“You, please.”
Rafe’s stomach was in a knot. He wanted to hit something. They’d brought Ahri here toprotecther, but there was no way to protect her from the pain of her husband being murdered. He would need to talk to Bill about increasing the security at the B&B.
8
“WOW, THAT WAS EVEN HARDER than I expected,” Kayn said, still kneeling by Ahri’s chair after they’d hung up from the phone call to their mother. “I’m glad you didn’t tell herhowhe died.”
When Ahri’s eyes welled with tears again, he pulled her into another embrace. She was so glad he’d been there with her. What would she have done if she’d still been alone in Arizona when she’d received the news?
At least telling her mother hadn’t been as traumatic as talking to Zed’s sister had been. The police had already informed them, and the family was making plans for the funeral. Not surprisingly, she’d made it clear Ahri need not attend. Even expecting that response, it still hurt.
“I still think you should come back to my suite,” Kayn said when she stopped crying.
“I need to have people around. It’s better for me here.” As long as Francie was agreeable, Ahri meant to stay there, at least until she knew what she was going to do next—and as long as her presence posed no danger to the Diederiks.
At the sound of cars pulling up outside, Kayn rose. Francie hadsuggested the guys be invited for dinner. Ahri’s hostess was understanding and intuitive, maybe because she’d also lost a husband. She must have realized that Ahri would have retreated if left to her own devices.
“They’re here,” he said. “You sure you’re up to this meeting after the meal?”
Ahri nodded and pulled more tissues from the box by her bed. “I have to be.”
Kayn held out a hand. She took it, and he pulled her to her feet. He slid her arm through his, and they went down the stairs together.
Ahri sat quietly at the dinner table, grateful everyone kept up a lively discussion, all about work. Their passion for what they did made a good distraction. She thought back on the emotional call to her mother and heaved a sigh.
“How are you holding up?” Rafe whispered.
“I wish I could go to sleep for a month, so this would all be over.” She moved the mostly uneaten food around her plate. “My mother’s emotionally fragile, and it was hard to tell her he was gone. She liked Zed a lot.”
Rafe’s mother reached over and gave Ahri’s hand a squeeze. Franciewouldunderstand.
“Well,” Darius said, rising and picking up his plate, “another fantastic meal, Mrs. D. I believe Ez and I will take the little ones out back while you have your meeting with Bill.” He grinned at Nik. “I brought some finger paints, Ace.”
“Yes!” The young boy threw both arms in the air.
“I brought a recorder,” Ezreal’s voice was soft as he looked at Lessa, “in case you want me to teach you how to play it too, since you’re learning to read music now.” It was the most Ahri had heard him say at one time.
“We’ll look forward to the Chess Pie after,” Darius said. “Bring your plate with you Nik.”
Lessa picked up hers and hurried after the artist. Ez shot Ahria sympathetic glance before he followed the others. Had the shy man actually looked at her on purpose? The rest of the adults quickly cleaned up the meal and went into the living room where Rafe had set up his laptop.
“Don’t feel obligated to include us,” Alex said, his arm around Francie’s shoulders. “We don’t want to intrude.”
“If I’m going to stay here, you’ll need to know what’s going on. You already feel like family.” Ahri rubbed her cold hands together. “I appreciate your support.”
“Are you ready?” Rafe asked.
She nodded.
“Is everyone here that you want to be part of this, Ahri?” Bill asked as soon as his face appeared on the screen.
“Yes,” she said. “Is there no way to keep me safe if I go to the funeral?”
“Why should you bother to go after they said you weren’t welcome?” Kayn asked, his face tight.
“Because it would prove to them that Ididlove him.”
“You’re still trying to prove yourself to them?” Kayn’s tone was incredulous. He’d never liked Zed and had done a poor job of hiding it. While her mother had been charmed by him, her brother hadn’t forgiven him for not standing up to his family’s poor treatment of Ahri.
