Page 35 of Daddy's Little Charmer
“Yes, ma’am, I am,” Christian said and held his hand out to shake hers gently.
“Come in, come in,” Mrs. Owens said and waved. “Let’s go into the living room.”
Christian and Harmony sat down carefully on the small antique love seat, and the woman sat in a chair across from them.
“I wish I’d known you were coming, I’d have made cookies.”
Harmony grinned and turned to Christian. “She makes the best cookies.”
Harmony turned back to Mrs. Owens. They talked about the neighborhood for a few minutes.
Harmony’s stomach tightened. “Ma’am, I’m not sure how to say this…”
Christian cleared his throat and took Harmony’s hand. “Mrs. Owens, we found a place for you in a retirement home close to where we live.”
Mrs. Owens stared dumbstruck. “I’m sorry. I think I misunderstood.”
Christian grinned. “We have a room at a retirement home that has your name on it.”
“That’s very nice, young man, but I can’t afford that.”
“It’s paid for the rest of your life.”
Mrs. Owens gasped. “Why would you do that?”
Christian glanced at Harmony. “Because this woman loves you, and she worries about you all the time, and that makes me worry. So, I’m moving you to a safe place, and then we can come see you more often.”
“Oh, my. I don’t know…” the older woman said in dismay.
Harmony slid to her knees next to Mrs. Owens’s chair and then grasped her frail hands.
“Please. I need to know you’re safe.”
“Think of it this way,” Christian commented. “You’re doing this more for Harmony. And can you really say no to that face?”
Mrs. Owens chuckled and cupped Harmony’s cheek. “It makes me uncomfortable, but I’ll do it because I would do anything for you, dear.”
Harmony smiled even as a tear rolled down her cheek. “Thank you.”
Mrs. Owens looked up to Christian. “When would this happen?”
“Now.”
Her eyes widened. “Now? How?”
They didn’t want to tell her about Sunny. They were afraid of what would happen when the pimp found out his money ticket had escaped.
“We’ll take you and what you’ll need for today and your special mementos because we don’t want them damaged, then my men will come and pack the rest and bring what you want to your room.”
Mrs. Owens patted her chest. “Oh, my. I…”
“We’ll help you. Please,” Harmony begged.
A flicker of life filled Mrs. Owens’s eyes. “All right, then. Let’s get to work.”
They packed all her clothes, a box of pictures, the Bible, and her books to take with them.
“How about the furniture?” Christian asked.
