Karissa looks to me and tries not to laugh before answering.
“Well, it was going to be Canada, but Cody informed me that was…illegal.”
Mason lets out a quick laugh, looks at me, and then back to her.
“Yeah, you can’t do that.”
She looks down, already knowing that and probably feeling embarrassed about her lack of understanding when it came to borders and citizenship.
I nudge her. “Why don’t you go get something to eat?” I gesture to the kitchen and she walks that way.
Once she’s out of the room, I look to Mason again and he stands, his eyes knowing, his voice low. “Tell me you took her to the station already to file a report.”
“Report?” Dad asks.
Mason doesn’t look at him, just me. “She had a bruise on her neck and scratches on her hand,” he says.
I nod.
“He’s a cop alright,” Wesley says. “I didn’t even notice those things.”
Mason shrugs, “Well, that and you don’t just up and decide to cross borders that pregnant.”
“Yeah. Guy’s a jerk. I had to hear the whole story…twice,” I say.
“You take her to the hospital? Get checked out?” he asks.
“No. Didn’t think of it. She seemed fine.” I shrug. “She drove all day.”
Jesse sits up, adjusting Cora in his arms. “Ella could look her over. She’s coming soon.”
I nod slowly, thinking it over. I guess having an ER nurse in the family does come with perks.
“Yeah…if she wants to.”
“What’s her plan? She got family somewhere she can stay with?” Dad says.
“No. I asked.”
“Why don’t we let her stay at the lodge after this last group of guys comes through?” Jesse looks at Dad, and he seems to ponder it.
It’s the last week of snow goose season; we won’t have another group until September.
“I mean, yeah, we won’t need it,” Dad says.
“I doubt she’ll stay that long. She just needs to get a plan—a real plan, not a life on the run—and I want to help her,” I say.
“It’s fine with me. No AC though,” Dad adds.
“I’ll find one of those old window units in the garage if she needs it,” I counter.
“Let me talk to your mom first, after you all leave later,” Dad replies.
I just nod and turn back toward the kitchen.
Addison and Mom are talking Karissa’s ear off while she eats a slice of Mom’s blueberry pie.
You wouldn’t guess this is her first time meeting any of us. Maybe it’s just her personality, but she fits in like she’s always been here.
