Page 62 of More Than a Hero
Grammy Ellen beamed up at him, her eyes crinkling with warmth as she patted his hand. “I love a man who doesn’t mind assisting an old lady.”
Pete glanced around, his expression playful as he feigned confusion. “I’m sorry, Grammy Ellen, but I don’t see an old lady anywhere.”
Her laughter was rich and so much like Angie’s that it made something settle inside him.
“Are you flirting with my grandmother?” Angie asked, appearing beside him. Her arms were crossed, but her smile gave her away.
“Maybe,” he teased, shooting her a playful glance.
They bypassed the front door, instead making their way to a side entrance with a wheelchair ramp. The door was already open, and a beautiful woman stepped out, her smile wide and welcoming. Pete didn’t need an introduction to know who she was. She was an older version of Angie.
Her thick blond hair, streaked with strands of silver that blended seamlessly like natural highlights, fell past her shoulders. Bright red glasses perched on her nose, giving her an air of vibrant energy.
“Come in, come in!” she called out, her voice carrying the same warmth that radiated from her expression.
She immediately hugged Ellen first, whispering, “Love you, Mom,” before turning to Angie and wrapping her arms around her. “Love you, baby girl.”
Then she turned toward Pete, her smile never faltering. And just like Grammy Ellen, she was clearly a hugger. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him. “I’m Roseann, Angie’s mom. It’s so lovely to meet you, Pete!”
Normally, this would be the part where Pete felt awkward. Social situations outside of work weren’t always his strong suit. As a detective, he was in control. At the American Legion, he was surrounded by friends. And when he mentored the kids, he naturally fell into the role of leader.
But walking into someone’s home and meeting their family was different. Except the discomfort never came. The warmth in Roseann’s hug, the laughter in Grammy Ellen’s voice, the easy way Angie fit into the embrace of her family—it was all soeffortless. And for the first time in a long time, Pete didn’t feel like an outsider looking in.
He hugged Roseann in return, then stepped aside, allowing the women to enter first. He followed, taking in the house as he stepped inside.
The kitchen wasn’t large, but the open floor plan gave the home an inviting, communal feel. The scent of something warm and comforting filled the air, and the soft hum of greetings and conversation wrapped around him.
As Ellen pushed her walker to the side with Roseann assisting, another older couple stepped forward.
“Pete, I’d like you to meet my grandparents,” Angie said, her voice filled with warmth. “This is Grandpa Stan and Grandma Dorothy.”
Pete extended his hand to shake Stan’s, the older man’s grip firm and steady. Then he turned toward Dorothy, who bypassed the handshake entirely and pulled him into yet another hug.
Pete chuckled, returning the embrace as Angie spoke up behind him. “They’ve been dying to meet you because they’ve seen your truck parked outside and know we’re dating.”
Pete met Angie’s gaze over her grandmother’s shoulder, catching the slight blush on her cheeks. There was no doubt about it—he wasn’t just meeting the family. He was becoming a part of it.
26
As the rest of the family moved toward the living room, Pete noticed a man stepping forward, his gaze sharp but friendly. He exuded the quiet authority of a man who had spent his life providing for and protecting his family.
"Pete, welcome to our home. I’m Bob, Angie’s dad."
Pete immediately straightened, sensing the weight of this introduction. The way a father welcomed a man into his home spoke volumes. But Bob’s expression, assessing yet warm, eased some of the tension curling in Pete’s gut.
Angie hurried back after finishing her hugs with her grandparents, a slight flush on her cheeks. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even get to introduce you.”
Bob chuckled, wrapping an arm around his daughter’s shoulders and pressing a kiss to the top of her head before releasing her. The action was effortless, full of love, and Pete couldn’t help but notice how easily Angie fit into the embrace, as if she’d been tucked into moments like that her entire life.
She stepped back toward Pete, looping her arm around his waist, and he automatically settled a hand at her lower back. The simple touch grounded him.
"Pete? Can I get you a beer?" Bob asked, stepping toward the fridge.
"I’ll have whatever you’re having, sir," Pete replied.
Bob dipped his chin in approval, retrieving two beers and handing one to Pete. “Stan and I are having one, so you’re welcome to join us. And please, call me Bob.”
Before Pete could respond, Roseann shooed them both toward the living room with a wave of her hands. “Now, I need to get you men out of the kitchen!”
