Suzie heard Hunter's bike pull in next door around supper time and stupidly felt relieved. For some reason, having Hunter nearby made her feel safer, which made her kind of mad. What was she now, some weeping damsel in distress needing a man to save her? No, I'm a scared mother who's got no one else to turn to for help, and for once, it feels nice to know that someone else just might be looking out for me and the kids.
As she readied the kids for bed, she pasted on a smile for them. They'd already forgotten all about the afternoon's drama at the park and were chattering away. If only Suzie could forget as easily.