Page 59 of Kian

She pulled away and looked up at him with tears in her eyes, making him realize how lucky his brother was.

“You had us all worried sick.” She shook her head. “Killian hasn’t slept much since you disappeared.”

“I know. But really, I’m fine. I just need to go see the doctor for a check-up.”

“Do you want to sit down? How about a cup of coffee?”

Kian draped an arm around her shoulders and guided her back to the counter.

“Thanks, but no thanks. I’m on my way to see Mom and Dad.”

Celine smiled warmly. “They’re going to be over the moon when they see you.”

“I’m sure I will be too.” He kissed her forehead. “We’ll catch up soon.”

“Okay.” She hugged him once more before he headed outside.

Glancing down the street, he saw a Western Wear store and decided to pay a visit. Stepping inside, he made his way over to the hats section.

“Sorry little brother, but I need a new hat.” He browsed through the selection and let out a grin when he found one that matched the one stolen from him. Placing it on his head, he tugged it low and checked himself out in the mirror. “That’ll do.”

He took it off, walked to the cash register, and used Killian’s debit card to pay for it. After removing the tag, he put the hat back on his head and made his way out to his truck.

Checking for traffic, he pulled onto Main Street and drove toward his parents’ house. They had moved to Clifton after visiting Killian one Thanksgiving and falling in love with the town.

He was grateful they did because he wouldn’t have been able to see them until he got his ID, which could take a few days. He wanted to see them now.

Parking his truck next to the porch, he opened the door and stepped out. As soon as it closed, he heard the back door open, and his mother called out his name as she rushed down the steps into his waiting arms.

“Oh, Kian. We thought we lost you.” She cried.

“I’m okay, Mom. Thanks to Gretchen and her dog.” He saw his dad on the porch and climbed up with his arm around hismother’s shoulders. “Dad,” he said in a choked voice as his father enveloped him in a hug. They all cried.

“Come inside. I’ll make you something to eat,” his mother suggested.

“No thanks, Mom. I’m not hungry right now but I appreciate it. I just need to get some things sorted out so I can get my ID.”

“They took everything from you?” His father asked.

“Yeah. Even my vest and hat.” He removed the brand-new hat from his head, hung it on a peg and grinned. “Killian gave me his debit card so I could buy some essentials. I don’t think he intended for me to buy a new hat, but I’ll pay him back.”

“I thought that was your old one.” His mother frowned at the hat.

“It’s identical to the one I used to have. That’s why I had to get it. I loved that hat.” Kian grinned, remembering how much he used to wear it.

“Please, have a seat.” His mother smiled warmly and motioned toward the chairs around the dining table.

Kian pulled out a chair but waited for his parents to sit before he joined them.

“Now, tell us what happened,” his father said, concern etched on his face.

As Kian recounted the events leading up to his injury, his mother gasped when he mentioned being shot by the men.

She reached out and touched the small scar above his temple. “You could have died.”

“I would have if it wasn’t for Gretchen and her dog,” Kian replied gratefully. “They found me and saved my life.”

His mother immediately expressed her desire to meet Gretchen and thank her for her brave actions.

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