“We have folks coming to pick them up,” Kendrick yelled back over the chopper’s roar. “Right now, we just need to get you back to warmth and safety. Come on, babydoll. In you go.”
Samantha couldn’t believe what was happening when, a few minutes later, securely strapped in, the flying machine took off, leaving the abandoned gas station behind.
And whisking her away to her new life.
Chapter Thirty-Four
When Samantha reached the Daddy Guard’s mansion, holding Kendrick’s hand as they walked inside, she couldn’t believe the events of the last twenty-four hours.
Really, the last week.
But she’d survived the harrowing storm—thanks to Kendrick, Isaiah, and Ace.
Now, though, she had to face something else that was nearly just as scary: Iris, Cami, Lana, and Annika.
The women she’d been absolutely awful to. The ones she’d treated so horribly.
Would they ever forgive her? She remembered what Isaiah had said. But would that hold?
Tonya—or rather Samantha—had been a self-absorbed bully.
She didn’t deserve their forgiveness. And she certainly didn’t deserve to be included in their family.
They had every right to be angry with her, she reflected, as she walked through the warm entry way of the mansion.
Wreaths and lights adorned the walls on both sides of her. The smell of gingerbread cookies wafted in the air. Nat King Cole’sO Come, All Ye Faithfulplayed somewhere deeper in the grand old house. It was warm. Inviting. Friendly.
“She’s here!” Iris yelled, appearing before Samantha and Kendrick, having just come from the kitchen entrance to the left. Throwing off her apron that had hints of flour and sugar on it, and slinging off the oven mitts she wore, Iris ran to Samantha, threw her arms around her neck, and squealed. “We were so worried about you!”
The other women appeared, gathering around her.
“Hey, you’re back in time to readThe Night Before Christmaswith us!” Cami said. “And go to midnight mass, if you want. It’s at the Episcopal Church on Hollywood Boulevard.”
Samantha tried to speak but found that her tongue was stuck to the roof of her mouth.
After clearing her throat, she tried again.
“Guys, I…” She hung her head and started sobbing. “So… sorry…” was all she could manage to croak out. Wiping her eyes and taking deep breaths, she gave it another shot. “I should have never?—”
Iris took her hands in hers.
“Samantha, we accept your apology.”
“You do?”
Iris nodded. “There’s really nothing left to say on the matter. Except…” She grinned. “Merry Christmas.”
The group hugged her tightly, the other ladies saying, “Merry Christmas,” in unison.
The doorbell rang behind them. Opening it, Kendrick stepped aside to allow Auntie Athena, Trevon, and Auntie Caroline in.
“Oh, honey! We’re so glad you’re back! We were worried sick,” Athena said, hugging Samantha.
The embrace felt wonderful, and Samantha had a feeling she and the matronly woman would be growing quite close in the coming months.
“Hey, I might be strong, but I can’t hold these presents forever,” Trevon’s deep voice rumbled. “I need to put ‘em down.”
Everyone laughed.
