Page 13 of Prospecting

“He’s been very tender, very gentle,” Ferrl said not looking at Sheridan. “Nothing’s been inappropriate or initiated.”

“Cade, he’s changed,” Calli said. “Come on. You’ll see.”

Cade pulled Sheridan close to him. “Are you ready for your surprise,” he whispered into her ear.

“What is it,” Sheridan asked nervous and self-conscious.

They rounded the corner of the dock. People milled about outside the main hatch of the huge long hauler. Cade recognized his family and the other families. These people parted, cleared a path. “Oh,” Sheridan gasped, tears falling as her parents emerged from the crowd.

“Surprise,” Cade murmured and pushed her towards them.

Rushing to their youngest daughter, they enveloped her in their arms, hugged her between them. “Mom, dad, what are you doing here,” she asked when she could speak around the lump in her throat.

“We got new jobs,” her mom said. “Where’s Cade?”

“He’s …” Sheridan turned to look for him.

“Right here,” Cade said. “Nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Pitroski.”

“Please make it Hazel and Louis,” she said pulling him in to join the family hug. “We’re grateful.”

“All I did was line up an interview,” Cade said.

“Still, you didn’t have to,” Louis said. “It got us away from her ex.”

“Did he come back,” Sheridan asked.

“He tried contacting her,” Hazel said. “We blocked him. She’s been uncertain.”

“He really did a number on her,” Louis said darkly.

“Has the distance helped,” Cade asked.

“She’s more herself,” Hazel said. “She’s been focusing on Frannie.”

“Where is she,” Sheridan asked.

“Sheridan,” Mia called.

The group turned to see Mia framed in the hatch holding the small baby. Sheridan watched as Ferrl’s brother held a hand to help Mia step over the hatch. Tall, dark, muscular, the man focused completely on Mia and Frannie. Mia handed Frannie to him as Sheridan came in for a hug. “I’m happy see you,” Mia said.

“You look good,” Sheridan said seeing more color in her sister’s cheeks.

“I’ve put on weight,” Mia said blushing. “Tappn says it looks good on me.”

“Tappn,” Sheridan asked looking at the man holding her niece.

“You must want to hold your niece,” Tappn said carefully handing the baby to her. “She’s been fed and changed. She’s sleepy.” Sheridan took the baby, looked down into a face like her sister’s.

“Tappn,” Cade greeted him.

“Cade. It’s good to see you,” Tappn said.

“Let’s go inside,” Calli said. “The monsters want to see you.”

***

The main lounge held a variety of chairs, sofas, and children. Cade lifted Calli’s two into the air making them squeal with delight. “You’ve grown,” he growled with laughter. “Did I give you permission to grow?”

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