Page 87 of Hush (Fighting Fate)

“Hi,” she said, trying to press her lips together to cover up her happiness. I wished she wouldn’t. “Come in.”

I wanted to ask her what she was up to, but she looked to be having too much fun. I liked seeing her like that.

Taking my hand, she led me through the house and into the kitchen. Her mom was at the sink, washing her hands.

“Mom. This is Noah,” Kaeli announced, grinning mischievously.

Her mom turned and smiled, picking up a hand towel as she went.

“Hi,” I said, holding my hand out for her to take.

She dried her hands as she came towards me, throwing the cloth on the bench before she ignored my hand and pulled me into a hug instead.

What the…? Stunned, I hugged her back. Kaeli gaped at me from over her mother’s shoulder.

“Thank you so much for looking after my baby for me. You’ll never know how grateful I am,” she said tearfully.

“Uh…you’re welcome…?”

Kaeli giggled and her mom finally released me.

“I’m sorry if that was too much, but I just needed you to know how thankful I am.”

I cleared my throat. “That’s fine, Mrs. Lehmann. I couldn’t let anything happen to her.”

She frowned at me. “I’m not using that man’s name anymore. Please call me Mel, or at least, Mrs. Williams.”

I smiled. I was more than okay with that. “Okay then.”

“So, Kaeli tells me you’re taking her to meet your family?”

I grinned. “Yes, I am. It might be a late one though. Is that okay with you?”

She waved me off. “Yes, yes. Of course. I know she’s safe with you.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that,” I said, honestly grateful for her trust in me.

“Awesome,” Kaeli said, bouncing up and down on her feet. “I’m just going to grab a couple of things, then we can go.”

I watched her dart off with amusement. I didn’t know what it was with that girl, but she tugged on something inside me. Hard.

“Have you heard anything about Aaron yet?”

My attention snapped back to Kaeli’s mom. I frowned and shook my head. “No, not yet. I’m not happy he managed to get away that night. I don’t know how. The only thing I can think of is if he hid in one of the storage units.”

She nodded. “Yeah, he’s not that bright. I don’t think it’ll be long before he tries something stupid.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” I said quietly.

Kaeli came skipping back into the kitchen with a small bag in her hand. “Ready?” she said, that gorgeous grin still spread across her lips.

“Yep. It was nice to meet you, Mel,” I said, giving Kaeli’s mom a polite smile. “I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

She laughed lightly. “Of course you will.”

Opening the passenger door for Kaeli, I waited for her to get in before closing it behind her and rushing for the driver’s side. After a quick check of my cell, and noting five missed calls from Mom and numerous text messages from various members of my family, I pulled out onto the street.

“So, uh…how old are you anyway?” she asked carefully. “I kind of feel silly going to meet your family when I know so little about you.”

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