Page 58 of Ambush

When Blake parked in Evan’s drive on Saturday morning, Paradise sat motionless in his truck and stared at the brick home. The dormers had been painted black to match the shutters. The cut grass undulated in a green carpet toward the front door, but she couldn’t make herself get out. The nightmare she’d had last night lingered in her fatigue and dry eyes, and she feared when the door opened, she’d see her mother’s dead face like she had in her dream.

Blake touched her hand. “Paradise? We don’t have to go in if you’re not ready.”

She licked her dry lips and shook her head. “I need to do this. Just give me a minute.” She was still new at this prayer thing, but she sent up a silent request for courage. Inhaling, she reached for the door handle. “I’m ready.”

Blake opened his door and climbed out. She waited until he came to her side of the truck before she took a step toward the house. Her legs were wooden pegs under her, and Blake took her arm.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered. “Breathe. Nothing bad will happen. I think you’ll like Honey.”

His strong fingers holding her steady sent strength coursing into her legs, and she lifted her head and moved to the front door. It had been painted yellow and was a pleasing contrast to the black shutters. She pressed the doorbell and heard the sound of children playing inside. Moments later the door swung open, and the little girl she’d seen the day she arrived back in town peered out with curious blue eyes.

She smoothed the frilly pink princess gown she wore. “Hi, I’m Princess Polly. Are you here to see the king?”

Paradise bowed. “Yes, my lady. Is King Evan at home?”

“I think he’s taking visitors. This way, please.”

Paradise bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing, and they followed the little girl. Polly led them to the living room where Evan, Nintendo Switch controller in hand, sat playingMariowith a little boy who appeared to be about five.

Evan turned and touched his daughter’s head. “Thank you, Princess Polly. You want to finish the game with your brother?”

“No thank you, King Evan. My maid wishes to dress my hair in my bedroom.” She curtsied to Paradise and Blake, then swished from the room.

Evan’s grin widened. “Kids are so much fun.” He touched the little boy’s blond hair. “This is Kyle.”

Kyle glanced over at the mention of his name. “Did you bring Isaac?”

“I should have, but I didn’t bring him today. Next time.”

“Okay.” He turned back to his game. “I’ll play for you, Daddy.”

“Don’t make me lose on purpose.” He ruffled Kyle’s hair.

Paradise took a moment to glance around the room painted a soothing taupe. The hardwood floors were stained a gorgeous light oak color, and the brown upholstered furniture was new.The home had changed so much that it had retained no trace of memories for her.

“Want to wander around?” Evan asked. “Honey is getting groceries, but she’ll be back any minute. Walk around and take it all in. Every surface has been touched in here. Not much left of the way it used to be.”

Paradise nodded and walked through the small dining room to the kitchen with its white cabinets and white-and-gray-granite counters. The sweet scent of maple syrup lingered in the air. The floors were wood in here too. The bathrooms were fresh and new as well, and she peeked into Polly’s open bedroom door into a fairy princess room of bubble-gum-pink walls and a matching comforter. A book absorbed Polly’s attention, and she didn’t seem to notice Paradise in the doorway.

The closet door stood open, and the hanging dresses, jeans, and tops were close to the same size hers had been when she lived here. Her lungs compressed, and she stared into the dark shadows of the closet. That corner was where her cousin had found her cowering and crying silently. She pressed her hand to her head. If only she could remember.

She backed away before she disturbed Polly and peeked into the other bedrooms. Nothing held a trace of her family, so she retraced her steps to find Evan and Blake in the living room.

Evan stopped midsentence in a discussion of a football play. “Done already?”

“Yes, thanks. Your home is lovely. You’ve done a wonderful job with the remodel.”

“Thanks. Honey has great ideas, and I follow directions well.” He rose and picked up a tub by the door she’d missed. “Here’s the box I told you about.” He shifted it to Blake.

“Heavy,” Blake said.

“Papers and stuff weigh a lot. If you want to go through it now, you can use the dining room table.”

“I think I’ll take it home where I can take my time. Thanks for your hospitality, Evan.”

“My pleasure.” He hesitated, and his brown eyes searched her face. “I lived across the street.”

“I remember.” She kept condemnation from her voice. “You used to mow the yard. Did you ever notice Sheriff Davis coming to visit?”

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