Page 178 of Rescuing You

“Not bad. I didn’t mean… Just, you know…”

Jasmine giggled. “You are very easy to…” She looked at her sister. “What is the word? To believe my jokes.”

“Tease?”

She nodded. “Yes, you are easy to tease.”

“One of you was bad enough.” He shook his head in mock seriousness. “Not sure I can handle two.”

“You definitely cannot,” Leila said.

“I love your confidence. You’ll need that to meet my family.”

Her face must’ve shown her worry because he kissed her forehead. “You’re also pretty easy to tease.”

The drive was too short. Not even ten minutes after they climbed into Michael’s car, he parked in the driveway in front of a…mansion. “Your brother lives here?”

“Yeah.” Michael gazed through the window. “He does okay.”

Okay? Better than that, she thought. She realized he was using sarcasm or perhaps understatement. These things were clear to her in Arabic and in German, but though she spoke good English, she didn’t always pick up on tones yet.

He came around and opened the back door to let Jasmine out, then opened hers.

She wasn’t used to men opening the door for her, but he’d insisted she allow it, especially when his mother might be watching.

She’d barely stepped onto the driveway when the front door opened.

Panic had her adrenaline spiking as Roger, Michael’s father, stepped outside and down the steps. Michael gave him a quick hug, and then the older man turned to them. He wasn’t quite as tall as his son but seemed as strong and stable. He addressed Leila. “Thought I’d come out and greet you before the crowd.” He waved toward the front door, and she glanced that way.

Maybe he saw her fear because he smiled, the expression crinkling the skin at the corners of his eyes. “Don’t worry. They can’t wait to meet you.” He turned to Jasmine. “How are you feeling?”

“I am better, thank you. And for what you said. I have decided to believe you’re right.” Again, that protective hand skimmed over her middle.

“About what?” Leila asked.

“He told me that this is not Khalid’s baby, and it’s not my baby. It is God’s baby, and to carry a child of God is always a privilege.”

Leila hugged her sister to her side. “I think Dr. Wright is very wise.”

“Call me Roger.” He repeated what he’d said when they’d last met him. Now, he stood to the side and gestured toward the front door. “Come on in. Time to face the firing squad.”

She’d started to follow but froze.

“Dad,” Michael said, “that’s not helpful.”

The man chuckled. “The most dangerous thing inside that house is caramel brownies.”

She turned to Michael. “Brownies are dangerous?”

“Only to your waistline.” He looked her up and down. “I think you’ll be okay.” He took her hand. “Let’s do this.”

Ready or not, it was time to face the firing squad…and the brownies. She prayed for courage.

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

Why was Michael nervous?

Leila’s fears had infected him. Now that she’d planted the idea, Michael couldn’t help worrying about what he’d do if they didn’t like her.