Elk Creek

Chapter 7

A/N Hi, I just wanted to thank everyone for their support so far. I would love to hear any input you may have. Everything is helpful! Enjoy!

Raina stood at the window in the family room when Doug's Suburban pulled onto the Hanson Ranch. She'd been scanning the trees, keeping a look out for any sign of Carter. The land showed no signs that she'd been found. Letting out a sign of relief, she watched as the dark colored SUV drew nearer.

"Raina, come sit down," Val called from the couch.

"They're here," she answered, staying by the window. Eyes smoldering, Val watched her for a moment before he stood and sauntered over to her.

"Relax," he spoke softly into her hair, smoothing his hands over her shoulders. "You're perfectly safe."

"You don't under— " The doorbell rang, drawing her attention. "I got it!" ­Swiftly she moved to the door, Val close behind. She flung open the door.

"Mommy!" Iza ran and wrapped her arms around her mother's legs.

Raina pulled the little girl up into her arms. "How are you darling?" Iza planted a kiss on Raina's cheek. "You have a good day?"

"Uh hu!" Iza nodded and Raina turned back to her brother.

"Thank you for watching her today."

"Wasn't a problem," Doug assured her, handing Val Iza's backpack of cloths and toys. "So are you guys going to be at Mom and Dad's tomorrow afternoon?" He glanced between Val and Raina.

"Uh...I don't know..."

"We'll be there," Val cut in as he stepped up beside Raina.

"Three work?"

"We might be..."

"Three's perfect." Raina glared up at Val before sending a smile to Doug.

"Thanks for bringing Iza by," Raina said. "We'll see ya tomorrow."

"Alright, better get back to the house. Sonora is having her puppies and Katrina isn't really used to... ya know..."

"Alright, say goodbye Iza."

"Bye! Can I see the puppies?" Doug grinned at his niece.

"You can have one if your mom and...Val agree." Raina sent Doug a warning look.

"Well I'll see you tomorrow. Try not to do anything reckless," Raina said before ushering her brother out the door.

"Well," she said to her daughter once the door was closed. "How 'bout a movie?"

"Yay!"

"Okay, go with Val and pick a movie alright," she set Iza down. "I'm gonna go find you a snack." Iza nodded, excited, and took Val's hand in her much smaller one. She led him down the hall.

Raina's lips drew into a thin line. She'd have to tell Val soon, before he noticed how much Iza resembled him. Not wanting to leave Val and Izabelle alone for too long, Raina rushed into the kitchen where she quickly prepared a glass of chocolate milk. As she slid the milk back into the fridge, she listened intently to Iza and Val in the other room. From what she could hear they were only discussing Disney movies.

Wanting to make sure that their conversation didn't slip to some other less favorable topic, Raina scanned the kitchen countertops searching for something Iza might like for snack. A bag of microwave popcorn sat on the counter by the coffee pot. Perfect. Snagging the popcorn packet, she practically ran over to the microwave.