Husband By The Hour

“I didn’t know how long it was going to take to drive up. I thought we might do it in a couple of days. I just said sometime this weekend.”

“So she’s not expecting you tonight?”

“No. Why?”

He motioned to the cars. “I thought maybe she was throwing a welcome party for you.”

“I doubt that.”

“You want to go to the hotel and come back tomorrow?”

Yes! Yes! That would be great. She could sleep on it, figure out what to say. Slowly, she shook her head. That was the coward’s way out. “I want to go in.”

“Then let’s get it over with.”

He got out of the car and came around to her door. When she stepped out, he took her arm to steady her. Normally she would have slapped him away, or had a biting remark, but tonight her defenses were down. She was confident Nick would use this against her later, that he would tease her unmercifully. She didn’t care. Right now he was a warm body she could cling to. He was the only person she knew in this strange little town. If he offered comfort and protection, she was going to leap at the chance to take it.

She drew the strap of her small purse over her shoulder. Nick closed the car door, then hit the button that activated the alarm. Before she could step toward the house, he moved in front of her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“She’s going to adore you,” he said.

“You think so?”

“I’m sure of it. Just try to remember to smile.”

She curled up her lips, but it felt like more of a grimace. Still, Nick grinned in return and she felt some of her tension ease. He grabbed her hand and started for the house.

As they climbed the steps of the porch, they could hear laughter. “Maybe it’s a party,” Hannah said. “We could be interrupting.”

“I’m sure having you show up will just add to the joy of the occasion.”

In spite of everything, she laughed. “You’re very quick with those lines.”

“They’re effective, too.” He winked.

“I’ll just bet they are.”

The wide front door looked imposing. Nick raised his free hand to knock, then glanced at her for approval. She sucked in a breath and nodded.

The sharp sound was followed by a burst of laughter, then a woman called, “I’ll get it.”

The porch light was bright, as was the light from the foyer. When the woman opened the door, Hannah could see her clearly.

She was on the tall side, maybe five-six, in her mid-forties. Hannah had a brief impression of blue eyes and a generous mouth before her attention focused on the woman’s clothes. She wore lime green slacks and a turquoise shirt. A gold belt circled her waist twice. Heavy makeup highlighted her features and big dangling earrings hung below the layered edges of her short blond hair.

Hannah could feel herself shaking. The only stable part of her world was Nick’s warm hand as he held on to her.

“Hi,” she said, forcing the words past uncooperative lips. “I’m not sure if we have the right house or not, but I’m looking for—”

The woman caught her breath and clapped her hands together, effectively cutting Hannah off. “Oh, my. I would have recognized you anywhere. Hannah, honey, you’re the spitting image of Earl and the boys.”

Nick leaned close. “Who are Earl and the boys?”

Hannah shrugged helplessly. Obviously this woman knew her. A close friend of her mother’s perhaps? Maybe a paid companion? “I’m afraid I don’t understand,” she said.

The woman smiled. “Of course not. Here I am talking about Earl and his sons, and I’m leaving out the most important part.” Tears sprang to her eyes and she sniffed. “Hannah, honey, I’m your mother. Welcome home.”

Wait a minute. This couldn’t be her mother. Hannah straightened and stared. What happened to the old frail woman who was sick or possibly dying? The person in front of her looked fit and strong.

Hannah found herself being pulled into an embrace. The woman, Louise—Hannah couldn’t really think of calling her Mom or Mother—stood in the doorway, about a half step above Hannah. That put them at the same height.

Strong arms drew Hannah close. She didn’t like being hugged by people she knew, let alone strangers. Yet this embrace felt oddly right. Almost familiar.

Louise cupped Hannah’s face in both hands. “You’re so pretty. I tried to imagine what you’d look like, but I never could. You have Earl’s eyes.”

“My…”

Louise nodded. “Your father. Your hair color is mine.” She tugged at a short blond strand. “I’m not a natural blonde, but you know what they say. I prefer it this way.” She smiled. “I can’t get over this. When I wrote you, I—” She looked past Hannah and gasped. “Your husband. Darling, I didn’t see you there. Welcome.” She held her arms open again. Nick stepped easily into her embrace and she hugged him tightly. “Aren’t you the handsomest man I’ve seen in a while. So tall.”

Louise smiled. “Hannah, honey, you picked wisely with this one. I didn’t always pick wisely, but I made sure they were pretty to look at.”

Nick grinned. “I’m going to like you, Louise.”

“Well, I hope so. I want you to know straight off, I’m not going to be a meddling mother-in-law.” Her smile faded. “I’m just happy to have the chance to see you at last. Both of you.” She took one of Hannah’s hands and one of Nick’s.

Hannah felt as if she’d been caught up in the middle of a tornado. She was being whirled around so fast, she couldn’t catch her breath or her balance.

“What’s going on, Louise?” a male voice called from inside the house.

Louise laughed. “I swear, it’s a good thing all my body parts are attached or I would leave them behind. Imagine me forgetting my manners. Come in.” She released their hands and stepped back, motioning them through the door. She patted Hannah’s arm. “The boys are going to be so thrilled. They’ve been waiting to meet you.”

Hannah swallowed. “Boys?”

“The Haynes brothers. Earl’s sons with his wife. I know it’s confusing, but you have four half brothers.”

Nick draped his arm around Hannah’s shoulders. “Great. With me, that’s enough to play basketball.”

“Actually, there’s Austin, too, but he’s not a real relative. More like an adopted member of the family.” Louise frowned. “Oh, did I just put my foot in my mouth? You don’t mind me saying adopted, do you?”

Numbly, Hannah shook her head.

They stepped into the living room. People were everywhere. Not just adults, but children. Lots of children. She couldn’t begin to estimate the size of the crowd. Over twenty people. And they were all staring at her.

“Everyone, this is Hannah. My daughter.” Louise’s voice cracked and a tear slipped down her cheek. “Isn’t she wonderful?”

Four men separated themselves from the group. They were tall, well over six foot, with dark hair and eyes. Hannah didn’t need to look at her own reflection to see the resemblance.

Her heart stopped in her chest. She felt it thunk once and then freeze. She was going to die, which was a very good thing.