Page 55 of Penny & Royce

He flicked his eyes to her for a beat, then returned them to the road. “If you want me there, put her address into the GPS and we’ll go together.”

The sureness in his voice took the fight right out of her.

She nodded and did as he asked. But it was when he took her hand in his that she finally let herself feel the weight of it. A single tear escaped, and she brushed it away with the back of her hand.

He didn’t comment on her emotions.

He didn’t have to.

Royce was here. He was present. And that was more than she’d realized she needed.

“Mom?”Penny pushed the door open to her parents’ home.

It was dark. The shades had been drawn, and no lights were on. The neighbor had reassured her she’d help her mother to bed and keep an eye on the house until they arrived.

Thankfully, Penny hadn’t gotten any more calls.

Royce came in behind her and shut the door. He found the light switch and thus illuminated the living room.

It wasn’t filthy, but it was in disarray. Penny flushed and dropped down to pick up a discarded book from the floor.

Her husband put a hand over hers. “Go make sure she’s okay. I’ll start straightening up.”

When she shook her head and reached for a jacket nearby, Royce grabbed her hand. He then framed her face in his hands and pressed his forehead to hers. Then he kissed it, turned her gently toward the entry to the hallway, and rested a hand at her back.

“I’ve got this, Penny.”

Penny’s throat thickened as she nodded and went to find her mother.

Her mother was in her room seated on a chair looking out the window facing the backyard. She glanced up when Penny entered, and her face brightened. Her eyes were clear and free from any clouds that indicated she might not be feeling herself. She was also dressed in a pair of jeans and a sweater.

“Penny, what a pleasant surprise.”

“Mom? You didn’t hear me call for you?”

She frowned. “No, I’m sorry. I guess I was lost in my own thoughts. Did we have something planned today?”

Penny shook her head. “No, I just…”

She couldn’t bring herself to tell her what had happened. Not right now. Not when her mother looked present and pleased and like herself again.

“I brought someone here to meet you.”

The look that stole over her mother’s face could only be described as glee. “You never bring guests. Is this a male someone?”

Penny blushed, crossing the room to crouch in front of her mother. “He is. And he’s really important to me.” She reached for her mother’s hands. “Are you up for visiting?”

“Of course, dear.”

They left her room and entered the living room, but it was empty.

And straightened up.

Then she heard it.

The sound of food being chopped.

Penny exchanged a look with her mother, and they moved into the kitchen to find Royce at the counter with a knife and an onion.