David patted Mal’s extended abdomen. “Thought you could hide being pregnant, didn’t you? We all watch your cooking videos, son. You’re just lucky it’s only the grandparents here.”
Mal’s eyes watered as he rubbed his face against his grandpa’s shoulder. His familiar scent meant safety and love. He hadn’t realized how much he had missed his grandpa.
“Did you talk to Gramps Wilson?”
“Yes, I did. His wife and he are here too. Hasn’t told the rest of his family yet. We’re going to have a family dinner and do it together.”
His head shot up. “Wait. Grandpa Lucas is here?”
David scowled. “Yes, your favorite came too. All the grandparents are here, even Kat and Paul.” He looked at Cain. “Those are his mother’s parents.”
One of Cain’s eyebrows shot up. “Mal, I thought you said they were the normal ones?”
“Oh, no.” Mal made a face. “Did they bring more taxidermy squirrels?”
“More?” Cain looked worried. “There are more? They brought three. One each for Teddy, the baby, and me.”
“I have seven in storage,” Mal admitted, smiling brightly. “After retiring, Grandpa Paul started gardening and squirrels became his enemies. He collects squirrels now and puts them in his garden. Says they warn the live squirrels of what will happen if they get his vegetables.”
Cain’s eyes narrowed. “That doesn’t explain why they’re wearing knitted costumes.”
“Grandma Kat took up knitting when she retired.”
“Dear God.” Cain rubbed his hands down his face. “Here I thought you were a little weird, but it’s really your whole family.”
The phone rang and Mal answered it, still laughing. “Hey Van. You should bring Teddy and Bianca here. My grandparents are here and –”
“Mal,” Van said, sobbing. “Bianca went to the police station. She turned herself in for murder.”
Chapter 15
Cain handed Truffle to Gramps Wilson and let Betty out of the truck. The Kunekune followed them back to the house.
“Thanks. I’m not sure how long this will take.” Cain fought panic as he thought of Bianca, alone and scared at the police station. It was one thing to tell himself she would be his daughter one day and another to feel the unexpected fear of a parent for their child. He hadn’t realized the relationship had grown to that degree. Now he knew.
“We’ll have her out in a few hours,” John said. Cain’s dad watched him, eyes bright with worry. “You love that kid. Don’t you?”
Cain nodded. “She’s my daughter. I don’t know what happened, but I know her well enough to say that if she killed someone, it was either an accident or in self-defense.”
Susan knelt down and fed a bit of broccoli to Betty. “I called Jasper a moment ago. He is on his way here.”
They all startled when Mal whistled at them from his truck. “Super Bensons unite! Come on. We have a teenager to save. You too, Susan.”
Cain’s mom stood, eyes widening. “Me?” She pointed at herself.
“You have a comforting presence and a way of putting others at ease. My Bia may need that. Van and I are a mental mess right now.”
“We haven’t even properly met. How do you know all of that?” Susan jogged to the truck and got inside.
“Uh, reasons.” Mal winced.
Cain sighed and pulled his dad to the truck. “We will be back soon. Thank you, Gramps.”
The old man grinned. “It’s a fine thing to see the last Benson all twisted up with love. Remember, Sheriff McKenzie is a good man. You can trust him to do right by Ms. Bianca.”
Cain nodded and opened the driver’s door. “Get over. You are not driving there.”
“Why not?” Mal asked, hands shaking and a wild look in his eyes.
