I sensed she was looking at me, so I glanced over at her. She looked amazed. She wasn’t, however, looking at me. She was looking past me through my windows. The cows were on my side, after all.
She turned her head and twisted her upper body to take in the view on her side as the line of trees ended. We emerged into the front yard, where a modest fountain sat in the center, its water sparkling in the sunlight.
“My parents aren’t into anything too luxurious. They like to live comfortably, not fashionably, if that makes sense. They’re frugal but wise with their spending. In my eyes, they’re perfect.”
She smiled wide. “I’m sure I’ll love them.”
I hoped so.
Their cars were parked out front, confirming they were home, just as I’d arranged. No surprises there, yet my stomach churned anyway.
I pulled the car to a stop, and two familiar faces appeared on the porch. Ducking slightly, I waved to my parents.
Two dogs came bounding over—a great big sheepdog named Max and my old black Rottweiler, Rex. He’d been my dog before I moved out. Now he was up there in years, but he didn’t show it.
“That big fluffy one is Max,” I said, turning slightly so my voice would carry. “And the black one is Rex.”
“Rex! Max!” Alana repeated, giggling.
“There’s our guests! Mom called out, her voice bright and welcoming".
I got out and hurried around the car to greet them. They met me at the bottom of the steps. Mom wrapped me in a tight hug, and I picked her up, swinging her gently from side to side.
“Momma!” I exclaimed.
She laughed as I set her down and kissed her cheek. “It’s so good to see you, honey,” she said, cupping my face in her hands.
“It’s good to see you too, Mom.”
She glanced past me at the car. “Why aren’t they getting out? Are they afraid of dogs? Sam, go get those two big boys away from the door so they can get out.”
“Yes, dear,” Dad replied with a chuckle, calling the dogs to him. He led them around the house to their kennel. They stood on the other side and barked for a moment but soon moved off to do their own thing. We weren’t in danger and that’s all they cared about. I’d already patted and greeted them as I walked to the porch from the car, so they were already satisfied with me.
By the time Dad returned, Savannah was helping Alana out of the car. The little girl ran straight to my mom, clutching her soft, baggy trousers.
“Alana, introduce yourself,” Savannah said gently, coming up beside me.
“My name is Alana,” the little girl said shyly.
“And how are you today, Alana?” Mom asked, crouching to her level. “Are you hungry?”
“She’s always hungry, Mrs. Murphy,” Savannah replied with a laugh.
“Oh, call me Lois, please. I’m so glad you’re here. Jackson told us a little about your situation, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered, you can stay as long as you like, and we’ll help with Alana when necessary. Sam’s always watchful, and we’ve got a gun in the safe, just in case. You’ll be safe here.”
Savannah smiled as Jackson’s mother, Lois, took her hand. The warmth in the older woman’s grip was reassuring. After exchanging hugs with both Savannah and Alana.
“Come on in, dears. Us girls need to catch up,” Lois said.
“Thank you, I would love that.” Savannah replied, her voice soft but steady. Leading them toward the house and up the steps.
Savannah glanced back waving at me and my dad with an approving smile, siginaling all is well. For the first time in a long time, I saw a glimmer of hope—maybe she and Alana really could find peace here.
Dad shook my hand firmly. “What a sight,” he said, nodding toward the women. “Doesn’t sound right, but I love watching women walk away from me.”
We both laughed as we followed them inside.
"I haven't discuss this with Savannah as yet, but if they need to stay a longer, would you and mom be ok with that?"
