“That’s exactly why I couldn’t tell you. I knew you would try to help, which would have only put you and Mom on his radar. I couldn’t take that chance.”
Mom comes to her feet and takes one of Dad’s fisted hands from his waist. “Let it go. It’s over and done with. She’s home and safe. That’s all that matters.”
I can tell Dad wants to say more, but he turns his gaze to JW and asks something else instead. “You said Diego wasn’t the type of man to get involved with. What does that mean?”
I shift on the couch, uncomfortable with telling him he was blatantly murdered. Apparently, JW has no qualms with it though.
“He’s been taken care of. He’s no longer a threat to Eden.”
Dad gives a stiff nod.
“You the one who kept her safe?”
“Yes, Sir. My brothers and me.”
He gives another nod. “Then I’m in your debt,” he says gruffly.
“That’s not necessary.” JW puts his arm around my shoulders and tugs me closer. “I did it for purely selfish reasons. I love, Eden.”
Dad crosses his arms over his chest and regards JW. I almost laugh at the stern look on his face. It’s fake. I can see the mirth in his eyes he’s trying to hide. “Do you now?”
“I do.”
“Stop it, Daddy.” I roll my eyes, get up off the couch, and go to him and Mom. “JW’s asked me to move in with him, and I said yes.”
“But, sweetie, you’ve only known him a few weeks,” Mom says, grabbing my hand.
“I love him, Mom.”
She searches my eyes, and finding the truth, gives a single nod. “Okay.”
When we were explaining what happened with Diego, JW told them he lives in Malus and that was where I was the last few weeks. They immediately recognized the name from when it was changed from Sweet Haven and what happened all those years ago.
“I expect you to come visit often,” Dad states.
“I will.”
I feel JW’s hand settle against my lower back. “And you’re more than welcome to visit Malus. Just give us a couple of days’ notice so we’ll have a room ready for you.”
“I’m sure we’ll take you up on that.”
“Who’s hungry?” Mom asks suddenly. “I was just getting ready to put together a pot of goulash. I insist you both stay for lunch.”
Seeing the hopeful look on Mom’s face and having not seen them in so long, I turn to JW. “You don’t mind, do you?”
His lips tilt up into a smile. “Of course not. I’d like to get to know the two people who raised such a wonderful young woman better anyway.”
I hear Mom’s sigh as I lean up and press my lips against his in an easy peck. “Thank you.”
“Come on, dear. I’ll help you in the kitchen.”
Mom and Dad leave, giving us a few minutes alone.
“You’re something special, you know that?” I ask as I wind my arms around his neck and finger the small hairs there.
His smile is still in place. “Only because you make me so.”
“Thank you for pulling me over that day.”