That was one of the things they needed to discuss, the time he spent at the diner. It was fine for now, but when the kids started coming things were going to have to change. With the way they'd been going at it like bunnies, it wouldn't be long before there was a little one on the way.
Another thing they needed to talk about were the living arrangements. While the apartment was nice and convenient to both of their places of employment, she wanted a house. She'd planned for half of her life to build her dream home and she wasn't giving up the dream now. She was sure Hugh wouldn't mind. Before her, he'd been living in an efficiency apartment. He said he didn't need more than a bed to sleep in since he spent most of his time at the diner. It was a wonder he didn't sleep in his office.
It was after three o'clock before she finished with the last store. She had the information Kiesha needed and she was ready to go home. It was a four-hour drive back to Refuge. She'd checked out of the hotel, was packed, and ready to go. A quick stop through the drive-thru to get something to eat and she'd be on her way. Next stop, Hugh and home.
Where was she? He'd been in this rinky-dink little town for two days now and hadn't seen a sign of her. She wasn't at her apartment, although he'd seen some guy coming and going from the place as though he lived there. Her truck was never home and never at the store where she worked. It wasn't like he could just walk into the store and ask for her, not after he'd gone through so much trouble to keep his presence here a secret.
He was reduced to driving by her place, and then only at night, hoping for a glimpse of her truck. He couldn't risk being seen driving around too much or people would get suspicious. There were no tourist for him to blend in with and as a result, he stuck out like a sore thumb.
He was beginning to realize taking Mary Elizabeth was going to be more difficult than he'd planned on. Susan didn't tell him that she lived in the center of town over a diner. The self-centered bitch probably didn't even know. After all, Mary Elizabeth wasn't her precious Babs. If Mary Elizabeth wouldn't come willingly, then it was going to be tricky getting her out of there. The only good thing about her location was that the entrance to her apartment was at the rear of the building. Since he'd been checking, only one other vehicle had parked back there, a massive Hummer that must belong to the guy who owned the diner.
Taking a big risk, he went into the diner the third night he was there. If asked, he'd pretend to be lost and in need of direction. He sat down at the counter with some of the other men and picked up the menu. Fortunately, he'd bought clothes that were not his usual style of dress. With the jeans and flannel button down shirt he purchased at one of the local thrift stores, he blended right in.
An hour and a half later, he was back out on the street and in possession of some much needed information. It seemed Mary Elizabeth was out of town on a business trip. No one knew for sure when she'd return, but it wasn't expected to be longer than a week. She and the big guy who owned the diner were going at it hot and heavy, but it seemed that Mary Elizabeth was trying to put an end to things. She must have come to her senses. She hadn't even told the big guy she was leaving. Just took off. His time spent in the diner was well worth the risk.
He pulled away from the building and then found an out of the way place to park. Thankful he was dressed in dark colors, he walked back to the diner, sticking to the alleys and back streets. Once there, he found a place to sit and watch. He was so focused that he never even noticed the cold. He watched, waited, and planned. He had the next few days to learn everyone's schedule and determine the best way to successfully complete his plan.
Mary Elizabeth phoned Kiesha. “I'm done and on my way home."
"That's great. Have you told Hugh?” This was news he would definitely want to know. He had been calling every day to check up on her progress.
"No, I want to surprise him. We have a lot to discuss and I'd rather not get into it over the phone."
"I understand. To be honest with you, I surprised you managed to stay away from him this long.” Kiesha paced while she talked.
"I was ready to come home two days ago. I just wanted to make sure I had all the information we needed while I was out. Once I finally get home, I won't be leaving again anytime soon."
"As if Hugh would let you,” she chuckled. “Well, I know business-wise the trip was a success from talking to you during your daily check-ins. What about emotionally? Are you okay with everything that's happened now?"
"It scares me how much I missed him while I've been gone. He's such a big part of my life and I didn't even realize it. Yes, I'm okay with being mated to him, because I have to be okay with it. The alternative is living without him and that's no longer an option for me."
Kiesha sighed, understanding totally where she was coming from. “It's a little scary at times, how intense everything is, but you won't regret it. I was scared to let go with Alex, to trust in my feelings for him but I'm glad I took a chance on a future with him. Things have only gotten better as time goes by. When will you be home?"
"Probably in another two hours, if I don't get lost. I'm following the directions they gave me at the hotel. Barring any unforeseen complications, I should definitely be home in time for dinner."
"Well, I for one am glad you're on your way home. I missed you, and that big lug of yours misses you, too. Call me when you get in, that is if Hugh lets you out of bed long enough to get to a phone. He's going to be one happy man.” Kiesha could feel her mouth stretching in a grin too large to contain. Mary Elizabeth was coming home and everything was all right.
"Remember, don't tell him I'm on the way home."
"I won't. Be careful and drive safely."
"I will. Bye."
Alex walked up behind his mate. “Was that Mary Elizabeth?"
Kiesha turned to him and leaned back against the counter where she'd been standing, happy with the world. “Yes, she's on her way home. Everything's going to be okay. She's had time to adjust to the idea of being Hugh's mate and she's fine with it. I would call Hugh and tell him but I promised not to. She wants to surprise him."
Alex kissed her lightly on the mouth and then went to the fridge to get the things he needed for their dinner tonight. “Good. I'm glad things worked out. You look a little tired. Why don't you go relax in the tub while I get started on dinner?"
Her eyes lit up, as he'd known they would. She loved their tub. “Are you sure you don't want me to help with dinner?"
"I'm sure. You go ahead and relax. I'll call you when dinner's ready.” He waited until she was in the bathroom with the water running to pick up the phone. He called the diner and asked to speak to Hugh. When Hugh came to the phone, he said briefly, “Your mate's on her way home. She just spoke to Kiesha. She should be there in about two hours."
"Thanks Alex for the heads-up. I owe you one,” he said and then hung up the phone. Alex disconnected the call on his end as well. Hugh didn't owe him anything. They were men and men had to stick together or get taken over by the women in their lives.
Hugh made a few phone calls and called in some workers to replace him. Then he adjusted the schedule to allow him to be free for the next few days. Once his workers arrived, he left and went back to his place. He'd run out of clothes at Mary Elizabeth's and needed to change. He was also packing the rest of his things. Now that she knew the truth, there was no need to be cautious and play it safe. They were living together and she'd just have to adjust to the reality of it. They were going to have a long talk when she got home, once he got rid of a little of his pent up frustration, that is.