Page 16 of Rush

“Oh, shoot!” said Caroline. “I totally forgot about calling Mom. I don’t have a phone. When we were in the cave, Rush accidentally hit my hand, and it slid into the sewer.”

“Lucky for you, we carry spares,” smirked Nathan, handing her the phone from his pack. She stood, kissing his cheek, and walked into the lobby, away from the bustle of the restaurant.

“Hello?”

“Mom, it’s Caroline,” she said.

“Honey! You’re alright. Oh, I’m so glad. Is your father there?”

“Yes. They’re all here, Mom. So is Rush. He’s fine as well. It’s a long story for another time, but I need to tell you something, Mom.”

“Let me guess. You and Rush are engaged.”

“Wait, did Dad call you?” she asked.

“No,” laughed Lucy. “You forget who my grandmother is, and we have Aunt Martha, and Grandpa Nathan, and all the others.”

“Oh my God. I was outed by a group of ghosts,” she whispered. Lucy laughed, shaking her head.

“I’m thrilled for you, Caroline. I know you’ve loved Rush for a long time now.”

“Mom, how could you know that? I didn’t tell anyone.”

“Caroline, you’re my daughter, and whether you believe it or not, I know things that only a mother would know. It seems like only yesterday that I was hiding my feelings for your father. Who, by the way, felt very similar to Rush. He thought he was too old, not good enough, all the things these foolish men think. I love Rush. I think he’s perfect for you, and you’re going to be beautifully happy together.”

“I love you, Mom. Tell great-grandma to start planning the wedding. The minute we’re home, we’re going to get married.”

“I love you, too. Kiss your father for me and congratulate Rush. He got himself a great girl.” Caroline could only shake her head as she headed back into the restaurant. Rush was coming from the other side of the lobby, smiling as well.

“I guess your mom is happy,” he said.

“I hope as happy as yours,” she smiled, kissing him.

“My mother is ecstatic, and she’ll begin wedding plans as soon as she can run to your mother’s cottage. I’m sure Mama Irene will be happy as well.”

“It doesn’t matter,” said Caroline, wrapping an arm around his waist. “I’m happy, and I’m madly in love with you.”

“Same, baby. Same.”

“How is the shoulder this morning?” asked Moose as they sat back down.

“It’s fine, brother. Thank you. A little stiff, but definitely feeling like the infection is under control.” He looked at his father. “Mom said to kiss you for her, but how about I just give you a fist bump?”

Noah laughed, nodding at his son.

“Same,” smiled Caroline, “although I’ll kiss your cheek.” Sniff leaned over, letting her kiss his cheek, and the dogs let out a bark.

“Okay, okay, you two,” she said, ruffling their heads. “So, what’s the plan today? What are we supposed to do?”

“Do you have to go to the zoo?” asked Noah.

“No. They got all the animals there last night, and they were placed in the appropriate enclosures. We have a few days free before we get to work helping to determine if the zoo at Ankara can be saved.”

“For now, you’ll stay close to all of us,” said Trak. “Stick to me or one of my sons since we look like we belong, and they’re not looking for us. Yet. Grigoryan will be looking for Rush.”

“Who is Grigoryan?” she asked. Trak looked up and over at Rush, then down at his plate.

“My apologies, Rush. I thought she knew.”

---