Bed & Breakfast

Ch. 15 Meet the Parents

*** Andie's POV ***

"My mom wants to meet you." Lou informed me the next morning. We were preparing breakfast in the main house. Lou stayed the night and honestly it felt really good waking up snuggled against his warm, fit body.

But then I remembered that Roger was a guest and I promised cinnamon chip scones. Lou was good natured and followed me to the main house. He disappeared to freshen up and then gave me a toe-curling kiss as I stood in the kitchen waiting for the oven to preheat. Now, he was dropping this mother business on me.

"Why?" I blurted out, picking at my nails.

Lou grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. "Because we talk about you like the Godsend that you are."

I blushed under his admiring gaze. He made me feel like a teenager, giggly and completely out of control of my emotions. "When?"

"We're meeting up at a Farmer's Market Saturday. Maybe get some lunch. Trying to keep it off the beaten path and low key. " He acknowledged the risk involved, especially now that Stan potentially had knowledge of their wearabouts.

"Have you called..." I didn't finish my statement as Riley shuffled in. She looked guilty as she wordlessly made her way to the coffeemaker, her eyes focused low.

Lou sighed and approached her. "Good morning, Riley."

"Morning." She mumbled. She raised her eyes to me and sheepishly looked back to her coffee cup.

Lou and I exchanged a glance. I tried. "Riley, Lou told me about what happened. Are you okay?"

She cupped her coffee, her hands shaking. She shook her head and I could see she was about to snap. I wrapped my arms around her as her whole body trembled. "I'm so sorry." She whimpered.

"It's okay, Riley. Your uncle was just about to call the agent and let them know what happened." I explained calmly.

Lou nodded and pulled his phone out. I honestly was nervous that the agent might pull them out of here. I was committed to these kids now and Lou...well, after the night we shared, I was feeling increasingly committed to him too.

"I just wanted to say goodbye." Riley whined.

"I know. This will all be over soon." I tried to comfort her although I didn't have any intel to confirm or deny what I just told her.

"If we have to leave you'll come too, right?" She asked suddenly, pulling away and staring at me with wide eyes.

"Agent Russell. Oh you were?" I heard Lou say as he stepped outside.

Riley was pleading with her eyes. Thankfully the oven timer sounded. I gave her arms a reassuring squeeze and released her. Would I leave everything to flee with them? I told Lou I'd hold my ground, but that was before. No. No. I'd stay. I couldn't abandon this place.

I took way longer than I should have pulling a pan from the oven and inspecting the delicious treats for doneness. I could practically feel Riley's questioning gaze burning into me. I needed to be up front and firm about my decision. I turned to tell her when the sound of Roger clearing his throat made us both jump.

He was ambling down the hallway, plaid pajama pants straining against his protruding belly. He noticed both of us. "Smells delicious, ladies."

"Good morning. You have quite the timing. Coffee?" I asked.

"Cafe au lait, please." He requested.

"What's that?" Riley asked.

"Half milk. Half coffee." I answered. "Can you grab the milk?"