Her Guardians Lost(33)

Simeon chuckled. “More like spooked the hell out of you. Come on. Let’s go. They’ll be expecting us.”

Taking a deep breath, I took Simeon’s arm. We walked to the house and noticed how big it really was. It was an end of terrace house, but looked like it had three floors.

Knocking on the door, I cleared my throat as we waited. I expected it to be Simon, but I was met with Sharice instead. I shouldn’t have known who she was, but I had seen her in Simon’s head. I already knew what she looked like, but seeing her in the flesh was even better. She was very petite with black, bobbed hair and soft, brown eyes.

“You must be Cassie. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” Sharice held out her hand, but Simon was quick to interrupt.

“Cassie, Stephen. You found us okay then?”

“Yes, sir,” Simeon answered, shaking his hand.

Not wanting to look rude, I did the only thing I could. Stepping over the threshold, I gathered Sharice in my arms. “Thank you for inviting me to your lovely home.”

She gracefully accepted my hug. “It was my pleasure. It was the least we could do for everything you’ve done for this family. Everyone’s just dying to meet you and find out how you did it. I asked Simon if you were a psychic or something. He’s been very cagey with the details.”

Laughing, I pulled away from Sharice and looked into her eyes. “You don’t know the half of it,” I playfully answered.

Sharice’s eyes widened with excitement. “You’ll have to tell me more.”

“Sharice, quit hogging the poor girl and let them come inside.”

Everyone giggled as Sharice ushered us all inside. We were soon met by a group of people in Simon and Sharice’s cosy living area.

“Everyone, this is Cassie and Stephen.” Simon looked over at us and motioned to the five people sitting on the sofas. “This is Sharice’s parents, Mark and Trinity.”

I nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

“These are my cousins, Blake and Rachael, and this is my good friend, Graham.” I nodded at everybody.

“You mentioned this lovely lady, but you never said how damn fine she is, Simon.”

Rachael slapped him around the arm, as I chuckled nervously. “Blake, cut it out, you pervert.”

“Yes, Blake. Leave the young lady alone. Can’t have you taking advantage of the poor girl.” Simon glared at Blake, but that did nothing to stop him. He just licked his lips and was about to retort when Simon put his hand up. “Don’t say something you’ll regret.”

Startling me, Simeon grabbed my hand and held on tight, which wasn’t lost on everyone else in the room. I think Blake got the message loud and clear.

“I’m sorry, Cassie. You’ve only been here a couple of minutes and the wolves are already descending.”

I was about to tell him it was fine, but then a shrill scream could be heard from the adjacent room. “Oh, my god. This must be Cassie. Baby girl, you come here and give Caroline some sugar.” The small, rotund lady came bounding over, gathering me in her arms.

Once she pulled away, she gathered my face in her hands and just stood looking at me, tears in her eyes. “I can’t thank you enough for everything.”

“As you can tell, this is my mother.” Simon rolled his eyes and I just smiled.

“It was my pleasure, Mrs. Bradley. I’m just so glad Molly is okay.”

Putting her arms on my shoulders, she held my gaze. “You’re like a beacon of light, dear child. Almost as though you’re our guardian angel.”

My eyes widened as I contemplated how close to the truth she was. I was an angel in my previous life, even though I couldn’t remember it.

“Desmond, come over here and meet the girl who found our baby girl.” I was ushered towards a very tall, skinny man who was the spitting image of Simon, but older.

“Cassie, so lovely to finally meet you.” Mr. Bradley smiled and offered me a hug. It seemed like the whole family was rather tactile. It was good for me as it meant, so far, I didn’t have to take their hands.

“And you, too, Mr. Bradley. I can’t wait to try this jerked chicken Simon was raving about.”

Everyone laughed and Sharice grabbed my arm. “Yes but, the thing is, I’m making it, so it might not turn out so well.”

“I’m sure it will be wonderful,” I smiled.

Putting a hand on Sharice’s shoulder, Simon leaned over and kissed her on the head. “I’m sure it will, too,” he beamed. “Listen, would you mind if I steal Cassie and Stephen away for a couple of minutes? I need to speak to them about something.”

Sharice smiled and kissed Simon. “Of course, darling. Don’t be too long as dinner will be ready in about a half-hour.”