’s life.

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