Page 15 of Falling for Brody

Kay's father came in with his grandkids and Rhea thought little Sarah was a doll. A walking, living doll. Her light blonde hair matched her mom and her grandmom and little Jack had the same hair.

Kay's father had laughed when Rhea marveled over the wispy pale blond hair on the little boy's head. "Pretty soon he's going to have more hair than me."

Rhea had laughed softly at his words, but Michael Armstrong was in no danger of going bald. Neither was his brother. It seemed like Joshua and Brody had inherited their father's full, thick, head of hair.

Before they could leave to get her car, Helene had pulled out all the stops asking Chip if he was hungry.

And Chip brightened up immediately at that question.

He had snacks in his bag, but that paled in comparison to the freshly baked cookies that Helene had made.

"I started the cooking and baking when I heard about the accident," she explained as she set out plates for everyone including Rhea and Chip. "At the clinic here, the rooms are small. So I knew Joshua would take care of Avalon. We'll send over food in a bit. Brody called and said that you were on the scene when he drove up."

Chip looked up at her with some crumbs on his mouth. She nodded toward his napkin and he dutifully wiped at his mouth.

Rhea looked back at Helene. "I was driving in with Chip today. I saw Avalon and Roya and stopped to help. I think it was luck that had us driving in at that time."

Helene had her hand over her heart and a heavy look on her face. "Goodness. It's a miracle."

Rhea swallowed. "I'm not sure about that. A miracle would have been if I'd gotten there in time to stop Avalon's friend from being taken."

Helene frowned at her and stepped closer putting her hand on Rhea's shoulder.

"Misty is fine. I talked to my son, Gabriel. They're together and he got to her. She's in the hospital there and will likely come home tomorrow or the day after. No one, and I mean,no oneis going to think that what you did was anything less than being a hero for the whole family."

Rhea tensed a little at that. "I'm glad I keep my med kit with me at all times. It helped a lot." She reached out and brushed her fingers through Chip's hair. "Chip's been at hospital daycares since he was a baby. He was there with me and handled it well."

Helene looked at her son. "Sounds like he's an old soul."

Rhea turned to look at her with a question in her eyes. "What's that?"

Helene bobbed her head back and forth. "Someone who seems older than they are. Usually you see kids running around and being playful and sometimes you have kids that seem to be a little more settled? Older in mannerisms? They seem to have an understanding of things beyond their years."

Rhea nodded. "Chip's had to grow up a little faster than I would have liked. When his dad passed on a couple years ago, things changed so quickly. We went from a happy family to an odd two-some. I'm afraid he matured more since his dad... since we lost his dad. It hurt sometimes to see how he's had to change and mature, helping me."

Helene frowned a little as she looked at Chip chomping away on his cookie beside Sarah. "He seems like a great little boy."

Rhea smiled and found her heart filling up with love like it always did for Chip. "He is. I have truly been gifted with him. Every day he gives me a reason to get up and go."

Helene agreed. "I'm so lucky that I have my children and my husband. And now my grandkids."

Rhea felt the warmth of the family in the very air of their home. "They're both adorable!"

Helene beamed in agreement as the front door opened up. "Howard! How is Roya?"

"She's going to heal up just fine with time. She's missing her mommy, though."

Helene's expression softened. "I'm so glad everyone is going to be okay. Come," she touched the counter, "I'll pack up some cookies for you to take home. Are you coming to dinner tonight?"

He hesitated and then shook his head. "Probably not. Roya's used to being around the family all the time. I'll probably stay with her and keep her from getting lonely. Louise might."

Helene nodded thoughtfully. "I'll make sure we send you food."

"Thanks, Helene." He turned to look at her and Rhea was relieved to see a smile. "Hello again, Rhea."

"Mister Armstrong. It's good to see you again somewhere beside the side of the road."

He chuckled. "What an introduction, huh?"

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