I hugged her tight before pulling away to kiss her cheek. Her bottom lip trembled slightly, and I could tell she was fighting back her tears. “I’ve been so worried.”
“I’m fine.”
She gave a slight shake of her head. “Don’t do that to me again. And don’t ever leave in the middle of the night to do something so very dangerous.” She brought her hand to her chest. “My heart just can’t take it.”
With just a few words, she had the ability to cut me down and make me feel three feet tall. I rubbed her shoulders. “I’m sorry, Mama. I truly am. But you don’t have to worry anymore. I’m home safe and sound.”
“I’m a mother—my worry never ends. Especially when I have three such headstrong sons.”
“If it makes you feel better, I did miss you.”
She chuckled. “You missed me or my cooking?”
I appreciated her effort to lighten the heavy mood. With a smile, I replied, “A little of both.”
Mama Beth then turned her attention away from me. Glancing over my shoulder, she said, “Hello there.”
It was then I realized that Annabel had come across the driveway to stand quietly behind me. Taking her arm, I drew Annabel beside me. “We have company,” I said.
“Hello,” Annabel said softly.
Extending her hand, Mama Beth said, “I’m Elizabeth, Nathaniel’s mother.”
Mama Beth gave Annabel a kind smile, but she didn’t make a move to hug her. In her infinite wisdom, she could sense Annabel’s apprehension and was giving her the space she felt she needed.
“I’m Annabel.”
“Won’t you both come to my house? Supper should be ready soon. I decided to cook a little later when you told me you were coming home today.” Before I could say yes or no, Mama Beth frowned. “Or maybe you’d rather rest. I’m sure that was a tiring drive,” Mama Beth rambled. I had slightly unnerved her by showing up with Annabel. I’m sure she would have a million questions for me the moment we were alone.
Before Annabel could answer, Willow came bounding off Mama Beth’s porch with her almost grown puppy, Walter, yipping after her. “Uncle Rev!” she shrieked.
She dove into my arms the moment she reached me. “Hey, Rugrat, you miss me?”
“Mmm, hmm.” She gave me a smacking kiss on the cheek. “You and Uncle B were so mean to leave at the same time Mommy and Daddy did. I’ve only had Grandma Beth and Walter to play with.”
Mama Beth wagged an accusatory finger at Willow. “Now you know that it isn’t true. You’ve had Jenny over to play almost every day.”
Jenny was the youngest of Case’s children. With the loss of her father, I was sure she needed the playtime just as much as Willow did.
“But she doesn’t do everything I say like Uncle Rev and Uncle B do.”
I grinned. “So you’ve met your bossy little match in Jenny, huh?”
“I guess so.” Her dark eyes, which were her father’s, peered into mine. “Did you bring me anything?”
I laughed. “Was I supposed to?”
Willow’s lips turned down in a pout. “Mommy and Daddy brought me back some presents from their trip.”
My brows rose in surprise. “Deacon and Alexandra are back?”
Mama Beth nodded. “Got back this afternoon just in time for Alexandra’s doctor’s appointment.”
The word “doctor” got my attention. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, worrywart. Just the usual appointments for pregnant women.”
“Good.”
