Page 26 of Feels Like Home

“No more snacks until you’ve eaten real food, Daisy,” the grandmother said to her from over her shoulder. “You can’t grow if your bones are full of sugar.”

Daisy looked curiously at Ian. He would put her at around four or five. “Your grandmother is right.”

She pouted as she crossed her tiny arms.

“When you head back down my driveway, turn left,” Ian instructed. “Follow Bask Road for eight miles and you’ll reach Midnight Falls. There’s a diner called Deep Dish with some of the best food.”

“Do they have milkshakes?” Daisy asked.

Ian chuckled. “If they don’t, ask your grandma to take you to Bluebird Café. Ajax makes delicious shakes just for little girls who eat all their food.”

Her brown eyes lit up as she squealed. “I wanna banilla shake, Grandma!”

“Thank you for your help,” the older woman said with a smile. Then she looked over her shoulder again. “Food first, peanut.” When she turned back to face him, her brows furrowed. “I’m not sure I can turn around since there are cars in front of your garage. I’m afraid my U-turn skills aren’t what they used to be.”

“I can guide you or turn your car around for you,” Ian offered.

She looked hesitant.

“I promise your granddaughter is safe with me in your car, ma’am.” He understood her wariness, but Ian wanted to get this done so he could go back inside and check on Jace.

“Grandma, let the giant man help.”

“Daisy! It’s not polite to call someone names.” The grandmother opened the car door and got out. “I’m Sandra. And just so you know, I normally would never allow a stranger in the car with her, but I don’t think I can turn around without driving onto your beautiful yard or hitting one of those trees.”

“She can get out with you,” Jace said from behind Ian then told Sandra their names.

Ian glanced at Jace, noticing his mate looked a lot better. Hopefully he stayed that way after the females left.

“I wanna get out!” Daisy bounced in her seat. “Can I get out, too?”

“Yes,” Sandra said. “Hurry up, peanut. We’ve intruded on enough of their time already.”

Daisy unsnapped herself and climbed out, slamming the door. Ian winced.

“No slamming the car door,” Sandra gently admonished.

“Sorry.” Daisy bounded toward Ian and Jace as if they were friends instead of strangers. “My grandma cursed when she got lost,” the girl whispered. “She’s not allowed to say potty words, but I promised not to tell my mommy and daddy.”

“She’s totally going to tell them,” Sandra said with a playful scowl. “I’m going to owe five dollars to the swear jar.”

“My grandma says potty words sometimes,” Jace whispered to Daisy. “My mommy takes away her cookies when she says them.”

“But my grandma don’t got cookies,” Daisy replied, taking Jace’s hand in hers.

With a smirk, Ian adjusted the driver’s seat, leaving the door open and a leg hanging out, and then used his palm to expertly turn the car around.

“He’s got skills,” Sandra said, sounding impressed. “Daisy, please let Jace’s hand go. He’s a stranger, honey.” She looked at Jace. “Her parents and I have been trying to instill in her to be cautious with strangers, but as you can see, it’s not working.”

Ian’s heightened senses allowed him to hear the conversation as he put the Pathfinder in Park and got out.

Jace smiled. “I was the same way when I was younger. To me, everyone was a potential playmate. My dad nearly had a heart attack when I brought a mangy stray home and declared the dog my best friend.”

Sandra laughed. “Did your dad let you keep it?”

“No.” Jace shook his head. “He told me some animals were just happier living a carefree life and didn’t want an owner. I think that was his nice way of saying to get the dog out of the house.” He smiled. “I told him I wanted a carefree life, too. My mom put a stop to me joining the stray when my dad made it leave.”

When Ian walked over to them, Daisy released Jace’s hand and grabbed his. “Do you have any snacks?”

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