Page 480 of Small Town Firsts
“Get off our porch,” my dad’s voice boomed. “You don’t even deserve to be called his mother. We’ll see you in court. Think a solid family with grandparents, and all these uncles, not to mention a loving woman in Sully’s life will be a match for you?”
Mindy’s face flamed and she balled up her fists. “I’m his mother.”
Danny held onto me tighter, then he turned his face into Nora’s arm. He looked up at Nora, his eyes filled. “Don’t make me.”
“We won’t, Danny. You’re ours.” She met my gaze, and her hazel eyes shone. “Ours.”
“God, I love you.”
Nora’s eyes widened. “Good thing I love you right back.”
Not exactly the way I wanted to tell her, but it was true. The minute she’d opened the door, I knew my life was going to change. I just didn’t realize just how much.
I bent down to look Danny in the eyes. “You’re not going anywhere. I promise.” I ruffled his hair. “Stay with Nora, okay?”
He nodded and looped his arms around her waist.
I pointed at the stairs. “Let’s talk.”
Mindy lifted her chin. “Unless you’re giving me money, there’s nothing to discuss.”
I counted to five, the red rage hazing over my vision. “This is supposedly your son, and you’d say that in front of him? You’re a monster. Get out of here before I call the cops.”
“And they’ll do what?I’mthe mother.”
I lowered my voice. “Think Chief Olsen would be interested to know you abandoned him. They might not be so indulgent. Especially since Danny is terrified. No cop would let you near him. No social worker, either. Turn around and never come back. Because you’re right, I do have money now. I’d crucify you in court and you know it.”
Her eyes blazed, but then she looked around.
Cash and Ripley leaned against the railing behind Nora, deceptively at ease, but they didn’t take their eyes off of Mindy.
My parents gravitated to Nora, creating a wall around Danny.
Mindy took off down the stairs and ran to her car. She threw one last furious glare at me before getting into her car and backing out with a squeal of tires.
I didn’t realize how tense I was until her brake lights disappeared and I let out a breath.
Danny broke away from Nora and ran to me. I caught him tight against me and kissed the top of his head.
He looked up at me, so much trust in his eyes. “She won’t be back, will she?”
“I’m going to make sure she never will.” I locked eyes with Nora, and she came over to wrap her arms around us once again. “I love you both so much.”
“I love you, Dad.”
My knees nearly buckled. I wasn’t sure I’d ever hear that again. “I love you too, buddy.”
“Okay, all you boys and Nora come inside. I’ve got ribs in the oven.”
“Oh, nowthat’swhat I missed about home.” Cash slapped me on the back. “Little drama while I was gone, huh?”
I laughed. “A little bit. Glad you’re home, Cash.” I nodded toward my older brother. “Thanks for coming too, Rip. Mom must have called in the cavalry, huh?”
Rip grinned. “Family group chat for the win.” He relaxed his smile as he lowered his gaze to Danny. “We got you, kiddo. Murdocks are always there for each other.” He held out a fist and Danny bumped it with his. “That’s right. I’ll see you inside.”
I hugged Danny. “Mind if I talk to Nora for a second?”
He wrinkled his nose. “Kissing stuff?”
