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 midforties. 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
Stephen - Scully 10 Cannell