Etched In Stone by Susan Hayes

Author:Susan Hayes [Hayes, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-988446-38-7

Chapter Six

“Oh God, they’re waiting for us on the porch,” Adina groaned as she pulled into her parents’ driveway.

“Is that a good sign? Or should I be worried?” Stone asked, looking unconcerned.

“Considering I usually have to let myself in, I’d say it’s a sign they’re anxious to meet you. God knows what Anneke’s told them by now. I’ve been ignoring Mom’s calls all day.”

Stone chuckled. “Is that why you put your cell phone in the kitchen drawer?”

“Yes. I should have shut it off, but somehow it felt better locking the damned thing away after the fourth time she called.”

“I can understand their curiosity. Don’t fret, sweetling. This is going to be fine.”

“How can you be so calm about this? What if they don’t like you?”

He grinned at her. “Then I’ll sprout wings, horns, and fangs and fly you out of there. I’m bound to protect you from anyone and anything, including overprotective parents.”

“I’ll remember that. If things get to be too much I’ll expect you to whisk me out of there,” she said and shut off the engine. Before she could do more than undo her seatbelt, Stone was out of the car and heading around to her. It took her a moment to realize what he was doing. He was actually coming around to open her door for her.

There was something to be said for his old-fashioned ways.

He took her hand, helped her out of her seat, and kept hold of her as they walked up to the house. Her mother had already risen from the porch swing to meet them, and both her father and brother were standing right behind Nadira, arms folded over their chests and identical scowls on their faces. They were both wearing clean shirts, and Dad had even trimmed his beard. Adina looked intently at her mother and noticed she’d put on a few touches of makeup and done her hair. Something odd was going on. Dad only trimmed his red and silver beard for special occasions like holidays…and funerals.

Her mom came down the stairs to greet them, her face wreathed in smiles. “Hello, ladybug. Good to see you. This must be Stone,” Her mother’s smile grew even wider as she looked at Stone, confirming Adina’s suspicions. The only time mom looked that happy was when she knew something she shouldn’t.

What the hell was going on?

“Ladybug?” Stone murmured under his breath.

“Behave,” she whispered back and then stepped forward to make introductions. “Hi, Mom. Yes, this is Stone Carver. Stone, these are my parents, Nadira and Joram Diggersby, and the big lug in the back who is trying his best to look intimidating is my big brother, Hal.”

“It’s an honor to meet you all. Thank you for inviting me into your home,” Stone said and then released her hand to walk up to her mother. He presented her with the bouquet of flowers he’d requested they pick up on the way over and Adina swore her mom’s face lit up like she was a kid at Christmas.

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