Page 35 of Hunted (Desert Island Duet #2)

She nods. “Yeah. Is that bad? Would my dad be upset with me?”

“Sweetheart, of course not.” I grab her hand and hold it in between mine, as Bower wraps his arm around her shoulder in silent support. “Your dad would want you to be happy.”

“Besides,” Bower adds, “you could keep the business and just have someone else run it.”

She looks at him in surprise, like she hadn’t thought of that. I shrug as I reply, “That’s an option, too. Just remember, it’s your life, and it sounds like your dad was a great man. I’m sure he would be okay with whatever makes you happy.”

She nods, staring down at her hands in thought.

“But you don’t need to decide anything now. Or even this week, or year. Take all the time you need,” Bower adds, and I nod in agreement.

She’s quiet for a moment and I decide it’s time to bring up another sensitive topic. “Darla, I think we should book you an appointment with a doctor. You need a full check-up to make sure you’re in good health after everything that happened.”

“I thought the doctors in Madagascar did that?”

“Well, they did a lot of tests, yes. But you still need a complete scan. We want to make sure you’re good and healthy.”

“I’m fine,” she says stubbornly, her eyes glued to the TV.

“Darla, I really think you should go. ”

“Can we not talk about this right now?” She turns those big beautiful green eyes on me, and I can’t help but nod, willing to agree to anything to remove the pain I see there.

The sound of the front door closing makes us all startle.

Wasn’t it locked?

I jump up, wishing I had some sort of weapon as I quickly round the couch, hoping to head off the intruder before they make in it here, but when Mrs. G walks around the corner, I let out a long breath.

Her eyebrow raises in question, an amused look on her face.

“Sorry, we’re a little jumpy right now.”

“No harm. I’m just here to get started on dinner.”

Checking my watch I frown. “It’s only three o’clock.”

“Yes, and pot roast takes time.”

“Fuck, yes, my favorite!” Bower yells from the couch.

“Language!” she chastises him, making Darla giggle. He narrows his eyes at her, then tickles her, making her squeal. The sight of her laughing eases my tension. This is how I always want to see her, happy and carefree.

The doorbell chimes through the air, cutting off their laughter, and I move quickly to see who it is. Arnold is around here somewhere, but I’m probably closer to the door.

When I pull it open, my jaw drops open in surprise. “Mom?”

“Kingsley!” she cries as she lurches forward and hugs me, knocking me back a step as my sister Hazel smirks at me, enjoying my shocked expression.

I hug her back as I ask, “What are you guys doing here?”

“You thought we weren’t going to come and see you as soon as you were back? We were waiting for our invite, but I got tired of waiting, so here we are. ”

A seed of guilt grows in my stomach. I might not have been the best son, but a lot had been going on. My mom and Hazel are important, but Darla… She's going through so much right now, and I need to be here for her.

“I’m glad you’re here,” I tell them honestly, gesturing for them to come inside.

I give Hazel a hug, then she immediately asks, “Is she here?” as she bounces from foot to foot.

“Who?” I ask, purposely playing dumb as I lead them through to the living room.

She rolls her eyes at me and smacks my back with the back of her hand. “You know exactly who I’m talking about. The Darla Danvers. The missing heiress who you and Bower are apparently dating.”

I wasn’t going to correct her right now, and tell her that she was also dating West, not to mention we all knew Reece was well on his way there, too.

That is, if the two of them could finally get past the hurdle of their time apart and figure out how to merge their past lives with their present ones.

As we step into view of the living room and kitchen, Hazel squeals, making me flinch away from the sharp noise. “Ohmygod, it’s really her!”

Darla’s eyes widen at my sister’s presence, and Bower tightens his grip around her.

“Aweeee. Look how he’s holding her all protective and sweet. Bower, I didn’t know you had it in you!” She sighs, as she looks over at them with a huge smile.

“Hey, Hazey,” Bower says, moving to stand, bringing Darla with him. He hugs Mom and Hazel while I tug Darla to my side, placing my arm around her waist as I wait for them to finish their greetings .

When both women’s eyes turn to Darla, I give her waist a small squeeze as I introduce them. “Darla, this is our mom, Mrs. V, and our sister Hazel.”

“It’s nice to meet you both,” Darla says, sounding a little nervous, but she reaches out her hand to shake. My mom grabs her hand and yanks her in for a hug, surprising Darla, and she lets out an, “Oomph!”

“Mom! Be gentle!”

“Oh hush, Son. I’m not hurting you, am I?” she asks, pulling back to look at Darla’s face in question.

“Oh, umm, no, you didn’t hurt me.”

I grab Darla’s hand and pull her back to my side, out of reach of my mother. She can be a very touchy-feely person, and I don’t think Darla is completely comfortable with that right now, not when she’s just met her.

“Ohmygod, your hair is beautiful!” Hazel beams, changing the subject.

“Thank you,” Darla says nervously, pulling the braid in front of her shoulder and looking uncomfortable with the compliment.

“Don’t you like it?” Hazel asks, tilting her head when she sees Darla’s expression.

“It’s not that I don't like it… It’s just… I haven’t been able to cut it in over fifteen years,” Darla admits. I didn’t realize it bothered her.

“Do you want to cut it?” I ask.

Her lips twist for a moment in thought before she nods. “Yeah, I don’t want to cut it all off, but it is a lot of work.”

“Yes!” Hazel cheers, doing a little jump for joy as she claps her hands together. “I can do it for you right now; my stuff is in the car. ”

Darla looks up to me in confusion. “She’s a hairdresser. But we don't have to do it now, if you don’t want to. Whenever you’re ready.”

She takes a moment to think, then smiles at Hazel. “Actually, this is perfect. I was dreading going to a salon, that’s why I haven't mentioned it yet. You really don't mind?”

“Mind?! I can’t wait to get my hands on your hair! I’ll be right back!” Hazel practically runs back to the front door and my mom shakes her head, an amused smile on her face.

“Don’t let her bully you into any cut you don’t want,” my mom warns Darla. “Make sure to stay firm on what you want. But she really is a talented stylist, so as long as you put your foot down about how much you want to cut off, I’m sure you’ll love the results.”

Darla gives her a warm smile. “Thanks. I’m glad you two came over. I was hoping I’d get to meet the woman who raised such amazing men.” My cheeks heat at the compliment, but the huge smile on my mom’s face is worth it.

“I’m just happy you’re all safe. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot. And if you ever need another woman to talk to, you can call me, or Hazel. You’re part of the family now, too, after all.”

Darla’s eyes grow a little misty, so I give her waist a little squeeze for support. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Thanks, Mrs. V.”

Having my mom’s approval means a lot. I knew she’d love Darla. I mean, who wouldn’t? But hearing her offer to be there for her, it just helps reinforce that Darla is part of our lives now and isn’t going anywhere.