Page 102 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

Amelia wanted to ask, just in case of what? But she didn't.

"And I'll hang back," said Wade. "Wait and see where I'm needed."

"And even if you're needed," Cash held Amelia's gaze in the rearview mirror as he spoke, "You have to remember, darlin', these might be decent people."

She made a face, and he shrugged. "I know – I'm with you, but I had to say it." He turned to Ty. "Have you had anything back from Travis and Trip about the caseworker?"

Ty checked his phone. "Not yet."

"What do you say, Ford?” Cash asked. "Do we go in now or wait?"

Ford glanced at her, and she nodded.

"I'd rather we call on these people before the caseworker lets them know someone's coming for Hunter,” he said. “But I trust your judgment. What do you think?"

Amelia saw Cash smile as he said, "That's exactly what I think. Good call."

Whatever was going on between the two of them, she was glad that they were working so well together, but at this point, she just wanted to get to Hunter.

"So, can we go now?" she asked.

Ford opened his door and took her elbow to help her down. As they approached the house, Cash said, "I'll be two steps behind you," and Ford offered Amelia his hand.

She clung to it until they reached the front door. He raised his eyebrows, and she sucked in a deep breath as she gave him a nod. She was grateful that Cash and the others were taking care of everything. But all that mattered to her now was meeting her nephew for the first time. She squeezed Ford's hand. Of course, she could have done this alone if she had to, but she’d never be able to express just how grateful she was to have his big, comforting presence right there by her side.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Amelia grasped Ford’s fingers so tight that she was almost crushing them as she stood tense and frozen by his side.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

She barely nodded her head but didn’t move, so Ford stepped forward and knocked on the door.

Despite Cash’s attempted reassurance that the foster family might be decent people, Ford had a bad feeling about this. The neighborhood was run down, and the air didn’t feel right – in a way that went beyond just the humidity. It felt heavy, filled with a sense of foreboding. He straightened his shoulders – maybe it was just him.

The moment the front door opened, his hackles were up. He wouldn’t trust the man standing in front of them to be around kids for five minutes – let alone take them into his home as fosters. He was wearing board shorts and a… sleeveless T-shirt. Ford hated the term wife beater for that kind of shirt – although this guy gave the impression that it might be accurate in his case.

“What do you want?” he asked. “I’ve told you religious freaks before – we’re not interested.”

Ford looked at Amelia. He didn’t want to take over, but for the first time since he’d met her, she seemed lost for words. He squeezed her hand, and she gave him the slightest nod.

“We’re here to see Hunter,” he said.

The man narrowed his eyes. “We had the home visit last week. He’s fine. You can’t come back till next month.”

“We need to see him.”

The man eyed him up and down. “Well, you can’t. Who are you, anyway? That Sanchez woman is his caseworker.” He looked at Amelia “I’ve never seen you before.”

Amelia finally found her voice. “I’m his aunt. I’m here to see him.”

“He doesn’t have any family – that’s why he’s here.”

When he saw Amelia wince, Ford scowled at the man. “He does have family – and we’re here to see him. Can you go get him?”

“No.”

The man turned and called over his shoulder, “Make sure the kid stays in the back!”