“Not exactly.”
“What do you mean?” Her voice hitched. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine and safe, but I didn’t make it home. I’m sitting outside Addy’s now.”
“Seriously? You’re playing with me, aren’t you?”
He saw light peek through a window and the outline of her face. He waved to her, though he doubted she could see it through the dark and snow. “I’m here. Is it all right if I come in? I’ll explain everything.”
“Of course. I’ll meet you at the door.”
Ending the call, he glanced over to Beth. “We’re good. I’ll meet you on that side and help you all down.”
Providence provided decreased wind speeds, and they rushed to the door before it could pick up again. Before Landon could knock, Jessa opened the door. Her eyes spread, showing surprise that he’d arrived with guests, but she blinked and recovered. “Come in.”
An older couple sat in the lobby, absorbed in a conversation. They gave a cursory glance at the newcomers, then returned to their conversation. Noisy activity came from the game room, the sound of air hockey pucks clanking. There was a lot more activity going on than what he was used to.
Jessa collected coats and hung them on the rack. “Can I get you any coffee? Hot chocolate?”
April tapped Jessa’s arm. “Mr. Landon said you had cookies.”
“He’s right. Would you like one?”
She nodded and grabbed Dex’s hand. “My brother wants one too.”
Mrs. Addy entered a room, pushing a serving cart. Smiled when her eyes met Landon’s. “Did I hear we have more visitors?”
Despite the rough day, Landon grinned. He enjoyed having Mrs. Addy’s approval and knowing she looked forward to seeing him too. “Looks like we’re stranded here for the night if you’ll have us. This is Beth Aguilar and her children April and Dex. Their car left them sitting on the exit ramp.”
Beth wrinkled her nose. “I ran out of gas.”
“I’ve been known to do that a time or two.” Mrs. Addy grinned. “My late-husband finally started to fill my tank every other day to ensure I’d never run out.”
Jessa grabbed two cookies and handed them to the children, then filled two cups with hot chocolate from the carafe on the cart. She stooped down to their level. “If it’s okay with your mom, you can go into that room right there.” She pointed to a door to the right. “There are some games and books you might like.”
Beth laid a hand on April’s shoulder when she looked up for permission. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You can take your brother, and I’ll be in as soon as I sort things out.”
Once the children were occupied, Mrs. Addy invited them all into her office. Landon stood by the chair Jessa claimed, allowing the women to have the available seats.
“Why don’t you bring a chair in from the lobby,” Mrs. Addy suggested.
“I’ve been sitting all day, with tensed muscles at that. Standing up and stretching my legs is a treat.” He rested his hands on Jessa’s shoulder, and she glanced up with a smile that warmed his bone-chilled body.
Mrs. Addy rolled the computer mouse and clicked it. “Before you came, I pulled up the latest forecasts while I still have internet access. All models have come in agreement for twenty-four to thirty inches by noon tomorrow.”
Gasps echoed through the room.
“I knew once the storm started that it would be bad, but not that severe.” Beth’s face froze in awe. “Maybe God does hear my prayers. If Landon hadn’t stopped, the chances of the kids and I surviving in the car all night would have been small.”
“Never doubt that God hears you, dear.” Landon and Jessa shared a wink as Mrs. Addy’s voice took on her grandmotherly tone. “He brought you here to safety tonight, and as it would be, I have one room left, the only one with a king bed. Room enough for you and the children.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t take the room. Landon should have it.”
He shook his head. “I can sleep anywhere. The chairs in the library will do fine.”
Pink circles dotted Beth’s face. “You don’t understand. I can’t afford to stay in a place like this.”
“I wouldn’t dream of collecting a cent.” Mrs. Addy scowled, letting Beth know it would be a personal offense if she tried to pay. “I have two other families here tonight who came off the interstate seeking refuge from the storm. It’s my honor and duty to provide shelter.”
