Chapter 23: Have a Good Look

It took another minute or two after Betsy’s father had spoken for anyone to respond. They were all just so stunned at what they found themselves looking at. Betsy’s mother and father were standing in front of the whole Hayward family, and Kaden their guest, and they were just as naked as he was. The shock of this unprecedented surprise had brought everyone to their feet with Kaden finally breaking the ice by stepping forward to shake Mr Linstock’s hand and introduce himself.

“Hello there” he began then, “I’m Kaden Stoke and I have been a guest in this home since Friday night and it is very nice to meet you both.”

Mr Linstock shook Kaden’s hand then whispered just loud enough for everyone to hear, “What do you reckon would happen if we threw ice water over this lot. Do you reckon that would bring them all back to life?”

Kaden then was given a quick hug by Mrs Linstock who said up close to his ear, “We knew they had a guest for the weekend. My know-all sister found out and told me. Didn’t reckon on that guest being a Nudie though ... and a darn tootin’ good lookin’ one at that.”

Mrs Linstock then turned to her granddaughter and said with a real twinkle in her eye, “Now you make sure this here fella don’t get away. He looks like a goodin’ to me and I got a nose for these things and I ain’t been wrong yet. OK, Leanne, sweetheart! You hold on tight to that there fella. Feed him up good and proper so he don’t go runnin’ off. A fine looking young man you got there, girl ... a fine looking young man!”

Leanne’s Gran then gave Kaden a very gentle slap and squeeze on his left butt cheek and added, “Might run off with him myself if this here girl ain’t got the sense to hang on to him.”