Redemption Road (Vicious Cycle #2)(45)

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.”

Placing her hands on my cheeks, Willow turned my face to look at hers. “What about the present?”

“Willow, where are your manners?” Mama Beth chided, but I only chuckled.

“I just might have something for you in my suitcase.”

“Really?” she asked, her eyes lighting up.

“I’ll give it to you after dinner.”

Although she didn’t look too thrilled at the prospect of waiting, Willow managed to nod. Once she got the topic of a present out of the way, her attention was drawn elsewhere, right to Annabel. “Hi,” she said brightly.

“Hello,” Annabel replied with a smile.

Bending over closer to my ear, Willow whispered, “Did you bring home your girlfriend?”

While Annabel’s cheeks tinged pink, I couldn’t help laughing. “You’re a nosy little shit.”

“Well, it’s about time you had a girlfriend,” Willow answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

Now it was Annabel’s turn to laugh. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but your uncle and I are just friends.”

Willow appeared genuinely let down at the news. “But you might grow to like each other. My mommy and daddy didn’t like each other at first, but then they grew to love each other.”

I shook my head at her. “You’re too much, you know that?”

She giggled. “Daddy says that all the time.”

“Come on. Let’s get inside and get washed up for dinner,” Mama Beth suggested.

I gazed over Willow’s head at Annabel to gauge her reaction to the invitation. When she nodded, I knew she was fine with having dinner with Mama Beth.

I eased Willow down to the ground, and she bounded straight over to Annabel. “What’s your name?”

“It’s Annabel.”

“Does anyone ever call you Belle like in Beauty and the Beast?”

Annabel laughed. “No. Not really.”

“I think that’s what I’ll call you.”

“That’s okay with me.”

At the sight of Willow slipping her hand into Annabel’s, I held my breath that the touch would be okay. While I knew she was still gun-shy about men, I didn’t know how she felt about strangers in general.

But Annabel didn’t shrink away. Instead, she squeezed Willow’s hand tight. The small gesture made my heart swell. Glancing back at us, Willow said, “I’ll show Belle where to wash up.”

“That would be very nice of you.”

“That way you’ll have time to get my present out of the car,” she replied sweetly.

I groaned but obediently nodded my head. As the women disappeared up Mama Beth’s walk, I went back to the car and got out the ballerina alligator. I would worry about our luggage later.

When I got into the house, Willow was chattering incessantly to Annabel about ballet. Annabel was nodding as she tried to keep up with Willow’s fast-paced conversation. As soon as she saw I had returned, Willow abandoned Annabel in midsentence and came galloping over to me. I knew there was not a chance in hell I could wait until after dinner to give her the stuffed animal. So I merely thrust it at her instead. “Here you go, rug rat.”

She grabbed the alligator and squealed with delight. “Ooh, it’s a ballerina just like me.” She then wrapped her arms around my waist and hugged me tight. “Thank you, Uncle Rev.”

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

“All right, it’s time to wash up,” Mama Beth instructed.

“Yes, ma’am,” Willow replied. She once again grabbed Annabel’s hand. “I’ll show you where the bathroom is, Belle.”

“Thank you. I would appreciate that,” Annabel replied.

“And I’ll show you my old room. I get a whole new room at my mommy and daddy’s house.”

After Annabel and Willow disappeared down the hall, I walked over to the sink. As I lathered the soap up to my elbows, I could feel Mama Beth’s eyes boring into my back.

“What is it, Mama?” I questioned without turning around.

“Bishop told me not to be too surprised when you showed up with a girl.”

“Did he?” I held my tongue about saying any more.

“Yes, he did. I’m surprised you didn’t tell me as much when I spoke to you the other day.”

“I figured it could wait. Besides, she was with me when I was talking to you.”

“Is Annabel in some sort of trouble?” she asked. When I threw a glance at her over my shoulder, she pursed her lips at me. “Is that why you brought her here?”

“Yes, she was in trouble.”

“Is she the reason you left?”

“No. She isn’t.” I turned off the water and grabbed a hand towel. I realized then that no one had told her about Breakneck and Sarah. Since I didn’t know how long Willow would keep Annabel occupied, I gave Mama Beth a condensed version of the story.