Page 37 of The Defiant Curse

“Mom, how about a nice bit of tea, and then we can eat dinner or would you prefer a tour?” he asked. “Because food can always wait.”

She stopped him.

“I’m actually starving and could eat a whole cow. That isn’t an exaggeration, either. I have a tapeworm. His name is Fred,” she joked.

Ivan had said that about her, and he’d even named it. For all she knew, it was true. She had the ability to go hours without food, or to take down a massive amount of it when need be. Fueling up was an Olympic sport for her.

“Well, Mom, sit at the island, and let me get you fixed up for some food. Michael likes a beef roast, so that’s what I’ve made. I hope that suits you.”

She smiled and sat at the island.

“As I was telling Michael, as long as I didn’t pet it prior, I’m good with it.”

Well, he felt the same.

“Make our mom some tea,” Graham directed his husband. “Then, we’ll eat. She looks a might bit chilly.”

Elizabeth looked around as Michael did just that. The place was so nice, and she could see Callen and Chris in it. Both had good taste.

“Is the place filthy with mice?” she asked, testing to see if the lights flickered. “Or ghosts?”

As she said it, nothing happened.

Elizabeth would be lying if she said she hadn’t been holding her breath the whole time.

Just.

In.

Case.

Graham laughed because he knew what she was doing.

“It’s been quiet here,” he said. “Nothing has been going bump in the night.”

Well, that was good.

Honestly, that was what she needed.

As Micael handed her some tea, she took it in her chilly hands.

“Well, thank God. I’m past one minor inconvenience putting me in the looney bin. This can’t be the asylum, or I’m breaking out of it.”

They knew she’d been through a lot.

As Graham carved up the roast, Michael threw some wood on the fire. The whole room was cozy, and they only hoped it would bring her peace.

“We can eat in here, or the dining room,” Graham offered, willing to let her choose.

Without hesitation, she patted the island.

“I’m a simple woman, Graham. I’ll eat in a closet. Mostly, that’s to hide from my kids as I try to eat the last piece of candy.”

She said it with emotion in her voice.

Graham caught it.

“You miss them, huh?” he asked, as he scooped mashed potatoes and vegetables onto a plate for Elizabeth.