Page 126 of Wood Riddance
“A baby!” Loraine cried. She hopped up from where she’d finally perched on one of the couches and threw her arms around us both. Okay, it looked like maybe Mama Gagnon was a fan now. She grabbed my face and kissed my cheek. “This is thebestnews,” she gushed. “Twogrand babies.”
She pulled both of us in for another hug, instantly making me feel a tiny bit welcome. She smelled like vanilla and had big mom energy. Yeah, she and my mother would be instant friends.
Adele pulled back and swiped her fingers under her eyes. “Thanks, Mom.”
Parker, who had blood smeared on her T-shirt, probably from Richard, joined in on the hug, not the least bit bothered by the state of her clothing. In fact, she wore a giant smile, as if she were pleased at how everything had gone down. Once a cop, always a cop, I guessed.
And then I was faced with the firing squad of her three brothers.
Squaring my shoulders, I looked at Henri, then Paz, then Remy, refusing to cow to them. “If you guys wanna punch me, go for it. I’ll give you each one free shot.”
Paz grumbled, and Parker elbowed him hard.
“But I will not allow you to put your anger and aggression on Adele or our child,” I said. “Your sister has been through enough. She’s been working nonstop to keep you all safe. So instead of criticizing and questioning her choices, how about you thank her and move on with your damn lives?”
Henri took a step forward. “When did this start?”
“How did this start?” Paz added.
“None of your business,” Adele snapped. “Is it any wonder I keep secrets? Look at how you Neanderthals react. I was held at gunpoint by the man who tried to murder Henri, yet you’re all hung up on the fact that I got knocked up by a Hebert.”
Loraine put her arm around Adele. “She’s right. Shame on you all.”
Remy at least had the good sense to hang his head. Henri and Paz looked angry.
“I’m sorry,” Remy said, looking at me head-on. “Finn saved Hazel and me last year,” he reminded his family, looking from one brother to the other. “He’s a good man.” He stood and extended his hand.
I took it.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done,” he murmured. “Welcome to the family. My sister’s a handful, but it seems like you’re up for the challenge.”
Hazel hopped up too, shooting him an annoyed look. Then she pushed herself up on her tiptoes to give me a hug. She moved on to Adele next. “I’m thrilled for you,” she said, pushing her glasses up. “You are going to be such a great mom.”
Tears welled in Adele’s eyes again. Without a word, she nodded her thanks.
Henri, looking a little contrite, opened his arms and pulled me in. “Thank you for saving my sister. And my brother. Damn.” He shook his head. “I appreciate all you’ve done for our family. I need a minute to get used to this, but that’s on me. My wife will probably be here tomorrow with food and presents for the baby. Prepare yourselves.”
Beside me, Adele gave up wiping away her tears.
Henri stepped close and wrapped his arms around her. “I love you, sis. And if you’re happy, then we’re all thrilled. You’ve been through a lot. We’ll get out of here and let you rest.”
He nodded toward the door, and Hazel and Remy murmured their goodbyes and filed out.
“Mom, I’ll drive you home.”
“We’ll celebrate on Sunday,” Loraine said, patting my cheek. “Please bring your daughter too. She’s family now. Get my number from Adele so you can text me a list of her favorite foods. I’ll get extra ice cream.”
Henri offered her his arm and escorted her to the door. And then there was Paz.
“You knew about this,” he said to Parker.
Looking not the least bit sheepish, she shrugged. “They needed help tracking down the person who tampered with Henri’s brakes.”
“Parker,” he fumed. “We talked about this. You cannot put yourself in danger. You’re pregnant.”
“There was no danger. Adele and Finn did the work. I only got to slap the cuffs on. Stop overreacting.”
“Overreacting? Tonight, my sister was shot at and my pregnant girlfriend jumped out of a moving car. Pretty sure I have every right to be furious.”
