The Secret Storm by Peggy Trotter

Author:Peggy Trotter
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 9780692198834
Publisher: Ransomed-Ever-After Books
Published: 2018-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Stormi shrank back. Hoge’s tired face turned ticked in five seconds.

“You.”

Joni came in behind him. It was a standoff. No exit behind her. Joni gave an audible sigh.

“I better go.” Stormi tried to cut around Ake’s big body, but he reached out and clenched her to his side.

“Nope. You’re staying.”

Hoge shifted his thunderous gaze to his younger brother. “She needs to leave, Ake.”

“No, she doesn’t.”

The elder paused as if confused, and then glanced at Joni.

Joni studied the two of them. Her hair had the lumpy, day-after look. “Let her stay, Hoge. Ake wants her to.”

Message loud and clear. She was only wanted by Ake.

“Fine.” He strode to the living room.

Joni gave a half-hearted smile. “Smells good in here. Do you have enough for two more?”

“Of course.”

Ake’s arm eased and wrapped more comfortably around her shoulders. “Where’s the kids?”

Joni removed her coat and hung it on the back of the dining room chair. “At my sister’s. How’s Pop?”

“Resting.”

She nodded and wandered toward the living room.

Ake turned and gripped her upper arms. He pressed another kiss against her lips and whispered. “Please don’t leave.”

She loved the blush that rose up his neck. “I’ll stay all night if you need me.”

He ran a finger down her face. “Probably ought to talk about something else.”

She tried to smile. “Whatever you say.”

Joni breezed back in, and Stormi jerked from him to locate the bowls.

“I guess you don’t need help. Holler if you do.” Joni exited again.

Stormi flicked a gaze at Ake. A lazy grin ghosted across his face. He did seem less stressed than when she’d arrived. She’d face a firing squad if it would only ease his mind. And Hoge was pretty much the closest thing to a line of men taking target practice on her forehead. Let him try to get her to leave.

They served up the hot soup and biscuits and laid them on the table. Hoge and Joni reappeared and seated themselves. Hoge offered an abrupt prayer and the tension was on.

Stormi blew on the scalding soup, allowing her eyes to dance around the table. Jeepers, she was a creep. No doubt Hoge knew about the tattoos, and the wild life she’d led by now.

“The funeral is Wednesday with the viewing right beforehand. We’re holding everything at the church.” Joni volunteered, nibbling a buttered biscuit.

Ake nodded. Pop appeared at the doorway. Ake rose to escort him to the table. He settled next to Stormi.

The old man reached over and patted her hand. “Been looking for you, Mom.”

She froze.

Hoge’s murderous gaze fastened on her. “That isn’t—”

Joni jumped up. “Let me get you some soup, Pop.”

Ake’s older brother transferred his hateful glance to his wife who gave him a knowing look. She whispered, “Let him have a snatch of peace, Hoge.”

“Sure, sure, let’s all jump in the fruitcake.”

A bout of laughter bounced out of Ake. “Mom hated fruitcake.”

Hoge’s lips twitched. A small chuckle flew out. Pretty soon they both were belly-laughing the strain away. Joni giggled a bit too, in between sniffs. Stormi gnawed her lip while tears threatened.

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