Appearing amused, he replied, “I don’t know, Mama. I only met her today.”
His mother smiled her way, and Val saw that Drake had her dark eyes. “Have you had dinner?” the older woman asked.
“No, ma’am.”
“Are you hungry?”
Val couldn’t lie. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Then, come, eat. After that, we’ll get you a place to lay your head. I promise.”
Val glanced around at all the people awaiting her response. She looked to Drake last.
“She likes stubborn women,” he told her.
Amusement cut through her weariness. “Okay. I accept.”
The family applauded.