“I don't trust her.” Gunner said, “I can’t stand that Hades put his hands on her, but we need to be on alert around her too. We don't leave Gun alone with her.”

Everyone nodded sensing what they needed to do.

“I’ll call Doc,” Shane said.

“Do you want us here, or do you want some space?” Donnie asked.

“Why don't you guys get that fire going,” Gunner told everyone at the table.

“I’ll check the perimeter. I know they’ll make sure they don't have a trail, but I want to be sure we’re secured.” Ace said as he began shrugging on warmer clothes and checked the clips in his gun. What did they think his mom was capable of?”

Reggie and Shane stayed in the cabin with us. Time seemed to go slowly. “Go to bed, Mouse. I got this.”

I shook my head. “I’m not doing that. This isn't going to be easy for you, and there’s no way I’m letting you face her alone.” I kissed him quickly and held his hand in the silent cabin until we heard gravel crunch followed by motorcycles.

“Stay here,” Gunner shot me a look. I wanted to argue, but the look he gave me left me little room. “Reggie, stay with her.”

A minute later, he carried his mom inside. She was bloody and banged up, but she wasn’t as bad off as I imagined. I grabbed a first aid kit and followed Gun into the tiny bathroom.

“Mom,” he sighed as he took a look at her in the bathroom light. She didn't look anything like I remembered. I used to think she was beautiful and full of life. Now, she looked weathered, used even. Her hair was dirty and stringy. She didn't smell good. Her face was swollen, and it reminded me of Enrico, and how he hit me in the face. Blood was dried from her nose and her lip was split wide open. I looked at her clothes. She had on a long sleeve t-shirt and jeans that I noticed had vomit on them. That’s what that smell was.

“I’m sorry, Gunner. I’m so sorry. I was so stupid.” She began crying and I momentarily felt sorry for her. Then, I remembered how she let those men hurt Gunner, and I’d lost any sympathy I felt. I grabbed a washcloth, ran warm water over it and began to gently wipe her face. Once the blood was gone, it didn't look so bad, but I had a feeling that the puke on her jeans meant something worse.

“Gunner, check her ribs,” I said quietly, and it was then that his mom really seemed to notice me.

He sucked in a breath as he lifted her shirt. In her raspy, teary voice she said to me, “You were always staring at my boy. Wasn't sure what he saw in you. You turned out to be a looker.” She flinched as his hand touched her skin. Her skin was already beginning to change colors.

“Doc’s on his way, but I’m guessing you have a few broken ribs.”

“Gunner, why don’t you let me help get her cleaned up?” I met his eyes and motioned my eyes to the puke on her.

“Not leaving you alone with her.” He made it perfectly clear to her with that simple statement that he didn’t trust her.

“Can you lift your arms?” I asked and she nodded. Gunner hissed as I helped her lift her shirt off completely and the extent of damage to her torso was revealed. Gunner started the shower and I helped her out of her jeans.

She stood in her bra and panties and I helped her in the shower while Gunner stood there. He was on guard, it was like he was waiting for her to strike. It was so very clear that he didn't buy her apology. I had her wrapped in a towel and her hair washed when a knock at the bathroom door came.

“Yeah?” Gunner asked.

“Doc’s here,” Shane said from the other side.

We let Doc in and I sat on the couch until Doc came out and told us, “I got her ribs wrapped. They look worse than they are. I think they’re probably bruised. I just gave her a shot of something to help her sleep. But she’ll need help walking for now.

Gunner nodded and a minute later came back with his mom in his arms and brought her to the spare room. He closed her inside and came back out. “I want you in with Gunner for the rest of the night. I’m going to watch her.” The way he said watch her didn't make me think it was for her benefit, but for mine.

“Alright,” I said stepping on my tiptoes and meeting his lips half way as he bent forward. “Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

***

Gun stirred beside me. The morning light filtered in through the room. I yawned and stretched my arms, thinking about last night. I’m going to be Gunner’s wife! I’ll also have my future mother-in-law to contend with today. With that thought, I dressed for the day. Gun woke up as I’m about to go grab coffee.

“Hey, honey.” I leaned forward and kissed him on his head. “How did you sleep?”

He rubbed his eyes. “Good,” he said with yawn.

I plopped down beside him. “Dad and I have some news.”

“Did he get me the new Turbo Racing game?”

“Nope, better than that.”

“What could be better than Turbo Racing?”

“Well, your dad and I are going to get married?”

“You are?”

I wiggled my finger showing off my new diamond ring. Seeing it in the light only made me smile more. It was beautiful. It was a princess cut diamond set on a twisted, diamond, platinum band. It rocked.

“Kick ass,” he shouted and before I had a chance to scold him on his language, he bolted out of the room in search for Gunner.

I followed him and saw Gunner drinking a cup of coffee just as Gun threw his arms around his waist. “Dad! Mom says you’re getting married.”

“We are. That cool with you, kid?”

“Gun, you watch your mouth,” I scolded. I could tell he was about to use the same language.

He gulped and answered, “Yeah, Dad. We’ll be a real family.”

“Already are, kid. Just making it official.” He ruffled Gun’s hair and Gun broke free, grabbed a bowl for cereal, then he opened his arms for me. I immediately stepped into them putting my arms around his waist and he dipped his head for a kiss.

“Missed sleeping next to you.”

“Where is she?” I asked.

“Still sleeping. I imagine she’ll be out for a while. Her body needs to heal.”

I nodded my head in understanding. “You mad I told Gun without you? I was just so excited.”