The last thing I want to do is tell my kids that the monster found us, but I have to. They deserve to know.
I leave Mac’s room and head out toward the main living area. Instead of Mac’s room being in the main clubhouse, he opted for one in a small house on the land. He told me it was quieter this way. You wouldn’t know it now, though. The closer I get, the louder my kids become.
They’re here.
I pick up my steps and all but run toward them.
“Mommy!” Emily cheers as she tosses herself against me.
“Hi, baby girl. Did you have fun with Smoke and Kelly?” I murmur against her hair as I hold her tight.
“Yeah, they took us for Mexican food. I had tacos with spicy stuff on them,” she tells me animatedly.
“That’s awesome. Did you tell them thank you?” I ask as I slightly pull back but still hold her close.
“I did. Tanner did too. At first, he almost forgot, but then I reminded him,” she tells me proudly.
“Did not,” Tanner mutters.
I look up at the couple in question and smile.
“Thank you for getting them out of here for a little while. You didn’t have to do that,” I say honestly.
“It’s no problem. We had fun, and we would be glad to do it again.” Kelly smiles.
Smoke looks at his wife fondly before turning toward me.
“What she said,” he says.
“Smoke, I owe you an apology.” I step toward him.
“For what?” he asks, frowning.
“For bringing this trouble to your doorstep. The last thing you need is to deal with my drama. Especially after you have all been so kind to me. Giving me a job and a car and a place to live. I hope you know I didn’t mean for this.”
“Jane, it’s really no problem. Family helps family. Your problems are ours, and vice versa,” he says sincerely.
“We need to tell them,” Mac murmurs.
“Tell us what?” Tanner asks, tensing.
I look up at Mac as I try to gather the courage to tell my kids the truth. He must see the struggle on my face because he steps in.
“We are all going to be staying here at the clubhouse for a while,” Mac tells Tanner.
“Like a sleepover?” Emily asks.
“Kind of,” Mac tells her, but Tanner’s little knowing eyes are on Mac, and Mac hasn’t looked away once.
“Cool!” Emily says as she pulls out of my arms.
“Why?” Tanner demands.
I look over at my son and see that his arms are crossed, and he’s frowning like the weight of the world is on his shoulders.
“How about I take Emily outside while the four of you talk?” Kelly says.
“Can I, Mommy?” Emily asks.
