“Yes, why wouldn’t it be? Come into the kitchen. We need to talk.”
That didn’t sound good. Both of them followed Mrs. G into the kitchen.
“Where’s Dad?” Zach asked.
“He’ll be down shortly.”
Knowing Zach’s mom, she probably had asked Mr. G to stay away until she had the talk with her son.
“Got anything to drink?” Zach asked.
“In a moment. Sit down, boys.”
“I feel like I’m ten-years-old again,”Zach telepathed.
“I kind of like it. Your mom’s kitchen—and your mom—are always warm and inviting.”
Zach narrowed his eyes and then turned back to his mother. “What do you need to talk to me about?” Zach asked.
“Zachery Adam Granger. How can you ask that? You bring home a woman your sister says is your mate. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Zach kicked Mike’s leg, and it took some effort not to respond. Yes, Mike had told Tawny that Cassidy was their mate, but Zach said he'd sensed it long before they found her at the cabin and had mentioned that fact to his sister. It wasn’t as if Mike gave away some secret.
“I didn’t want to say anything with Cassidy sitting next to me. And for the record, we just found her a few hours ago. When could I have told you?”
A slow smile spread across her face. “I suppose you couldn’t have mentioned it to me when you called. Anyway, I can’t tell you how happy I am for you two. Tawny is the happiest I’ve seen her, and I wish you and Mike the same success.”
Before Zach could respond, the front door opened.
“Mom?” That was Tawny.
“Back here, dear.”
Tawny came back with both Alex and Liam. “Guys, nice to see you again.” Mike stood, not sure where they were all going to sit.
“Move over to the kitchen table, so we have room,” Zach's mom said.
Tawny stepped next to Zach. “Where is your mystery woman? I can’t wait to meet her. I put a bag of clothes for her next to the front door.”
“I appreciate it. She’s taking a shower. She’s been in the cabin for two weeks.”
“She must have been ripe,” Alex said.
Mike chuckled. “She took a few baths, but Cassidy said she spent hours hauling the water from the river and heating it.”
“I bet.”
Tawny looked over at the entrance. “What’s her story?”
Just then Mr. G came in. “Hello, sweetheart.” He leaned over and kissed his daughter’s forehead and then placed a hand on Zach’s shoulder. “Liam, Alex, and Mike. I didn’t know we were having a party.”
“I told you that Zach called and said they found the woman who saved Zach’s life.”
He looked around. “Where is she?”
“Upstairs cleaning up, but Dad, please don’t grill her. Cassidy has been through a lot. Some asshole in Wyoming attacked her car, her home, and her best friend. She’s on the run.”
“Oh, my.”