Absentminded Angel(Divine Creek Ranch 20)(52)

The driver of the truck looked beyond grateful as he shook both men’s hands. “Man, I only saw you guys in the rearview, moving like frickin’ superheroes. Thank the good Lord for you both.”

“Amen to that. Good job, guys,” said a wonderfully familiar voice as Hank joined them, his gaze sharp as he looked her over, as if assessing if further action was needed. His mere presence was enough to calm her and even Whit responded to his deep voice as he hiccupped and kept his eyes on him.

The two men who had saved her grew flushed in the face, and she wondered if the praise was the cause. They shouldn’t be embarrassed. They were heroes. They could’ve been seriously injured but they’d put their own safety aside to save her and Whit.

One of the men looked down at his hands and said, “Hell, Hank, we were just in the right place at the right time. Anyone would’ve done the same. We’re not heroes.” His cheeks grew even more flushed as he glanced at her and caught her smiling at him.

Oh, yes, you are heroes.

The driver was speaking to Hank. “Honest to God, Sheriff Stinson, I never saw the lady, I swear.”

Peering around them and at the traffic passing by on Crockett Street, Hank raised a hand as if to allay his worries. “This parking lot is a hazard, it’s so shallow.”

Suddenly, Veronica was right in front of her, wrapping her arms around her. “Oh my gosh, Presley Ann,” she whispered. “We saw what was happening from inside. I saw you get out of the car with Whit and then I heard screaming. I was afraid to come out here at first.” Veronica squeezed them both to her. “I’m so glad you and the baby aren’t hurt.”

What would’ve happened if Whit had been hurt? What if I had been killed? What would happen to Whit? Morbid scenarios flashed through her mind, raising her anxiety to new heights but she took a deep breath, trying to calm down. Whit needed her clearheaded right now.

Hank’s hand was heavy and comforting as he laid it on her shoulder. She was still shaking so much she felt like she could’ve crumbled if not for his grounding presence. “Are you all right, Presley Ann?’

“Yes, I’m fine, Hank.” Thanks to those two guardian angels, and the woman standing with them. It had obviously been her scream that had alerted Presley Ann to impending disaster. She looked back up at the men, then at Veronica, and realization dawned. The two men must be Veronica’s brothers, Jesse and Barry.

The driver spoke quietly to Hank and then turned to her. She could still see the worry in his eyes as he focused on her and Whit and said, “If you’re sure you’re all right, ma’am? Again, I’m very sorry I didn’t see you.”

“I’m fine. This wasn’t your fault at all. I should’ve been paying closer attention to my surroundings.” Crawling around for your stuff in a parking lot, behind a big truck, completely unaware of what’s going on around you because you don’t want to lose your girlie pen. How dumb are you?

The driver nodded, and they moved to the sidewalk outside the restaurant as he backed his rig up, gave a final wave to them, and pulled out onto Crockett Street.

“Presley Ann, these are my brothers, Jesse and Barry Benedict, and this is Charlotta Carmichael, their girlfriend.”

Charlotta grinned and said, “Small world, isn’t it?”

Before Presley Ann could reply, Jesse said, “You’re sure you’re all right, ma’am? I hope we didn’t tackle you too hard.” His gaze moved to Whit, and he smiled widely as Whit grinned at him. “He’s a handsome little fellow. What’s his name?”

“You didn’t hurt me, Jesse. My son’s name is Whit. Short for Whitman Merritt Woodworth.”

With a grin, Jesse replied, “That’s quite a handle. Whit suits him, Mrs. Woodworth. He looks like a little angel.”

“It’s Miss, not Mrs. And thank you. Thank you both for tackling me,” she said as she looked up at Jesse and Barry. I’ve never been so grateful for rough handling.

Just then Hank spoke up. “Presley Ann, I think I should call Kendry and Jared, and get them over here to take care of you.” He put his hand on her shoulder and she knew he could feel the way she still trembled all over. She couldn’t seem to help it. It amazed her when she looked down and realized Whit had drifted off to sleep. He must’ve been overwhelmed. The deep voices and their conversation must’ve lulled him off.

“No, thank you, Hank. I’m fine, really.” She thought at least one of them was on duty. If that happened, their coworkers might have plenty to say about how needy she was. How she always needed saving. She’d have to be gushing blood or have broken bones—a true emergency—before she’d let them call Kendry and Jared.