Chapter 7

The sun was setting, and the rosy sky was slowly being swallowed by the dark blue of night.

A road sign appeared ahead, warning of the upcoming off-ramp to Middletown. Michael blinked at it in surprise. He hadn’t realized so much time had passed since they’d left the farm—but then again, he’d been distracted by their conversation.
Sabrina shifted in her seat, visibly eager at the thought of seeing her family again.

“That was the first time I’ve seen a calf being born! It was amazing,” Emma said, too excited to stop talking. “And you were amazing, Sabrina. I think I want to be a vet like you when I grow up.”

“It was my first time too,” Michael added with a smile.

“It’s not my first,” Sabrina replied, “but every time is just as special.” Then she pointed ahead. “Turn left at the next block and park in front of the house with the white picket fence.”

Michael pulled the SUV to a stop in front of Sabrina’s home. It was easy to spot—her entire family was waiting for them on the porch.

“You’re finally here, Sis! I missed you!” Maggie called out, hurrying forward to clasp Sabrina’s hands as she stepped out of the car.

“Sorry we’re so late,” Sabrina said apologetically. “We had an unexpected stop—Betsie had trouble giving birth, and I had to help her.”

“John Harding called and told us you were on your way,” Paul said, smiling warmly. “What matters is that you’re here now.”

“Mom, Dad, this is Michael—Molly’s brother—and this lovely young lady beside him is Emma, his niece. Michael was kind enough to drive me here after the party,” Sabrina said, introducing them.

Paul stepped forward and offered his hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Paul. Thanks for bringing her home safely.”

“Nice to meet you too, sir. It was my pleasure.” Michael shook Paul’s large hand sincerely.

Just a day ago, he’d told Molly he wasn’t interested in starting a relationship. He had been comfortably numb in his solitude, hiding behind his apartment walls, his books, and his carefully constructed routine. His heart had been safe behind the barriers he’d built—but now, that life seemed far away. How had Sabrina become so important to him so quickly?

Maggie released her sister and turned to Emma, clasping her hands. “Hi, Emma! I’m Maggie—Sabrina’s sister. You’re going to sleep in my room. Dad already set up another bed.” She beamed with excitement.

“They are staying, right?” Maggie looked hopefully at Sabrina, thrilled at the thought of having another girl her age around.

Sabrina pretended to hesitate. “I’m not sure I can stand Emma much longer. A full day of her nonstop chatter was more than enough.”

“I don’t know who you think you’re fooling, Sabrina,” Emma said with a grin, bumping Sabrina with her hip. “I know you like me.”

She was right.

“Of course they’re staying,” Sabrina said, slipping between Maggie and Emma and wrapping an arm around each. “We made a long and tiring trip, and we all need a good meal and some rest—especially Michael.” She led the girls toward the house, leaving Michael to follow with her parents. “You’ll have to lend her some clothes. We forgot our suitcases in Molly’s car.”

“Your suitcases arrived a few hours ago,” Mary, Sabrina’s mother, announced. “Molly’s parents dropped them off.”

“Yay!” Emma squealed.

“Please, come sit. We kept supper warm for you,” Mary said, hurrying to the kitchen.

“Thank you, Mary. We don’t want to impose—” Michael began.

“Nonsense,” Paul cut in. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. There’s plenty of room in the house.”

Michael followed Sabrina’s parents through an open kitchen with a breakfast counter, and into a spacious dining room with a beautiful fireplace. Sabrina excused herself to wash up and change.

Dinner was lively, with Michael, Emma, and Sabrina recounting their adventures to the family. They all laughed when Michael described how they’d fallen into a puddle of rainwater.

“It looked like something straight out of a Three Stooges skit,” he said, and laughter erupted around the table.

Then Sabrina winked at Emma and asked, “Maggie, did you finish the last Werewolf Vigilante book?”

Emma quickly covered her mouth to hide a grin.

“Yes, I did! Claws of Justice is awesome!” Maggie exclaimed.

“Here we go,” Mary muttered, rolling her eyes.

“The way Angel brought justice for those poor girls was so amazing. He’s sweet and dark and funny and sexy—you just have to love him. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!” Maggie waved her arms dramatically, clawing the air like her favorite character.

“Angel is the main character—the werewolf vigilante,” Mary explained to Michael with a knowing smile.

“He knows, Mother,” Sabrina said with a laugh. Then she turned to her sister. “Go get the book, Maggie.”

Maggie ran to her room and returned in record time, book in hand. She looked expectantly at Sabrina.

“Check the back cover, Sis.”

Maggie flipped it over and studied the black-and-white author photo. The shadows obscured half the face.

“I’m looking at Mr. Moon’s picture. Now what?” she asked, frowning.

Sabrina took the book and held it up next to Michael’s face. “See any resemblance?”

Maggie stared. Her eyes widened.

“You ... are ... H.W.L. MOON!” she shrieked.

“You’re busted, Uncle,” Emma giggled.

Michael cringed at the outburst. “Uh ... yes. I guess I am. Ta-da?” He shot a mock glare at Sabrina and shook his head.

“OH MY GOD! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! I’M HAVING DINNER WITH H.W.L. MOON!” Maggie looked like she might explode. “I loved Born to Claw one and two. They’re amazing! YOU are amazing!”

Maggie was beside herself while Michael sat there, visibly uncomfortable.

“Manners, Maggie,” Mary chided gently. “No shouting. I don’t think Mr. Moon appreciates being screamed at.”