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“Sure.” Angelo took a quick survey of the room and flexed his considerable muscles. “Where is he?”
“Outside.” Lizzie groaned. “Correction. He’s coming in the door right now.”
She busied herself dealing with the credit card machine, handed the man the slip of paper to sign, and returned his card.
“Here you go.”
He made a face. “I guess I screwed up, huh?”
Lizzie focused on resetting the register.
“It’s hard to tell these days whether it’s okay to make the approach. Are you married? You don’t wear a ring,” he commented. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
Just as Lizzie was about to reply, Angelo suddenly appeared at her shoulder. “None of that is any of your business, is it, sir?” He gestured at the check. “How about you sign that, go on your way, and have a nice day.”
The man shrugged as he pocketed his card. “There’s no need to call for backup, honey. You don’t get anything unless you ask.” He looked pointedly at Lizzie. “Have a great day, now.”
She only let out her breath when he disappeared out the door.
“I hate guys like that,” Angelo muttered. “They give the rest of us a bad name.” He patted Lizzie’s back. “Are you okay? Do you want me to walk you home after your shift?”
“I think I’ll be okay, but thanks for the offer.” Lizzie smiled up at him. “I’ve got to pick up Roman at four. If the guy is stupid enough to follow me, and finds out I’ve got a kid, he’ll probably run a mile.”
“Not every guy hates kids, Lizzie.” Angelo checked and changed the filters on the coffee. “I’d love to have a family one day.”
“And you’ll make a great dad,” Lizzie agreed as she put the signed check in the register drawer and made a face. “Dude, he didn’t even give me a tip!”
* * *
Adam drove into a spot at the airport parking lot. He made sure he had the ticket, and some idea of where he’d parked, before he walked over to the small regional terminal. He’d showered and changed into another pair of jeans, a blue T-shirt, and his second-best boots. His working boots were always caked in mud and his spurs were stuck fast on them so he tended not to wear them off the ranch.
He’d been joking with Daisy, but he really didn’t have a clue what his mother might look like now. More than twenty years was a long time not to see someone. He wasn’t sure she’d recognize him either, as he’d tripled his weight and added a foot to his height.
He stood near the back of the small arrivals hall, his superior height for once an advantage, and scanned the passengers coming through the exit. He recognized her immediately; her eyes were the same brown as Ben’s, and her hair was still auburn. His stomach twisted and he found himself unable to move forward. So much to unpack in that small unassuming figure, so many things she’d missed in his life—in his siblings’ lives.
An unexpected wave of anger coursed through him. Did she care what she’d done? Why had she suddenly decided to descend on them and wreck their lives all over again? And even worse, why was his father okay with it?
For a second, he considered turning around and walking away before he managed to stuff his unwanted and completely unexpected reaction back down his tight throat. His dad wanted to see her. After everything that had gone down, the least he could do was walk over there and be pleasant. He’d survived way worse than this. He went toward her while she turned a slow circle attempting to orientate herself, and waited to see if she’d recognize him.
“Adam?” She pressed her fingers to her mouth. “Good Lord, it is you!” She reached up and cupped his chin. She was petite like Daisy. “You’re as tall and broad as my father.”
“I suppose I should say welcome home.” Adam took charge of her luggage. “Are you good to go?”
“Yes, thank you. Did you park up?”
He nodded as they exited into the warm afternoon air and glaring sunshine. She winced and put on her sunglasses.
“I’d forgotten how bright it gets out here.”
Adam led her across the road to the parking lot, stowed her bags in the back of his truck, and waited as she settled herself into the passenger seat. He checked his phone and sent a quick text to Ben to let him know they’d be back in about an hour.
