Bed & Breakfast

Ch. 6 To the Rescue

*** Lou's POV ***

"Paula, you can't put her in this position. She has a right to know." I tried to impress upon my sister.

"It's only a couple more weeks." She muttered.

"And what if it's more?" I demanded.

"Come on, Lou. I don't want her to kick us out or hate me over a slim possibility." She argued.

"She could lose everything because of you! You heard how she was with me. Imagine her pulling that with Stan. He'd burn this place to the ground. Possibly take her as collateral. Maybe put another God-forsaken child in her like he did to you." That last bit was uncalled for, but damn it, I needed to get her to hear me!

"You're an asshole!" She raised her hand to smack me but I caught her wrist before she swung at me.

"He was going to sell your own daughter off because she called him out for what he is. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't think twice about the woman giving you safe harbor." I released her and walked to the end of the porch, gripping the railing and watching the sleet coat the trees and ground. The soft tinkling noise of the frozen rain was unnerving, especially because Andie hadn't returned from town yet. I hoped she would get home before the roads became slick. Even though it wasn't my idea, I encouraged her to escape for awhile.

"You told her already, haven't you?" My sister guessed. I sighed and crossed my arms over my chest, not answering which was answer enough. "Jesus, Lou. Guilt me, fine. But let me make my own damn decisions."

"I suggest we prepare for the possibility that she decides you are not worth the hassle." I stated and glanced to the windows. I nodded at where the kids were sprawled out, messing with their phones. "You need to prepare them for what comes next too."

"One thing at a time, hmm?" She practically begged.

I nodded, although I didn't agree with her. I think the kids were a lot more resilient and understanding than she gave them credit for. The sound of screeching came through her baby-monitoring app. Wilson was up again. I groaned aloud. "What's his problem now?"

"His ears still. He needs that surgery." She stressed.

"Make sure Andie is okay with you staying and between me, Mom and Dad, we'll give you the cash for the surgery." I assured her.

"You're already doing an awful lot for me. For us." She stated.

"That's what family does. But don't beat around the bush with Andie anymore." I urged.

She nodded, giving my arm an appreciative squeeze as she headed in to try and soothe Wilson. I turned to follow her, but headlights down on the driveway gave me pause. Andie was back. I released a sigh of relief.

But it was short-lived as the car that approached was not hers. I immediately went on high alert. An unannounced guest seemed unlikely.

A man exited the vehicle without turning it off and carefully shuffled up to the porch. My hands clenched into fists as I anticipated the possibility of needing to defend my family if this was someone that Stan sent after them.

"Hey, uh hi. Are there any vacancies? The roads are a mess and my wife threatened divorce if I didn't stop off at the next possible lodging and check." He looked hopeful and somewhat timid. I let my guard down ever-so-slightly.