Saving Grace #Wattys2016

Chapter Twenty Five

Danny rolled over and nearly fell on the floor of the bed that used to belong to his parents but was now his. He could've sworn Brenda was in bed with him but she must've waked up. Following her good start, he decided to do the same; it was nearly one. In the afternoon. The smile he knew that was growing on his face was a reminder of how good last night was when everyone left. After waking himself up in the bathroom, he padded down the steps and stopped at the glorious sight ahead of him: there stood his wife in the nothing but one of his old work shirts at the stove cooking up a mean plate of bacon.

  "Hmm, something looks good around here." He continued down the steps.

  "Yeah I know, I'm even tempted to snag a piece." Aww, how cute. She thought he was talking about the bacon.

  "I meant you, baby." Danny whispered softly and snuggled up behind her, close enough to hear her sigh. "Morning, wife."

  "Good morning; bacon, my adoring husband?"

  "Don't mind if I do." He snagged the plate and put it next to the pancakes and eggs she already made. When everything was done, Brenda pulled out a chair to sit on and Danny slammed it back into place. "You get the special seat." He scooted out, patting his lap.

  "What's so special 'bout this seat?" Brenda asked but still sat in his comfy arms.

  "I get to be close enough to you to do this." Danny tilted her chin and laid a sweet kiss on her. "Damnit." He cursed when his watch give him the fifteen minute warning to be out the house.

  "Go. Get ready." Brenda got up. "I'll get the paper." Looking down and deciding the shirt was long enough for a quick run outside, she padded out the front door with a glass of orange juice in her hand. Outside was sunny and bright but something just wasn't right. Maybe it was the note she was stepping on.

Maybe a welcome to the neighborhood card, she mused.

Sorry we couldn't make it to the wedding; don't worry, you'll get your wedding gift soon enough.

Who didn't get invited? Brenda turned over the card while thinking but noticed something else, something more dangerous. The White Knights symbol. "Oh Lord." She gasped and dropped the sunny glass of juice she once held.

  "Baby?" Danny came running down the stairs to see his wife frozen on the front porch. "Brenda? What's wrong?" She said nothing but handed him the card.

  "Christ." He breathed and crushed the thick paper in his one hand. They were now making a target of his home and his wife. "Get dressed. I'm dropping you at your parents."

  "No." Brenda finally spoke. "Then they'll know we're scared, which we aren't. I came prepared last night." From behind the swinging porch, she pulled out a rifle. "No one's gonna run me out my own home without a fight." Danny looked in her eyes and didn't see a trace of doubt, just determination.

  "Be careful." Danny pleaded.

  "Ditto." His wife replied before pulling him into a passionate kiss then pushing him in the direction of his truck. She pulled up the newspaper and rifle, sitting on the porch swing. "Ready or not, here I am." Brenda checked to see if it was loaded and pulled out her Better Homes magazine. Today should be lots of fun, she joked while flipping the page.