She took a deep breath and exhaled. Tears filled her eyes.

“I like them. All of them, but Benny needs to come first.”

“And you don’t think the McCann men will put you and Benny first, and help to protect the two of you, to love you and provide for you?” Ray asked.

She opened her mouth to speak and no words came out.

“How about I call them and you invite them to come over? They’ll be disappointed if you cancel your date. Maybe having them here around the family will be a good thing,” Scout said and Ray smiled and pulled out his phone.

She reached out and covered his hand. “Wait, do you think that’s a good idea? Do you think they’ll be okay with that? I mean, they’re so quiet, private, and I’ve heard you say that they don’t really socialize. That you were surprised they took Ford up on the jobs running the new training center. Maybe it isn’t a good idea. Just contact them for me and let them know my aunt showed up. That’s probably better and—”

Ray placed his hand on her shoulder as he spoke into his cell phone.

“Hey, Tex, it’s Scout. I’ve got Evonna here. She needed to contact you about changing up the plans for tonight. Here you go,” Ray said and turned the cell phone toward her. She stared at it, at Ray, and then Scout.

“Ask them. They’re good men, and they will take their time to show you that.”

She swallowed hard and took the phone.

“Hello?”

“What’s going on? Is everything okay? Is Benny okay?” he asked and tears filled her eyes as her heart lifted with excitement and emotion at his concern.

“Great actually. My aunt Gay showed up from New York. She’s here at the house and everyone is over. I can’t make it to dinner.”

He was quiet a moment, then cleared his throat.

“Um, of course. Well, that’s good news and I’m sure you want to spend time with her and the family.”

“I wanted to spend time with you guys, too, and was looking forward to dinner.”

“It’s okay. Another time.”

Ray nodded toward her. “Ask him,” he whispered.

She heard her voice crack.

“Um, if you guys aren’t all busy tonight, if you wanted to, I mean, you don’t have to. If you feel uncomfortable I’ll understand. Um, would you all like to come over, too? We’re having a barbecue.”

“You want us there with you? To meet your aunt, and be with your family?”

“Is that too uncomfortable, too much?”

“No, baby. Anything you and Benny need or want, we’re there. What time?”

“Um, come whenever you’re ready. We’ll be here,” she said and Scout and Ray smiled as she ended the call and handed over the phone. She was shaking.

“Don’t look so scared. That was a good thing to do, and it will help you decide if you want the McCann men in your life and as your official guardians,” Scout said to her.

“They care about you and Benny. That is something special. Now come on, we’ve got some prep work to do in that kitchen,” Ray said and they both hugged her and kept her between them as they headed down the hallway and back to the kitchen.

“Is everything okay?” Aunt Gay asked her as she held Benny and rocked him in her arms. Evonna smiled and felt emotional seeing her aunt holding Benny as everyone gathered around the country kitchen and the porch area, all talking while the sounds of kids laughing and playing filled the air.

“I hope so,” Evonna said and looked at Aunt Ella.

“What do you mean you hope so?” she asked, eyes squinted. She glanced at Valentina, Ridge, and Sparrow. “I just invited the McCann men over to join us.”

Their excitement was obvious as Valentina clapped her hands and Ella smiled wide and then pulled Evonna into an embrace.

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