Page 13 of Found By You
My mom stood, her hand sweeping to the suitcase she was packing. “They had quite a lot of clothes, and we got some new things as well, but I understand that she’s going with you.”
I shook my head, my police uniform suddenly feeling too tight across my shoulders. “I was just at the police station, and Dad said that she could go to the main house. I assume that’s all right.”
The woman looked confused, her delicate brows knitting together. “But are you going to be there?”
I felt put on the spot. “Uh …”
My mother shrugged, adjusting the collar of her hiking jacket. “What your father didn’t remember was that we’re leaving this evening for that camping trip with Damon and his family.”
I was annoyed that Damon and my dad hadn’t remembered that—not that either of them knew their own schedules. That was more for their wives to juggle.
Kayla shrugged, tossing her dark hair over her shoulder. “She could stay with me.” She turned to the woman, her voice softening. “If you want to.”
The woman looked sad, a shadow passing over her features that made my protective instincts surge. “Umm …”
“That’s a good idea,” I offered.
The woman held my gaze. “But you’re the one whofoundme. You’re the one I should stay with.”
She sounded so convinced of that, but I balked. “No. I mean, you’ll be more comfortable with Kayla.”
Kayla scowled at me, then turned to her. “And I can protect you.” She nodded. “I have taken several self-defense courses, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
The woman’s brows knit together. “I wish I wasn’t a bother for anyone.” She turned away, sucking in a breath.
A whimper came out of her, but she covered her face.
Oh man, was she crying?
I knew the answer when my mother and Kayla moved to her side and started hugging her. “It’s okay,” my mother said, turning back and frowning at me.
The woman made another whimper type of noise. “I hate this. I’m sorry.”
Kayla scowled at me too.
This wasn’t my fault, but I couldn’t defend myself against … what was this?
The woman sniffed. “I’m sorry. I just don’t know why nobody has even shown up to claim me, and now I’m going to be a complete bother to someone.”
“I guess we’re two grown adults. I mean, I have an extra room. She can stay with me.” The words were out before I could pull them back.
Kayla’s eyes met mine, and she nodded.
“And if I’m not available, then she can go with Kayla. I mean, during my shifts at the police station.” I was already worried about leaving her alone as if she were some child, but still, wasn’t there a possible threat to her?
Kayla nodded, understanding my concern. “Right. So when my brother is on shift, you can just come hang out with me. I do real estate, and a lot of times I just drive around this town and pick one of my brothers or my parents to bother. But since my parents are gone this weekend, it’ll just be the three of us.”
My heart raced. “Except I have to be on security tonight for the class reunion.”
“Great!” she told the woman. “Then you can just hang out with me tonight.”
The plan was forming in my mind, puzzle pieces clicking into place. “Actually, I’ll be off my normal shift at five, so we could all get dinner then. But I’m working the high school reunion tonight, so you could hang out after.”
She let out a long breath, and for a second her face was startlingly sad again, like a storm cloud passing over a summer landscape. Then she tried to smile, the effort visible. “I guess … thank you, all of you.” She looked between my mother and sister, gratitude fighting with confusion in her eyes. “Thank you for the clothes. I like them.” She smoothed a hand down the yellow fabric, and sunlight from the window made it glow against her skin. “And thank you for the makeup. I need it. And okay, I will do what you guys are saying; stay with McCrae, but hang out with Kayla tonight.”
My mother stopped packing the suitcase, her movements suddenly decisive in the quiet room. “It’s only an overnight camping trip, and Sunday we have church, family dinner, and then McCrae’s birthday party.” She turned to the woman. “You have to come to all of that.”
The woman looked surprised, and I almost protested, but what else would she do? Sit alone in an unfamiliar house?
