No Place to Run (KGI #2)(28)

“Sean is here for the protection of my family,” Sam said shortly. “I didn’t go behind your back and report you to the cops.”

She relaxed a little, but the knot in her throat grew larger as she stared at the house.

This was his parents’ house, and she had no concept of how to act around a normal family. But she carried their grandchild, and if nothing else, that gained her something. Didn’t it?

Donovan opened the door for her, and automatically her chin went up. Sam walked around and reached in to help her out. She grabbed for the waist of the sweatpants to keep them up as Sam tucked her into his side. At least he wasn’t trying to put a world of distance between them. She couldn’t have faced his entire family by herself.

Garrett and Donovan hurried forward and had the door open by the time she and Sam got there. As soon as she stepped inside, she was greeted by a rush of warm air and the smell—it wasn’t even one identifiable scent. It was a mixture of home-baked food, flowers, cleaner and an older musty smell that came from years of wear.

It was the best smell she’d ever encountered.

She inhaled deeply, wanting to savor every bit.

“Sam, Garrett, Donovan? Is that you?”

The feminine voice came closer, and in another moment a small woman rounded the corner as if on wheels. She collided with Garrett, bounced off and then promptly pounced on the much larger man.

“Garrett!”

She pulled him into her arms, and Sophie watched in fascination as Garrett transformed in front of her eyes. He went from surly, scowling ape to a gentle mama’s boy. It was mind-boggling.

He scooped her up in his arms, though she seemed to be doing most of the hugging.

“We’re fine, Ma. Quit squeezing me so hard or I won’t be able to breathe.”

She kissed both cheeks, patted one and then turned her attention to Donovan, who was watching with an amused smile.

“Gee, Mom, you’d think you never saw us.”

She scowled at him, and Sophie could see where Garrett got it. Their mom could be quite ferocious when provoked.

She hugged Donovan fiercely, patting and squeezing in random patterns.

“I’ve been so worried. Sean showed up mumbling about safety and trouble and then wouldn’t let your father or me out of the house. I was tempted to turn him over my knee.”

Sam pushed forward shaking his head. “Sean did exactly what he was supposed to do, Ma. Don’t be giving him any trouble.”

Mrs. Kelly turned to Sam and her face softened. At the same time she caught sight of Sophie standing to Sam’s side and her expression froze.

She looked at Donovan and then quickly back at Sam and then focused on Sophie again.

“What in the world?”

She started toward Sophie, and it was all Sophie could do not to turn around and run.

Mrs. Kelly’s hands came up to brace Sophie’s arms, but Sam was there to push one away from her injury.

“Careful, Ma. She’s been hurt.”

Sam’s voice was soft and husky, almost tender. Sophie’s knees began to shake because she couldn’t take this. It was too much. She was scared out of her mind, and the last thing she wanted was rejection.

“Oh my word,” Mrs. Kelly breathed out.

And before Sophie could expend any more time being terrified, the woman enfolded her in her embrace as carefully as she would a child. And just as suddenly she pulled away and aimed a ferocious glare up at Sam.

“Sam Kelly, what is the meaning of this? This poor girl looks like she’s been in the lake.”

She reached up and touched Sophie’s bedraggled hair and frowned. Then she glanced downward.

“She doesn’t even have shoes!”

Sam held up his hands, but his mom ignored him.

Her gaze fastened on Sophie’s belly, and Sophie went completely still. She stood there in dread, chin up, her knees so locked it was a wonder she hadn’t passed out yet.

“She’s pregnant! Oh dear Lord. Sam what were you thinking?”

Sam’s eyebrows went up, and he backed away as if unsure of what his mom was referencing.

“Mom, listen to me, okay? There are some things you need to know.”

“Make it quick,” she snapped.

Sam went back to Sophie’s side and pulled her against him in a gesture that could hardly go unnoticed by his mother. And indeed, Mrs. Kelly’s eyebrow went up, and she looked between Sam and Sophie with obvious curiosity.

“Sophie and I met five months ago while I was on a mission in Mexico. We were . . . involved. She’s in trouble now and needs our help. The entire family could be in trouble, which is why we sent Sean over to stay with you and Dad. My teams will be here in a few hours—”

Whatever else he might have said was lost in his mother’s gasp.

“Sam Kelly, is this my grandchild you’re allowing to stand in my kitchen with its mother shivering cold and barefooted?”

Sam sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”

“For God’s sake, and to think I thought Joe was the son lacking in common sense.”

She turned to Sophie, ignoring Sam. “Sophie, I’m Marlene Kelly and please do call me Marlene. I’ll introduce you to Frank, but first my idiot son needs to take you upstairs for a hot bath and a fresh change of clothes.”

Sophie smiled, or she tried, but her lips were quivering, and she tried to control the knocking of her knees. The idea of a hot bath was so wonderful that she nearly buckled on the spot. And would have, but Marlene wrapped an arm around her waist and held her up.