Sweet Southern Haven

You’re Safe

{Adeline’s POV}

I could see the ginger, red hair of Noelle. It was straight, and long, reaching down to her mid thighs. As Daphne opened the door, I finally got a good look at her. She was stunning, truly beautiful. Her eyes were pale green, almost a sage color, like Maria’s, and her skin was pale, but sprinkled with freckles. She was short, much shorter than I had expected, and she was curvy. I half expected her to either be really skinny like her mama, or chubby like her daddy. Here she was though, truly a perfect mix.

I walked over as she stepped inside pulling her into a gentle hug. “Oh, it’s so nice to meet you Noelle! I’m Adeline!” I smiled down at her. “You’ve met my daughter Daphne! This is my son Owen!” I said pointing to Owen, who now stood with a dumbstruck look on his face. I looked around, noticing that Silas was nowhere to be found, and along with him Emmaline was gone too. “My other son Silas, and his daughter Emmaline were here just a minute ago. They must have headed back home, but she did draw you a picture of her favorite dog.” I smiled, pointing back to the fridge.

“Oh, that’s so sweet..” she said softly, looking to the picture. She looked upset, but I wasn’t really sure why, I’m sure that Daphne would tell me later.

“Anyways, I made you some chicken casserole, and homemade mashed potatoes, along with a fresh pitcher of sweet tea.” I pointed into the kitchen. “Kids, why don’t y’all go on home and get started on your chores!” I smiled to my kids, and pointed towards the door.

Owen shuffled about, before walking over and taking Noelle’s hand in his. He shook it firmly and smirked down at her. “Nice to meet you Ma’am.” He said.

She smiled back, shaking his hand. “Nice to meet you too Owen, and it was so nice meeting you Daphne!” She smiled to my daughter.

“I’m sure I’ll see ya later!” Daphne smiled back before her and Owen turned, leaving out the front door, and getting into the truck. Soon it was pulling out of the driveway.

I shook my head, sighing softly. “I’m sorry if Daphne said anything, she’s really bad about putting her foot in her mouth!”

“No, she didn’t..” Noelle spoke softly. “I just.. I didn’t know that my father had passed, she just told me.” She rubbed the back of her neck, and looked around the house. Her eyes locking on the photo of her and Maria.

“Your daddy’s had that hanging up for years, always loved that picture. It was a shame when your mama left, we all loved her, she really was a sweetheart. How is she doing?” I asked, but I could see her eyes glued to the frame.

Tears began to spill from her eyes. “She.. um.. she died last year.. breast cancer.” She said softly.

I pulled my hands to my mouth, as a soft gasp came out. “I’m so sorry hun, I had no idea.”

She sniffed, wiping her eyes. “It’s alright, I’m okay. She passed peacefully in her sleep, and I got to be with her.” She nodded.

“Let me show you around hun, there are four bedrooms here, and two bathrooms. This is the living room, kitchen, and dining room area.” I said pointing to the open concept area. “Down the hall to the right is one bedroom, to the left another. The bathroom is at the end of the hallway.” I said, turning towards the staircase. “Upstairs is the master bedroom, master bathroom, and the other bedroom.” I kept on, giving her the full tour of the house. Showing her where everything was, making sure not to leave anything out. She put her things down on the master bedroom and followed me back to the kitchen. “Now, I don’t know exactly what’s going on, and I won’t ask you, if you want to tell me, then that’s up to you.” I smiled. “But, I’ve put my number on the fridge, and all of my kids cell phone numbers are here too. All three of my kiddos are going to check on you from time to time. My oldest son is going to be helping you out on the ranch, and showing you the ropes to owning and operating a ranch.” I pointed outside. “You’ve got three horses, ten cows, a bull, chickens, and sheep. My sons have been handling the animals for a while, they’re more than willing to help you, but if you’d like to you can also hire a ranch hand to help out.” I smiled. “Do you need anything else?” I asked her.

She shook her head, her eyes roaming over the big house. “Is there a security system?” She asked.

“No, but I can send Owen out to get the electrician in town to set you up with one. When you need groceries just write down what you need and give it to Daphne or Owen, they’re the ones that go to town most often. They’ll pick up anything you need.” I turned towards the door.

“T-Thank you..” she said softly, I turned back towards her, her eyes beginning to tear up again.

I walked over, engulfing her in another hug. “It’s alright honey, I don’t know what you’re running from, or what’s happened to you, but you’re safe here. We’ll protect you, so just try to relax, have a little fun!” I pulled back looking at her. “See that house over there?” I pointed up the hill towards my house. It wasn’t too far away, I could see the roof from here, and from my kitchen I could see the top of this house. She nodded, peering out the window. “That’s my house, if you’d need anything, I’m right there!”

She nodded again smiling softly up at me. “Thank you.” She said softly.

“No problem hun, now call or even walk up if you need anything. For now, just try to rest up, I’ll send out Owen to see about getting you a security system!” I turned and walked out the door, heading back up the hill towards my house. The kids were probably already outside working, but Owen wouldn’t complain about getting to go to town and skip out on his chores.