20 Questions

Chapter 68

It's Christmas Eve and my parents are going to be here today! I am over the moon about introducing them to Hunter and the guys. I feel like I have been waiting forever for this day. Hunter is still asleep so I quietly get dressed and head out of the room. When I exit, I see Helen walking out of the room down the hall. She looks different. She looks clean and well-rested. She is in the new clothes I bought her and looks much younger than she did yesterday. Her clothes hang on her very thin body and she still has dark circles under her eyes, but she really is a pretty lady. I walk up to her and she surprises me by wrapping her arms around me.

"I'm sorry, dear. That was the best I have slept in a really long time and I have you and your amazing man to thank for that. I feel like a new woman today." Her eyes drop to the ground as she continues. "I wanted to give you a hug yesterday, but I was too embarrassed because I was so dirty and I know I smelled terrible. I think I stood in the shower for an hour."

"Oh Helen, I am so happy that you got some rest and a nice long shower. It's humbling that we take for granted those little things like a hot shower and a comfortable bed. I was getting ready to get some breakfast. Would you like to join me?"

"I would, but I don't have any.... well, I don't have a way- "

"Helen, I'm buying breakfast. Don't you worry about that. Now let's go eat. I am starving."

She graciously accepts and thanks me at least six more times before we even reach the bar. She is such a sweet lady and I am so blessed to be able to help such a kind soul. We had just put our order in when I feel Hunter puts his arm around my shoulders and kiss my temple.

"Good morning, beautiful," he tells me. "And good morning, Miss Helen. How did you sleep?"

She looks at him with her kind eyes and tells him, "Oh, Hunter, it was the best sleep I've had in a really long time. I was just telling Jenna that I stayed in the shower for an hour. I haven't been in a real shower with hot water for so long. I can't thank you both enough for everything that you are doing for me. I know that I will never be able to repay you for your kindness, but I will continue to thank you a million times this week."

"No need," Hunter waves her off. "We all need a little help sometimes. Knowing that you are safe and fed this week are the only things that are important right now. Now let's eat some breakfast. We have a big day today." He walks up to the bar to order some food when Helen turns to me.

"He is such an incredible man. You are very lucky to have found him. He reminds me so much of my late husband, James. They have those same kind eyes. I miss him so much," she says, but her voice cracks.

I place my hand over hers. "I know you do. I am so sorry about your husband and son. I lost someone close to me recently and it is a struggle every day. Even though we don't understand it, God has a bigger plan for them. Sometimes I think that they just didn't belong here, like they were too good to be on this Earth. God gives them to us for a short time to teach us to be better people. But yes, you are right. I am lucky to have found Hunter. He changed my whole life."

Hunter returns with all our food and we sit down to eat. A few minutes later, all the guys enter the lobby and head our direction. They approach slowly, unsure of why there is a random woman sitting at our table. Thankfully, they hold their tongues long enough for us to explain.

Hunter speaks first. "Helen, I want to introduce you to my brothers. They are all staying here this week as well."

He introduces her to the guys and they all shake her hand and tell her what a pleasure it is to meet her. I'm a little taken aback at how long Patrick holds on to her hand when they shake, but I don't put too much thought into it. Patrick has always been my favorite of the brothers. He's adorable, sweet and has a naturally calm and comforting demeanor. The guys order their food and join us at our table. Helen explains the circumstances under which we met, the guys carrying empathetic expressions.