“Hello, Claire,” Hannah greeted her.
“Hi, Hannah. I’m calling to let you know your parents plan to stay a few more days in town. They asked me to pass along an invitation for you to have dinner with them to talk things over.”
Hannah paused. “Can I think about it?”
“It’s your choice,” Claire reminded her.
“Can you hold on?” Hannah asked.
“Sure.”
Hannah placed her hand over the phone and turned to Cole, who sat beside her. “My parents invited me to dinner. I don’t want to see them after last night, but I miss my mom. What do you think?”
“It’s entirely up to you. As you saw last night, you have people here who will support you, including me,” Cole said, brushing his hand against her cheek. “This must be your decision.”
Hannah frowned, but nodded, understanding what Cole meant.
“Can I let you know in the morning? I’m still trying to process how things escalated last night. I need more time to consider it,” Hannah said honestly.
“Good for you,” Claire commended her. “You’re using your coping skills and not letting your emotions take over.”
Hannah grinned as Cole played with her fingers, offering her silent support. “Thanks.”
“I’ll let them know in the morning what you’ve decided,” Claire assured her. “Have a good day.”
“You too,” Hannah said before hanging up the phone.
On Monday, Hannah entered the facility and placed her belongings on her desk. Bear left her a present of a jar of honey with a note saying, ‘Welcome to the team.’ She set it aside as she placed the vase of flowers Cole presented her with when she woke up. They made a habit of sleeping out on the back porch and watching the stars. Cole added the glass panes to maintain the heat. Between the heavy-duty sleeping bags, Cole’s warmth, and the added blankets, she slept comfortably.
Scarlett entered her office. “Hello, sister in arms. Will you have any problem purchasing our items?”
“I need to borrow Cole’s truck. I’m hoping to get my license in the morning,” she said, while she grabbed her computer to attend the meeting.
“I thought Leo said you must attend on Friday?” Scarlett asked as she walked beside her.
“I wanted to thank them for supporting me when I needed it the most. It meant a lot for all of you to show up. I’m new to the team,” she faltered.
Scarlett stopped and reached for her hand. “Listen, you belong here whether you know it or not. We know your worth. It’s time you found it.”
Hannah nodded, agreeing with what Scarlett said as they joined the team in the kitchen.
“Where’s the bacon?” Knight asked.
“Geez, don’t start this again. If I have to clean toilets because of your nonsense for another month, I’ll beat you to a pulp on the mat. Gabby will be happy she got pregnant when she did. By the time I’m done with you, you won’t have any more kids.”
“Dude. This ain’t funny. The bacon’s not here,” Knight complained.
“Who else came into the kitchen since you got here?” Patch demanded.
“Only Cole and Brody, but he took him out to the play area. He wants him to get some energy out before he trains the dogs,” Knight explained.
“Don’t you find it funny Cole always ends up in the room where the food disappears?” Patch grumbled as he checked the microwave.
Hannah reached for the plates as Scarlett situated Ice. “Cole helped me bring my office supplies in. You’re out of luck, Patch.”
“Sure, stick up for your boyfriend. I know I cooked the bacon because I can’t make any at home. It makes Claire sick,” Patch argued.
“So doesn’t your cologne, your body wash, and shampoo,” Knight cackled. “I’m beginning to think it’s the person and not the products.”
