Page 63 of Absolution

“I can accept that answer.”

“Such a mess.” She giggles, nudging my shoulder. I grasp her wrist, pulling her into my arms.

“I need to check on Doc. I also want to talk with Crawford and Kathryn about my decision to check into my past.”

She scowls. “So, you’re leaving me already.”

“Oh, please! I’m the one begging you to let me stay.” I lean in, readying for a kiss.

“Are you bringing her back with you?” Scarlet’s brows knit.

“Is this your way of asking me if I’m coming back?”

She lowers her head, pushing her face into my chest. “Maybe. Kinda. Yeah.”

“Scar,” I lift her chin with my finger, gazing into her eyes. “I’m going to see my parents and pick up Doc. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“Okay, we’ll be here.” She rises on her tiptoes, placing her lips to mine. Her touch exhilarates me, giving me a supercharge of happiness.

Scarlet’s been hurt, it’s obvious, but before I can help her to heal her old wounds, I need to open mine and let them breathe. Her feeling of uncertainty isn’t unfamiliar to me, another reason we’re meant for each other.

My cell buzzes as I pull into the driveway, parking, I take a quick glance at it and smile. I jump out, taking the steps two at a time and rap on the door before entering.

“Hey,” I step inside, scanning the area. “where is everyone?”

“In here! I just tried calling you.” Kathryn yells from the direction of the kitchen.

I close the door, and head in the direction of her voice. As I round the corner, I’m greeted by my girl, and she’s thrilled to see me. Doc nearly knocks me down, jumping on me with excitement.

“Hey, Doc. I’ve missed you girl.” I kiss her snout, patting her back to calm her down before looking to my parents. “Good morning!”

Kathryn cuts her eyes at Crawford, prompting me to chuckle. “How are you? I was worried after your last call.”

“Emmie is alive, and I still have all of my hair. I think that should cover the basics.”

Crawford nods toward the chair across from him. “Have a seat, I think I’d like to hear more of this tall tale of survival and fear.”

“Honestly,” I pull the chair out, falling into it. “I’ve never been more frightened in my life! Why don’t they teach parenting 101 in high school? I mean, she shot peas outta her nose!”

“Creed Randal! Stop being so graphic at the table.” Kathryn shakes her head, wincing.

Crawford’s jaw sets. “Sounds like you have seen some action, son. Glad you made it out alive.”

“I did, but my clothes did not. My shirt was stuck to my back for hours.” Kathryn’s face turns sour as we all laugh.

“I’d like to know what kind of mother leaves you in charge, to begin with?” Crawford smirks. I’m sure they’ve heard of Scarlet and know she’s fantastic so that zingers for me.

I hold my hands up. “Obviously, she has no judge of character.”

“I was rather intrigued by your message; Boone couldn’t stop laughing.” Kathryn’s face is glowing as if she has a secret.

I shift in my seat, feeling seen. “Yeah, I was totally panicked.”

“Well, as long as she’s alive and you’ve showered, I suppose everything’s okay.”

“Not exactly, but I’m hoping you can help.” His shoulders square as if he’s readying for battle. Maybe he is, and I’m the one that has no idea what I’m about to ask or what ramifications it may hold.

“What is it you need, Creed?” Kathryn places her hands in her lap, bracing herself for the worst.