Page 92 of Shattered Dreams

“Harrison!” I cupped my boy’s face and looked at it. “I heard you had a plan.”

“I did.” He bobbed his head. “I sent Tyler to get to Richard.”

“And I got him, mama!” Tyler pumped his fist.

“I know you did.”

“And I holded Emma.” Grady beamed.

Harrison kissed my cheek. “I held on to Briar and we sat in the closet. I covered us with clothes and blankets.”

“You are all amazing.” I kissed each one and noticed Tyler’s face. “Tyler? What happened?”

“I fell.” He shrugged. “Chicks dig scars.”

“Way to go, Cooper. You’ve influenced the boy.” Libby snorted and went back inside.

I looked at my kids. “Guys, we need to go check on grandpa.”

“Can we stay here?” Grady smiled.

“Um, I have to ask if it’s okay.”

“Why on earth are you all out here in the cold!” Mrs. Parks opened the door, standing half in, half out. “Come on. Everyone get inside.”

My children flocked to her, and I followed the herd of people in. Once I stepped in, she grabbed me and hugged me tight. Then she took my hand and pulled me to her bedroom, closing the door. She hugged me again and then stepped back.

“Why didn’t you come to me, Jolynn?”

Confusion filled me. “When?”

“When you were pregnant.”

“Oh.” I blew out a breath. “He told you.”

She nodded and gave me a rueful smile. “You shouldn’t have been alone. I wish your mama would’ve told me. Hell, or high water. I would’ve been there.”

“I appreciate knowing that.”

“The kids can stay with me. Jeremy still lives here, but I think until we know how your dad is, and we get Richard home, everyone will be here.”

Knock-knock.

“Yes?”

The door opened and Tyler poked his head in. “Grandma, can I has pie now?”

“You can. Tell uncle Jeremy to get it for you.”

“Thank you.” The door slammed, and we both heard thundering feet towards the kitchen.

“Did he just call you grandma?”

She nodded. “He did. Is that okay?”

“It’s more than okay. Can you find out what it will take to get Richard out?”

“I sure can. You go, be safe. We’ll be here.”

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